A wedge is almost as essential to tree felling and bucking as a chainsaw. When properly placed, wedges help keep the tree from pinching your chainsaw bar, and helps the tree to fall in the direction of the notch cut. Wedges also help to protect you and your equipment.
Full Answer
What is a wedge used for on a chainsaw?
A wedge is almost as essential to tree felling and bucking as a chainsaw. When properly placed, wedges help keep the tree from pinching your chainsaw bar, and helps the tree to fall in the direction of the notch cut. Wedges also help to protect you and your equipment.
What is a chainsaw used for?
A chainsaw (or chain saw) is a portable gasoline, electric, or battery powered saw which cuts with a set of teeth attached to a rotating chain driven along a guide bar. It is used in activities such as tree felling , limbing , bucking , pruning , cutting firebreaks in wildland fire suppression and harvesting of firewood .
How to use a chainsaw to cut wood?
Here’s how to accomplish that task: 1 Start cutting from the top of the log, applying light pressure to the chainsaw. 2 The chainsaw should do the work, and the teeth should pull the chain bar into the wood. 3 Don’t let the guide bar nose or chain touch the ground or other objects. This could cause a kickback or dull the chain.
What is the purpose of a wedge in a tree?
Alternatively, it is used for changing the direction of a falling tree when being harvested. For this application, the wedge acts as the fulcrum that lifts the tree’s centre past its pivot point for it to fall into the opposite direction of lean. 1.
Is chainsaw a wedge?
Chainsaw wedges are of two main types depending on their use. Felling wedges are dedicated to tree 'felling'. These wedges have wrinkles on both sides to enhance their grip on the wood. Bucking wedges are used while slicing a log to protect the guide bar from pinching.
How do you use a chainsaw wedge?
0:172:01Felling Wedge for Log Cutting with a Chainsaw - Firewood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHas pressure on two outer. Points the pressure goes in and your chainsaw can get bound I'm sure mostMoreHas pressure on two outer. Points the pressure goes in and your chainsaw can get bound I'm sure most of you have bound up your chainsaw. But for a simple fire six dollars you buy a wedge.
How do you not wedge a chainsaw?
Avoid standing directly behind the chainsaw to avoid injury from kickback. To prevent the trunk from splitting it is advised to make a cut a third of the trunk's diameter. This cut should be made on the side of the trunk that is going to be exposed to the most compression.
What is a tree felling wedge?
A wedge is almost as essential to tree felling and bucking as a chainsaw. When properly placed, wedges help keep the tree from pinching your chainsaw bar, and helps the tree to fall in the direction of the notch cut. Wedges also help to protect you and your equipment.
What is a tree wedge used for?
Wedges are designed to do two things: (1) keep your bar and chain from getting pinched when making the back cut (or felling cut); and (2), tip the tree over in the direction you want it to fall. When felling a back-leaning tree, think of your wedge as a lever.
How far can you wedge a tree?
Identifying the Appropriate Felling Direction » WedgesTrees Averaging 70' Tall14"45"or16"39"or18"35"or20"20"or14 more rows
How do you cut down a Widowmaker?
0:234:16Dangerous tree cutting. The ultimate WIDOW-maker. FarmCraft101YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCompanies they're made for throwing the line up in limbs high in trees. Often takes a few throws.MoreCompanies they're made for throwing the line up in limbs high in trees. Often takes a few throws. Here my first try I get a little too many limbs in there. So pull that back down. Give it another go.
How do you cut down a tree without a pinching chainsaw?
You can prevent your chainsaw from pinching by using a powerful, professional chainsaw designed for forest work....And the blade is buried deep into the tree, you can try to push or pull the tree in the opposite direction. ... You can attempt to fit a wedge into the cut.More items...
How do you buck a tree with a chainsaw?
3:035:27Chapter 11: Limbing and Bucking a Tree - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA technique you can use from cutting limbs is to first make a bottom cut partially through the limb.MoreA technique you can use from cutting limbs is to first make a bottom cut partially through the limb. Then make the top cut to release the limb. If the limb is under pressure and wants to move upwards.
