12

CUTTING A FALLEN TREE

(BUCKING)
Bucking is theterm used for cutting a fallen
tree to the desired log length.
WARNING: Donot stand on the l og
beingcut . Any portion can roll causing loss of
footing and control. Do not stand downhill of
the log being cut.
IMPORTANTPOINTS
SCut only one log at a time.
SCut shattered wood very carefully; sharp
piecesof wood could be flung toward oper-
ator.
SUse a sawhorse to cut small logs. Never
allow another person to hold the log while
cutting and never hold the log with your leg
or foot.
SDo not cut in an area where logs, limbs,
and roots are tangled. Drag the logs into a
cleararea before cutting by pulling out ex-
posed and cleared logs first.

TYPES OF CUTTING USED FOR

BUCKING

WARNING:If saw becomes pinched
or hung in a log, don’t try to f orce it out. You
can lose control of the saw resulting in injury
and/or damage to the saw. Stop the saw,
drive a wedge of plastic or wood into the cut
until the saw can be removed easily. Restart
the sawand c arefully reenter the cut. Do not
attempt tores tart yoursa wwhen it is pinched
or hung in a log.
Turn saw OFF and use a plastic or
wooden wedge to force cut open.
Use awedge to remove pinched saw
Overcutting begins on the top side of the log
with the saw against the log. When overcut-
ting use light downward pressure.
Overcutting Undercutting
Undercutting involves cutting on the under-
sideof the l og with top of saw against the log.
When undercutting use light upward pres-
sure. Hold saw firmly and maintain control.
The saw will tend to push back toward you.
WARNING: Never turn saw upside
down to undercut. The saw cannot be con-
trolled in this position.
Always make your first cut on the compres-
sions ide of the log. The compress ion side of
the log is where the pressure of the log’s
weight is concentrated.
Second cut
First cut on compression side of log
First cut on compression side of log
Second cut

BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT

SOvercut through 1/3 of the di ameter of log.
SRoll log over; finish with a second overcut.
SWatchfor saws with a compression side to
prevent the saw from pinching. See il-
lustrations for cutti ng logs with a compres-
sion side.

BUCKING USING A LOG OR SUP-

PORT STAND

SRemember your first cut is alway s on the
compression side of the log (refer to the il-
lustrations below for your first and second
cuts).
SYour first cut should extend 1/3 of the
diameter of the log.
SFinish with your second cut.
1st Cut
2ndCut
Usingalogforsupport
2ndCut
1st Cut
1st Cut
2nd Cut
Using a support stand