Do you use a cutting area for Bucked logs?

[studor]

I bring four foot lengths from the bush with the tractor and I have used a sawbuck to block for years (see link). If you look on here you will find photos of a jig that one of the members made for cutting smaller branches.
Yes the chaps will stop a chainsaw -- thats what they are for and I hope to never have to find out again
The swedish log holder is nice but expensive for frugal me

How to Build a Sawbuck for Cutting Firewood - wikiHow
For marking I have a couple of paint sticks and a tape measure -- never could get used to alll those fancy gadgets

 

[PapaPerk]

MarkV,

I won't flame ya!

I'm going to say that as I was reading the first response from kco, the Bailey's pictures al showed a guy with nice looking orange chaps on and I was thinking "Hey! Those would keep my pants cleaner" because after a tank of gas on my new Stihl, I've cut moire than I can fit in my pickup truck and I am FILTHY.

I did not know they existed, so I will check them out. BUt are they really god enough to save you from a saw? I am scared of that saw, and very careful EVERY time I run it. At a minimum I know I'm a total noob, and now I need to stay alive to make the tractor payments too!

So, yes I will look into them. I am also LOVING the advice from TBN (again). I LOVE this place! This is University of Tractorology and Ruralization here...



David

Don't be scared of the saw.... respect it. If you are scared you will get hurt.

Yes the chaps will stop the saw chain. They have kevlar fibers (i think) in them that clog the chain teeth.

 

[PapaPerk]

I bring four foot lengths from the bush with the tractor and I have used a sawbuck to block for years (see link). If you look on here you will find photos of a jig that one of the members made for cutting smaller branches.
Yes the chaps will stop a chainsaw -- thats what they are for and I hope to never have to find out again
The swedish log holder is nice but expensive for frugal me

How to Build a Sawbuck for Cutting Firewood - wikiHow
For marking I have a couple of paint sticks and a tape measure -- never could get used to alll those fancy gadgets

I here ya on the gadgets. I use a stick cut to 18" to mark my logs. Doesn't get much easier than that! Or cheap!

 

[cmyoung2]

I have to do things the hard way, no tractor, so it is cut 2/3 through or until it starts to pinch, cut however many lenghts I can roll with a canthook. I start with the little stuff, get the limbs out of the way and work to the stump.Seems to be less limbs kicking back that way. I use a husky 20" and just filed a line on the bar to measure, cheap and always there. Use the chaps!! they may be a little warm, but they do work. I like the ones that wrap around the calf, but the straight ones do ok. I also use a helment with face screen and ears. It has saved a headache several times, and I can still hear at the end of the day,

 

[kco]

Are you talking about the Mingo Marker?

Bailey's - The Mingo Marker Firewood Marker

Do you have one? How does it work? I was wonderin about that product. I have a heck of a time getting consistent length cuts.

Mine is a simpler holder that I bought at the local Home Hardware. Here is the link:

Home Hardware - MARKER, WAND HAND HELD SPOTTER 12"

I think they are about $30 in Canada.

I have a 32" piece of broom stick with a mark in the middle that I use to mark off 16" lengths with a quick squirt of the gun. The gun takes the standard contractor's upside down spray cans.

I also carry a lumber crayon and plastic holder in my toolbox in case I forget the spray can. But the crayon does not work well if the bark is damp.

 

[kco]

Don't be scared of the saw.... respect it. If you are scared you will get hurt.

Yes the chaps will stop the saw chain. They have kevlar fibers (i think) in them that clog the chain teeth.

Great advice, and don't lose concentration when you've finished a cut. The chain is still moving and it is no time to carelessly let the bar hang or turn with it.

Another tip is to run the chain speed up before it contacts the wood when starting a cut so it does not grab.

 

[kco]

MarkV,

I won't flame ya!

I'm going to say that as I was reading the first response from kco, the Bailey's pictures al showed a guy with nice looking orange chaps on and I was thinking "Hey! Those would keep my pants cleaner" because after a tank of gas on my new Stihl, I've cut moire than I can fit in my pickup truck and I am FILTHY.

I did not know they existed, so I will check them out. BUt are they really god enough to save you from a saw? I am scared of that saw, and very careful EVERY time I run it. At a minimum I know I'm a total noob, and now I need to stay alive to make the tractor payments too!

So, yes I will look into them. I am also LOVING the advice from TBN (again). I LOVE this place! This is University of Tractorology and Ruralization here...



David

I know what you mean by getting filthy. The bark seems to have lots of junk that is attracted to canvas or cotton pants. But it's great CLEAN dirt.

I don't want to stir controversy but, I have a set of kevlar pants and don't use them because they are hot and a bit cumbersome. I use them for a powerful brush saw that hurts like crazy if the blade hits the ground and sprays back rocks.

One good solution I have found are pants similar to these at Mark's Workwearhouse:

Mark's Work Wearhouse :: Clothes that don't compromise on performance or fashion.

But the ones I got (they aren't on the web catalogue) are the same as those shown but the extra front layer from the hip down is cordura, the same material used for backpacks. It's tough and the dirt seems to role off. At about $80 they are pricey though.

Another good option for cooler weather is overalls. Also good for keeping warm in the winter as they block the cold air from coming up your jacket.

 

[ayelvington]

I use either some small rollers or a log jack to keep the log off of the ground.

Winter cutting is easier since a thick layer of snow makes it easier to keep your bar out of the dirt.

Chaps are a mush-have. I was generally annoyed by mine until I snagged them one day and thought "That would have left a mark!"

Enjoy your time in the woods!

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Don't be scared of the saw.... respect it. If you are scared you will get hurt.

Yes the chaps will stop the saw chain. They have kevlar fibers (i think) in them that clog the chain teeth.

PapaPerk,

I'm not really scared. Well I was the first time...

I totally respect the saw and its lethality. I also respect how it goes through wood like a hot knife through butter...

I'm going to go get the chainsaw chaps. I wear eye pro and earplugs also.
Thanks,
David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

I know what you mean by getting filthy. The bark seems to have lots of junk that is attracted to canvas or cotton pants. But it's great CLEAN dirt.

KCO,

AMEN to that one Brother!

I've been a computer geek for almost 30 years and I LOVE getting outside and doing honest work. I don't mind the honest dirt either!

But the wife won't let me in the house!

Actually the dirtiest work so far has been my big Stihl solid shaft trimmer... OH MY GOODNESS when I really hit the heavy stuff I end up green as the "Hulk" or "Swamp Thing"...

Be well,
David