How do you cut a tree with a wedge?
1:415:41Felling Wedge Practice (Not a Tutorial) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUp doing and now we're going to go ahead and uh cut a little bit more and then we'll put our wedgeMoreUp doing and now we're going to go ahead and uh cut a little bit more and then we'll put our wedge in. And i want to say again that this should not be considered a tutorial.
How do you fell a leaning tree with a chainsaw?
How Do You Fell a Leaning Tree With a Chainsaw?Cut off large branches, to reduce weight and leverage.Make a notch on the tree, in the direction you want it to fall.Begin a felling cut from the opposite side of the tree.Drive wedges into the felling cut. ... Complete your felling cut.
How do you use a wood wedge?
1:354:36Splitting Wood Using Sledge & Wedge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother thing you you want to make sure to do you want to put a wedge on the outside edge you don'tMoreAnother thing you you want to make sure to do you want to put a wedge on the outside edge you don't want to start splitting right down the middle. That's your oldest part of your tree.
How do you use a wood wedge?
1:354:36Splitting Wood Using Sledge & Wedge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother thing you you want to make sure to do you want to put a wedge on the outside edge you don'tMoreAnother thing you you want to make sure to do you want to put a wedge on the outside edge you don't want to start splitting right down the middle. That's your oldest part of your tree.
How do you wedge a tree down?
0:2022:58No Nonsense Guide to Tree Felling. How to cut down a tree ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSystem the wedge is key into getting this right you have to take your time you have to get the wedgeMoreSystem the wedge is key into getting this right you have to take your time you have to get the wedge right the first cut of the wedge is you want a flat cut. And you want it horizontal.
Do split wedges work?
If you're looking to split logs or big rounds of wood, splitting wedges are just as important as a good axe or maul. They make the splitting process easier and safer, and allow you to do more with what you have – namely, your own physical strength and your main splitting tool (an axe, maul, or even sledgehammer).
How do you wedge a small tree?
4:316:22How to wedge a small tree. Method # 3 ( for more advanced saw users)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo put the back cut in first put in our two wedges. Left a nice fat hinge. And normally that hingeMoreSo put the back cut in first put in our two wedges. Left a nice fat hinge. And normally that hinge would have been really hard to wedge.
What is a chain saw?
A chainsaw (or chain saw) is a portable gasoline-, electric-, or battery-powered saw that cuts with a set of teeth attached to a rotating chain driven along a guide bar. It is used in activities such as tree felling, limbing, bucking, pruning, cutting firebreaks in wildland fire suppression, and harvesting of firewood.
What is a chainsaw engine?
Chainsaw engines are traditionally either a two-stroke gasoline (petrol) internal combustion engine (usually with a cylinder volume of 30 to 120 cm 3) or an electric motor driven by a battery or electric power cord. In a petrol chainsaw, fuel is generally supplied to the engine by a carburetor at the intake.
What was the first chainsaw company in North America?
World War II interrupted the supply of German chain saws to North America, so new manufacturers sprang up, including Industrial Engineering Ltd (IEL) in 1939, the forerunner of Pioneer Saws Ltd and part of Outboard Marine Corporation, the oldest manufacturer of chainsaws in North America.
How does a chainsaw carburetor work?
To allow use in any orientation, modern gas chainsaws use a diaphragm carburetor, which draws fuel from the tank using the alternating pressure differential within the crankcase. Early engines used carburetors with gravity fed float chambers, which caused the engine to stall when tilted ( two-man saw from Dolmar, Germany from 1930 to 1937 ). The carburetor may need to be adjusted to maintain an appropriate idle speed and air-fuel ratio, such as when moving to a higher/lower altitude or as the air filter clogs. Carburetors are adjusted either by the operator or, in some saws, automatically by an electronic control unit .
What are the risks of chainsaws?
The risks associated with chainsaw use mean that protective clothing such as chainsaw boots, chaps, and hearing protectors are normally worn while operating them, and many jurisdictions require that operators be certified or licensed to work with chainsaws. Injury can also result if the chain breaks during operation due to poor maintenance or attempting to cut inappropriate materials.
