Cutting a large log in half.

[dodge man]

I am not a big wood cutter, I would just guess a cord of split wood lasts me two to three years., but I am always trying to learn. I have an 18 bar on my saw and do not want to go bigger. So say you are cutting a larger log in half that is laying on the ground. So I will cut it into fire wood length pieces from each side most of the way through the log. The roll it over and start from the top and try and finish the cut.

About 75% of the time this works great, rest of the time I miss the cut from the other side by varying amounts and waste a lot of time trying to finish the cut. Is there some trick to get the cuts to line up other than just eyeballing it?

 

[Jchonline]

What’s the diameter on the log you are cutting? How are you splitting this?

The fist thing that comes to mind is something to mark. Such as a Mingo Marker. Google it.

 

[s219]

Maybe don't roll it over so far for your second set of cuts. Normally when I do this, I can look around the side of the log and see the "slot" from the first cut. Then I will either stick the nose of the bar into that slot and continue it -- so that the first cut serves as the template for the second -- or eyeball it with an easy visual. Always results in a clean or nearly clean cut.

 

[ericm979]

I miss the cut from the other side by varying amounts and waste a lot of time trying to finish the cut. Is there some trick to get the cuts to line up other than just eyeballing it?

I don't cut all the way through to avoid running the bar into the ground. Then I roll the log over so the uncut part is on top (roughly) and make the second cuts by sticking the bar into the first cut and cutting upwards. It makes the cuts line up neatly and also pinches the bar less often.

 

[dennis103]

look up timberjack. I just got one and love it

 

[Gator6x4]

Order a Wooden Handle Peavey from Northern Tools. Make the first cut with the saw, then roll the log with the peavey until you can stick the bar into the previous cut slot and continue cutting and rolling until the cut is complete. https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...MI2Lb904P16AIVGYnICh3RlgNhEAQYAyABEgJkpfD_BwE

 

[dodge man]

Some that I just cut up were about 30” in diameter. I did some noodling on some of the big pieces and had more problems when doing that. I have a hydraulic splitter but it is a horizontal unit only.

 

[Captain Dirty]

I don't cut all the way through to avoid running the bar into the ground. Then I roll the log over so the uncut part is on top (roughly) and make the second cuts by sticking the bar into the first cut and cutting upwards. It makes the cuts line up neatly and also pinches the bar less often.

Depends on the size of the log. If the log is small I often can put my left toe under it and lift enough to suspend the portion to be cut. (Obviously keep the foot well back from the cut.)
If the log can be easily handled I often put it atop other logs so the piece to be cut is suspended, or, if supported at both ends so that the tension side is at the bottom, there is an air gap beneath it and I cut upwards. In any event a downward cut goes into air or other wood, not the ground.
Larger logs I cut from one side and then roll with a cant hook or peavey, often rolling the subject log onto blocks made of other logs. Often I put the nose into the old kerf as described above.
With experience you will become adept as recognizing the forces in the logs as to when to pull the saw out before it binds and wether to cut up or down. Remember to quit while you are ahead. Fatigue induced lapses of judgment can be grave.

 

[Diggin It]

^^ Nuh Uh ... my feets don't go no where's near no logs that-a-way.

I'll use smaller pieces, 8-10" diameter or less, a couple of feet long as supports. Lay the bigger logs on them so that I can cut clean through. Even just using one will raise the end the target log off the ground enough to clear. Use the loader or other tools to reposition as necessary.

 

[oldballs]

I lift the log with the forks on my Kubota......works for me.

Cheers,
Mike