If you plan to cut down trees and think that all you need to do is have a chainsaw, this is a mistake. Felling trees is a rather traumatic process, if not fatal. The slightest mistake and a tree trunk weighing several hundred kilograms could fall on you. Therefore, before cutting down a tree with a chainsaw, you need to carefully study the basic rules - this will not only help to avoid injuries, but will also significantly facilitate the process itself and speed it up.
Before cutting down trees with a chainsaw, you need to follow all safety rules. There are few of them, but they are very important:
- Check the condition and serviceability of the chainsaw: chain tension, sharpening, oil and gasoline levels.
- Wear protective equipment: gloves, glasses, helmet, durable shoes with non-slip soles, protective vest. Headphones won't hurt.
- The rules for felling trees with a chainsaw strictly prohibit working in strong winds.
- There should be no strangers near the workplace, at least within a radius of 10-15 m.
- When working, it is forbidden to smoke, be distracted by extraneous things, or talk on mobile phone and so on.
- Use only two hands to hold the saw – do not hold it with one hand.
- You only need to work with the middle part of the saw - working with the edge is prohibited, because when it kicks back, the blade can be thrown up or back and injury will occur.
How to cut down trees with a chainsaw: the main points
Tree felling with a chainsaw is carried out according to the thickness of the trunk and the type of tree. For thin trunks, there is no point in using heavy saws - there is more fuel and oil consumption, and you get more tired of it. When felling, the following pattern is used:
- thick trunks over 600 mm – heavy blades from 650 mm
- medium trunks from 300 to 600 mm – medium blade 350-650 mm
- thin trunks up to 300 mm – blade up to 350 mm.
If you are working with dense and durable wood species, such as oak, then in this case it is better to use medium saws even for thin trunks, and heavy saws for medium and thick trunks.
- Before cutting down a tree with a chainsaw, evaluate it: the thickness of the trunk, at what angle the trunk is inclined to the surface, in which direction it will fall when felling, whether there are foreign objects in the fall zone, whether the trunk will catch on other trees with its branches, and so on.
- Calculate the trajectory of the trunk's fall based on the slope and other factors in order to understand how to properly cut a tree with a chainsaw in the right direction.
- Trim branches and twigs as much as possible so that they do not interfere with felling.
- Proceed with felling according to the diagram.
Depending on how thick the tree is and at what angle it is tilted, a diagram is drawn up on how to properly cut down a tree with a chainsaw. An example of such a scheme for a barrel with a thickness of 350 mm or more is given below:
Figure out how you will cut the trunk, you can mark the line with a marker. On the side where the trunk will fall, make the top cut at an angle of 45-60 degrees to the main cut line, 20-30 mm below the virtual line.
Once the miter cut is made, cut a small kerf parallel to the line, approximately 20-25% of the total diameter of the trunk, so that the line of the bottom cut meets the top cut. It turns out that you, as it were, cut out a piece from the trunk - this way, the necessary angle is ensured so that the trunk falls in the desired direction.
The main or felling cut is made from the opposite side strictly along the virtual line. The length of the felling cut is approximately 65-70% of the total thickness of the trunk - there must be a distance between it and the additional cut.
As you approach the additional cut, monitor the situation. If the trunk begins to move or the wood crunches, immediately remove the saw and insert a wedge into the main cut. It is recommended to use a long wedge - using a hammer or sledgehammer, you will widen the cut, and the trunk will fall in the direction you want.
That's all you need to know to cut trees with a chainsaw without injury and as quickly and efficiently as possible.
How to cut a log into boards with a chainsaw at home
The fallen trunk can be cut into logs on the ground if you plan to use the wood for kindling and firewood. There is no need to explain how to cut a log crosswise with a chainsaw, the technology here is simple, the main thing is to secure the log well so that it does not sway or move during cutting.
But if the trunk is good, you can cut the log into boards with a chainsaw at home and get absolutely free building materials needed in your own household.
In order to cut a log lengthwise with a chainsaw, you need several devices:
- The bed or frame where the log will be secured. To make it, a corner, channel or pipe is used that is thick enough to support the weight of the log.