What is a clutch and sprocket?
Typically, a centrifugal c lutch and sprocket are used. The centrifugal clutch expands with increasing speed, engaging a drum. On this drum sits either a fixed sprocket or an exchangeable one. The clutch has three jobs: When the engine runs idle (typically 2500-2700 rpm) the chain does not move. When the clutch is engaged and the chain stops in the wood for another reason, it protects the engine. Most importantly, it protects the operator in case of a kickback. Here, the chain brake stops the drum, and the clutch releases immediately.
What is the underside of a chainsaw?
The underside of each link features a small, metal finger called a "drive link", which locates the chain on the bar, helps to carry lubricating oil around the bar, and engages with the engine's drive sprocket inside the body of the saw. The engine drives the chain around the track by a centrifugal clutch, engaging the chain as engine speed increases under power, but allowing it to stop as the engine speed slows to idle speed.
Why do you need a wedge for a chainsaw?
A wedge is almost as essential to tree felling and bucking as a chainsaw. When properly placed, wedges help keep the tree from pinching your chainsaw bar, and helps the tree to fall in the direction of the notch cut. Wedges also help to protect you and your equipment. With proper placement, wedges help keep the tree from falling backward ...
Do Stihl wedges break?
Stihl wedges are strong. They don't break, even in the cold. Just as importantly, they will not damage your chain when you inevitably cut into one.
Why do you need a wedge on a chainsaw?
A wedge is almost as essential to tree felling and bucking as a chainsaw. When properly placed, wedges help keep the tree from pinching your chainsaw bar, and helps the tree to fall in the direction of the notch cut. With proper placement, wedges help keep the tree from falling backward or pinching your chainsaw bar.
What are Stihl gloves made of?
When professional competitors take on other leaders in the field, they use STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Series Gloves. Made from premium goat-skin leather , these gloves provide exceptional comfort. Their sport-styled design enhances work control while an adjustable wrist closure provides a secure fit.
What is a Stihl Pro Mark?
The STIHL Pro Mark™ Protective Apparel is best paired with Professional STIHL units. This line of personal protective apparel is designed for professional users, helping protect against injuries they may face during frequent use.
Do wedges work on saws?
The wedges are inexpensive and work great! I’ve never split one or had one shatter while using it. They seem safe and easy on the Saw when they do meet in the tree.
Can you keep a Stihl chainsaw pole pruner?
With our newly designed STIHL scabbards, you can keep your STIHL chainsaw and pole pruner better protected during transport and storage. Each scabbard is uniquely designed to fit a specific guide bar length, offering 100% coverage. And while we were at it, we made them even easier to install – giving the scabbards a funnel-shaped opening and improved clamping.
Why do you use cross cutting chainsaws?
And the cross cutting chainsaw technique will prevent your tool from getting bound (pinched) inside the wood.
How to cut a log with a chainsaw?
First, turn off the chainsaw. Next, drive a wedge (plastic or wooden) into the cut with a hammer. Finally , as the wood releases the chainsaw, pull it out of the log. Once the chainsaw is free, you can then start it again and finish the cut with the same downward motion you used before.
How to cut a log on the ground?
When a log is on the ground, you can use the overbucking technique to cut it. Here’s how to accomplish that task: Start cutting from the top of the log, applying light pressure to the chainsaw. The chainsaw should do the work, and the teeth should pull the chain bar into the wood.
What is the best way to cut wood with a chainsaw?
Proper Chainsaw Techniques. 1. Overbucking (Overcutting Chainsaw Technique) Overbucking, also referred to as overcutting, is the most used technique for cutting wood. It’s the act of cutting down through the top of a log or branch that’s sitting horizontally. 2.
How to stop a chainsaw from getting stuck?
It’s often best to use the undercutting chainsaw technique to reduce the chances of the chainsaw getting pinched or stuck during a cut. Keep in mind that you might have to move out of the way quickly if the tree gets loose, so be prepared to jump. 4. Pruning Trees Technique.
What is the process of using a chainsaw to remove limbs from a tree that has fallen over?
