20
Using
Making the notching undercut
Make a notch of 1/3 of the
diameter of the tree. Cut perpen-
dicular to the direction of falls.
First, make the lower horizontal
notching cut. This will help to
avoid pinching either the saw
chain or the sword when the
second notching cut in being
made.
Making the dropping cut
Make the dropping cut at least 50
mm higher than the horizontal
notching cut.
Make the dropping cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut. Make the
dropping cut so enough wood is left to act as a hinge. The hinge wood
keeps the tree from falling in the wrong direction. Do not cut through the
hinge. As the dropping cut gets close to the hinge the tree should start
falling.
If there is any change in the desired falling direction or the tree may rock
back and jam the saw chain, stop cutting before the dropping cut is
complete and use wedges of wood, plastic or aluminium to open the cut
and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
When the tree begins to fall, remove the chain saw from the cut, stop the
motor, put down the chain saw and use the planned escape path to
retreat. Make sure not to stumble and be alert to overhead falling limbs.