- Chainsaw with attachment. You can use a gas cutter, debarker, vertical or horizontal attachment. The most accurate and efficient disintegration of the log is ensured by the horizontal attachment, but it can only be used if the length of the saw bar is no less than the thickness of the log. If you don’t have all this, you can do without a nozzle - just make two simple devices, with the help of which cutting logs into boards with a chainsaw will be easy and simple.
- Sawing logs into boards with a chainsaw can be done independently without prior sanding - it’s easier to do this later.
Let's look at the easiest way to cut a log into boards with a chainsaw, that is, without specialized attachments. It is necessary to make two simple clamp, welded ( best option) or assembled using bolted connections.
These clamps are T-shaped and approximately 500-600mm long. Another plate or corner is attached to the short “stick” using bolts, and between them there should be a distance slightly greater than the thickness of the chainsaw bar.
The clamps are attached to a homemade carriage with a handle - when cutting the logs into boards with a chainsaw, the carriage will move with its help.
Holes are made on the clamps - this will allow you to adjust the height when cutting the log lengthwise with a chainsaw.
The assembled structure is installed on the frame. Before using a chainsaw to cut a log into boards, install a special stand so that you can lift it as needed. The best option is two car jacks.
After the log has been cut lengthwise for the first time with a chainsaw, it rises to required height and the next cut is made according to the same pattern.
Sawing logs into boards with a chainsaw: choosing ready-made options
If you cannot make your own device, like cutting a log lengthwise with a chainsaw, you can simply purchase it at the store. Today there are many ready-made technical solutions allowing cutting logs with a chainsaw.
This includes the above-mentioned attachments, thanks to which you can not only cut a log into boards with a chainsaw, but also peel off bark or branches, cut grooves, and make beams from the log. What can I say - with such an attachment you can even use a chainsaw to make crafts from logs that will serve as decoration in the yard.
The only negative similar devices is that when dissolving a log with a chainsaw, rough sawing is performed and the amount of waste increases. Therefore, if you are planning to build and you need high-quality boards, it is better to purchase a small sawmill - it allows you to get a cleaner cut, and the amount of waste is much less.
Whatever you can do with a chainsaw - with the help of all kinds of attachments, this tool becomes very multifunctional. Don't know how to cut a log into boards with a chainsaw? Now we won’t talk about that!
Chainsaw - a tool for all occasions
Most owners have no idea what capabilities are hidden in this seemingly single-function tool. We are talking about what functions, besides cutting logs into firewood, a chainsaw can perform in skillful hands. But just think - the tool is absolutely autonomous, fill the tank with fuel, and work where it’s convenient for you!
A wide range of work is determined by a powerful, compact and safe gasoline engine, which has a very unpretentious “character” and the ability to work in the most difficult conditions. Another good thing about a chainsaw is its sealed fuel supply system, which, in combination with a diaphragm type carburetor, allows it to work in a variety of positions, perhaps not upside down. In addition, the designers provided reliable protection components from overloads and breakdowns in the form of a centrifugal clutch.
Look at the chainsaw from a different point of view - you are holding in your hands a tool that is amazing in its capabilities! This is a universal drive for a wide variety of devices, capable of not only sawing wood, but also cutting metal and stone, pumping water, drilling wells, and even serving as a low-power engine!
DIY multi-tool
The most popular attachment, which is even produced by the chainsaw manufacturers themselves, is the petrol cutter attachment, which turns the chainsaw into an autonomous version of an angle grinder. The nozzle device is a bearing assembly with a shaft, with a pulley installed at one end, which is driven into rotation by a V-belt. At the other end there is a mandrel for fastening abrasive wheels. By changing circles, such a grinder chainsaw will be able to cut stone, tile, brick and even metal. Of course, the circle is hidden in protective cover, without which work would be such a tool clean water playing roulette - whether you're lucky or not!