Limbing Trees Technique. Limbing is the process of using a chainsaw to remove limbs from a tree that has fallen over or is lying on the ground. You want to exercise caution when limbing trees to reduce the risk of injury. Here are the steps to accomplish this task:
How to cut down a tree that is not supporting the logs?
Cut the smaller limbs on the underside of the tree that aren’t supporting the log’s weight. Inspect the other limbs and determine which way the log will roll or collapse when these are removed. Once you have determined which way the tree might roll, you can then start cutting the limbs that are supporting the tree.
What kind of chainsaw do I need for milling?
Chainsaw milling is best done with a powerful chainsaw. In fact, I recommend you get the biggest chainsaw you can afford. As a rule of thumb, prefer a saw with a 90cc or bigger engine.
Why does chainsaw milling take so much space?
The reason is that chainsaw milling attachments take space and reduce the effective cutting length of the bar.
What is a ripping chain?
Ripping chain. Using a ripping chain instead of the regular (cross-cutting) chain is recommended in chainsaw milling. A ripping chain has a lower 5…10 degree sharpening angle (regular chains have 25…35 deg.). It may also have skip sequences (i.e. fewer teeth) or narrower scoring cutters.
What ratio of fuel to oil for chainsaw?
Consider using a thicker 40:1 or 32:1 fuel–oil mix ratio in chainsaw milling instead of the standard 50:1.
What causes a saw to vibrate?
The saw engine will cause the whole milling attachment to vibrate for the entire milling duration. The vibration may undo loose connections which may change the chain tension, cutting depth setting or even cause the saw to slip from the mill.
What is the best wind for milling?
Mill downwind. Milling is best with the wind on your back. This is not to help you push – rather, the reason is that a “tailwind” will carry the saw exhaust fumes away from the mill operator. A left-hand wind is also fine, but right-hand wind, head wind or no wind are the worst.
Can you use a respirator on a chainsaw?
Unless wind conditions are very favorable, you will be subjected to saw dust for a long time when you operate a chainsaw mill. Even a simple respirator mask will cut the exposure to a minimum.
How to prevent chainsaw from pinching?
In light of this, here are a few methods that will help you prevent a pinched chainsaw. Cut one side at a time: This is one of the easiest and simplest ways you can employ to avoid pinching. Here, if your log is on a ground which looks like it might pinch, all you need to do is cut one side at a time.
Why do you need chainsaw gloves?
The reason for this is mainly the protection of your hands against the many unpredictable incidents that may occur . For example, if you should lose your balance or you get a chainsaw kickback, putting on a pair of chainsaw gloves makes all the difference. Especially, since there is usually Kevlar, lined on the backs of most chainsaw gloves. Also, there’s the small matter of anti-vibration protection, which you’ll get when wearing a chainsaw glove, in order to reduce the strain you arm and hand will likely face.
Why does my chain saw kick back when cutting logs?
One of such problems, which is quite common is your chainsaw getting pinched in the log. This usually happens due to the terrain the tree is lying in, and it occurs when there’s an inward curve towards your cut.
What is a chainsaw helmet?
Chainsaw Helmet: Like normal helmets, chainsaw helmets are made equipped to provide protection for the head, in this case, from tree branches and other sought of accidents. However, chainsaw helmets are a bit different and unique than your normal helmets, in that they have added features to the helmet.
Where are the bucking spikes on a chainsaw?
The bucking spikes are the spikes placed right in front of the chainsaw, next to the chainsaw bar. Now, to utilize your chainsaw properly when bucking, you ought to lodge the bucking spikes into the log and allow the chain to pull its way through the log.
Where is the kickback zone on a chainsaw?
The first thing you should know is that every and each type of chainsaw has a kickback zone, usually on the upper-end tip of the chainsaw bar. Additionally, the next thing to understand is that when that kickback zone hits against a piece or chunk of log or anything else strong enough, the piece of log catches the chain and then tosses the entire chainsaw back towards the direction of the user.
Can you cut logs with a chainsaw?
However, being that cutting logs with a chainsaw is one of the skills a chainsaw user needs to learn first, as well as the task he or she is likely to face first, it stands to serve as the crux of this guide.
