SBe alert to signs that the tree is ready to fall: cracking sounds, widening of the
felling cut, or movement in the upper branches.
S As tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it down, and get away quickly on your planned retreat path.
SBe extremely cautious with partially fall- en trees that may be poorly supported. When a tree doesn’t fall completely, set the saw aside and pull down the tree with a cable winch, block and tackle, or tractor. To avoid injury, do not cut down a partially fallen tree with your saw.
CUTTING A FALLEN TREE
(BUCKING)
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fall- en tree to the desired log size. WARNING: Do not stand on the log be- ing cut. Any portion can roll causing loss of footing and control. Do not stand downhill of the log being cut.
IMPORTANT POINTS
S Cut only one log at a time.
S Cut shattered wood very carefully; sharp pieces of wood could be flung to- ward operator.
S Use 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.
S Do not cut in an area where logs, limbs, and roots are tangled such as in a blown down area. Drag the logs into a clear area before cutting by pulling out exposed and cleared logs first.
S Make the first bucking cut 1/3 of the way through the log and finish with a 2/3 cut on the opposite side. As the log is being cut, it will tend to bend. The saw can be- come pinched or hung in the log if you make the first cut deeper than 1/3 of the diameter of the log.
S Give special attention to logs under strain to prevent the saw from pinching. Make the first cut on the pressure side to relieve the stress on the log.
TYPES OF CUTTING USED FOR BUCKING
WARNING: If saw becomes pinched or hung in a log, don’t try to force 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 saw and carefully reenter the cut. To avoid kickback and chain damage, do not use a metal wedge. Do not attempt to re- start your saw when it is pinched or hung in a log.
Overcutting begins on the top side of the log with the bottom of the saw against the log. When overcutting use light downward pressure.
Undercutting involves cutting on the un- derside of the log with top of saw against the log. When undercutting use light upward pressure. Hold saw firmly and maintain control. The saw will tend to push back to- ward you.
Overcutting Undercutting
WARNING: Never turn saw upside down to undercut. The saw cannot be con- trolled in this position.
BUCKING WITHOUT A
SUPPORT
SOvercut through 1/3 of the diameter of the log.
Roll the log over and finish with a sec- ond overcut.
Watch for logs with a pressure side. SeeSS
illustration for cutting logs with a pres- sure side.
First cut on pressure side of log
Second cut
Second cut
First cut on pressure side of log |
BUCKING USING A LOG OR SUP- PORT STAND
SRemember your first cut is always on the pressure side of the log.
(Refer to the illustration below for your first and second cut)
S Your first cut should extend 1/3 of the diameter of the log.
S Finish with your second cut.
Using a log for support
1st Cut
Using a log for support
1st Cut
2nd Cut
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