Overcutting Undercutting
Undercutting involves cutting on the under- side of the log 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- sion side of the log. The compression side of the log is where the pressure of the log’s weight is concentrated.
First cut on compression side of log
Second cut
Second cut
First cut on compression side of log
BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT
SOvercut through 1/3 of the diameter of the log.
SRoll the log over and finish with a second
overcut.
SWatch for logs with a compression side to prevent the saw from pinching. See il- lustrations for cutting logs with a compres- sion side.
BUCKING USING A LOG OR SUPPORT STAND
SRemember your first cut is always on the compression side of the log. (Refer to the illustrations below for your first and second
cut)
S Your first cut should extend 1/3 of the diameter of the log.
SFinish with your second cut.
Using a log for support
2nd Cut
1st Cut
1st Cut
2nd Cut
Using a support stand
2nd Cut
1st Cut
1st Cut
2nd Cut
LIMBING AND PRUNING
WARNING: Be alert for and guard against kickback. Do not allow the moving chain to contact any other branches or ob- jects at the nose of the guide bar when limb- ing or pruning. Allowing such contact can re- sult in serious injury.
WARNING: Never climb into a tree to limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, platforms, a log, or in any position which can cause you to lose your balance or control of the saw.
IMPORTANT POINTS
S Work slowly, keeping both hands firmly gripped on the saw. Maintain secure foot- ing and balance.
SWatch out for springpoles. Use extreme caution when cutting small size limbs. Slender material may catch the saw chain
and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
S Be alert for springback. Watch out for branches that are bent or under pressure. Avoid being struck by the branch or the saw when the tension in the wood fibers is released.
SKeep a clear work area. Frequently clear branches out of the way to avoid tripping over them.
LIMBING
SAlways limb a tree after it is cut down. Only
then can limbing be done safely and prop- erly.
S Leave the larger limbs underneath the felled tree to support the tree as you work.
SStart at the base of the felled tree and work toward the top, cutting branches and limbs. Remove small limbs with one cut.
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