Felling back cut
Make the felling back cut at least 2 inches (50.8 mm) higher than the horizontal notching cut as shown in Fig. B. Keep the felling back cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut. Make the felling back cut so enough wood is teft to act as a hinge. The hinge wood keeps the tree from twisting and falling in the wrong direction. Do not cut through the hinge.
As the felling cut gets close to the hinge the tree should begin to fall. If there is any chance that the tree may not fall in the desired direction or it may rock back and bind the saw chain, stop cutting before the felling back cut is complete and use wedges of wood, plastic or aluminum 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 the chain saw down, then use the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs falling and watch your footing.
Limbing a tree
Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree. When limbing, leave larger lower limbs to support the log off the ground. Remove the small limbs in one cut as shown in Fig. C. Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding the chain saw.
Bucking a log
Bucking is cutting a log into lengths. It is important to make sure your footing is firm and your weight is evenly distributed on both feet. When possible, the log shoutd be raised and supported by the use of limbs, logs or chocks. Follow the sim- ple directions for easy cutting.
When the log is supported along its entire Iength as shown in Fig. D, it is cut from the top (overbuck).
When the log is supported on one end, as shown in Fig. E, cut 1/3 the diameter from the underside (underbuck ). Then make the finished cut by overbucking to meet the first cut.
When the log is supported on both ends, as shown in Fig. F, cut 1/3 of that diameter from the top overbuck. Then make the finished cut by underbucking the lower 2/3 to meet the first cut.
When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill side of the log, as shown in Fig. G. When "cutting through", to maintain complete control, release the cutting pressure near the end of the cut without relaxing your grip on the chain saw handles. Don't let the chain contact the ground. After completing the cut, wait for the saw chain to stop before you move the chain saw. Always stop the motor before moving from tree to tree.
Carrying tool
Carry the tool by the front handle with the tool turned off, finger off the switch. Use the chain protection cover to cover the guide bar and the saw chain.
LIMB CUT |
Keep work off ground |
Leave support limbs until log is cut |
C |
Cut from top (overbuck)
avoid cutting earth
D
2nd cut overbuck (2/3 diameter) to meet 1st cut (to avoid pinching)
Tension side
Pressure side
1st cut underbuck (1/3 diameter) to avoid splintering
E
1st cut overbuck (1/3 diameter) to avoid splintering
Pressure side
Tension side
2nd cut underbuck (2/3 diameter) to meet 1st cut (to avoid pinching)
F
Stand on uphill side when cutting
because log may roll.
G
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