Why is safety gear important when chainsaw milling?
Safety gear is critical because there is an increased chance of injury when chainsaw milling, and I don’t just mean cutting your leg off. Running a saw at full throttle for 15 minutes produces a lot of dust, wood chips, and fumes. It is very easy to feel nauseated if not wearing a mask.
How long does it take to make a chainsaw cut?
You can mill with a smaller saw; however, it’s going to be really slow. On average, it takes me about 10-15 minutes to make one cut using my saw, based on the size logs that I typically cut. Expect that a smaller saw will cut slower.
How to cut logs without saw dragging?
A good solution is to prop one end of the log up on something. This will give you some extra space, but it will also position the log at a downward angle. Gravity will serve as your friend and make cutting a whole lot easier. I will do this when milling smaller, lighter logs.
What size bar do I use for oiling a saw?
If your saw can’t support oiling, then you risk overheating. To get around it, some millers will add an extra oil pump to their setup. I use a 36 inch bar on my saw. If you are just starting out in milling, know that the size of the bar will not be the size of the log that you can mill.
How does a saw bar work?
The bar is the part of the saw that sticks out and holds the chain. Each saw has a recommended maximum bar length so check your saw’s manufacturer for their guidelines. I’ve seen people exceed these recommendations so they aren’t a hard and fast rule. The length is often based on the amount of bar oil your saw can support. The saw lubricates the chain and bar so that they doesn’t overheat. The longer the bar, the more lubrication it will need. If your saw can’t support oiling, then you risk overheating. To get around it, some millers will add an extra oil pump to their setup.
Can you use a regular chain for milling?
It tends to give a smoother cut too. You can use a regular chain if you want, but ripping chain will save you a lot of time.
Overview
Working techniques
Chainsaw training is designed to provide working technical knowledge and skills to safely operate the equipment.
• Sizeup – This is scouting and planning safe cuts for the felling direction, danger zones, and retreat paths, before starting the saw. The tree's location relative to other objects, support, and tension determines a safe fall, splits off, or if the saw will jam. Several factors to consider are tre…
History
The origin of chain saws in surgery is debated. A "flexible saw", consisting of a fine serrated link chain held between two wooden handles, was pioneered in the late 18th century (c. 1783–1785) by two Scottish doctors, John Aitken and James Jeffray, for symphysiotomy and excision of diseased bone, respectively. It was illustrated in the second edition of Aitken's Principles of Midwifery, or Pue…
Construction
A chainsaw consists of several parts:
Chainsaw engines are traditionally either a two-stroke gasoline (petrol) internal combustion engine (usually with a cylinder volume of 30 to 120 cm ) or an electric motor driven by a battery or electric power cord. In a petrol chainsaw, fuel is generally supplied to the engine by a carburetor at the intake.
Maintenance
Two-stroke chainsaws require about 2–5% of oil in the fuel to lubricate the engine, while the motor in electrical chain-saws is normally lubricated for life. Most modern gasoline-operated saws today require a fuel mix of 2% (1:50). Gasoline that contains ethanol can result in problems for the equipment because ethanol dissolves plastic, rubber, and other material. This leads to pro…
Safety
Despite safety features and protective clothing, injuries can still arise from chainsaw use, from the large forces involved in the work, from the fast-moving, sharp chain, or the vibration and noise of the machinery.
A common accident arises from "kickback" when a chain tooth at the tip of the guide bar catches on wood without cutting through it. This throws the bar (wit…
As a sawmill
When fastened into a special guide frame, a chainsaw can be used as a portable sawmill to cut bulk wood into planks or boards. Such usage is called a chainsaw mill or Alaskan sawmill.
Cutting stone, concrete, and brick
Special chainsaws can cut concrete, brick, and natural stone. These use similar chains to ordinary chainsaws, but with cutting edges embedded with diamond grit. They may use gasoline or hydraulic power, and the chain is lubricated with water, because of high friction and to remove stone dust. The machine is used in construction, for example, in cutting deep, square holes in walls or floors, in sto…