Of course, there are a lot of people who will call this method crazy, because you can buy a normal one and not have to worry about changing any attachments! However, in practice, the idea is completely justified - high-speed saws equipped with such attachments work no worse than conventional grinders. Of course, they can’t compete with professional powerful tools, but in the household they justify themselves. This device has two undeniable advantages - autonomy and saving money.
Another professional attachment that can be bought in specialized stores is the so-called debarkers. Their functions exactly correspond to the purpose of the chainsaw and, in fact, increase its capabilities - in addition to cutting wood with the help of debarkers, it can be processed, namely, cleared of bark, growths and branches, and also cut grooves in logs, which is useful in the construction of wooden log houses, and give the rounded surface a flat shape.
Debarkers are divided into disk and drum. The first ones are used for cutting recesses and mounting grooves, and the drum ones are used to remove bark from logs; they are also called debarkers. The device is a drum or cutter mounted in a bearing unit. The device is driven by a V-belt drive; for this purpose, there is a special pulley on the axis. Taking into account changes in the diameter of the pulley and the engine speed, you can also change the speed of operation of such a tool for optimal processing of wood.
With the help of a chainsaw and the appropriate attachment, you don't have to worry about emergency water supply at home if necessary - you can make a pump from this woodworking tool in a few minutes!
Essentially, the attachment is a regular centrifugal pump that is attached to the saw and driven by the same pulley and belt. The principle of operation is the same as for everyone else centrifugal pumps– one hose is lowered into the water, the second serves as a pressure hose. Before starting work, liquid is poured into the engine through the plug, which is necessary for the pump to “grab” the pumped water. When the turbine rotates, it creates a reduced pressure inside, due to which water is pumped out. The device is essentially the simplest, but imagine what use it can be when country house de-energized, and the water supply issue needs to be resolved urgently!
With the help of special attachments, a chainsaw can be turned into a drill or a winch, and even into outboard motor, capable of reaching speeds of up to 20 km/h with a fuel consumption of 1 l/h. However, these are already rarer cases, while devices for longitudinal sawing of logs, or, as they are called, mini-sawmills, are found quite often.
How to cut a log into planks with a chainsaw - vertical attachment
First of all, it should be noted that no one sets themselves the task of professionally cutting logs with a minimum amount of waste. For professional work, you also need the appropriate tool, but the attachment for longitudinal sawing of logs will allow you to solve many small problems on the farm. Let's imagine, for example, that your garden has dried up. old pear, and you just needed a few boards to fill a hole in the barn. Instead of using a tree trunk for firewood, you can use an attachment to get the material you need.
Devices for longitudinal sawing of logs are divided into vertical and horizontal. Most simple device This is precisely the first option: the adapter is attached to the tire at its base, and with the help of a guide bar the straightness of the adapter’s movement is ensured. This entire structure is attached to a board, which serves as a stop for cutting and at the same time as a guide. The accuracy of such a device is not high - it can be used to cut rough boards or give a log a simple square shape However, such a device is assigned corresponding tasks.
How to cut a log lengthwise - cut horizontally!
Provides much greater cutting accuracy horizontal design, which is a rigid frame attached to the chainsaw bar in two places - at the base and at its end. The attachment points can be shifted to provide the required cutting width. Of course, such a device is intended for small logs, the diameter of which will not be greater than the length of the tire.
Using the guide element you can install required thickness boards The most difficult thing will be to make the first horizontal cut - in order to get an even cut of the wood, you need to attach an additional guide frame to the log, which will serve as a base surface for the stop. At subsequent stages of dissolving the log into boards, the flat surface of the previous cut serves as a surface for support and a guide.
This design is quite easy to work with. Before sawing a log lengthwise, it must be well secured along its entire length - the less it vibrates, the smoother the cut will be.. To avoid jamming of the chainsaw bar, small wedges are constantly inserted into the cut to prevent clamping. It should be noted that no matter how hard we try, there will be quite a lot of waste compared to a conventional sawmill. First, give the log a square shape by sawing off the top layer on all sides, and only then proceed directly to dissolving the log into boards.
It will not be difficult for craftsmen to make attachments of this kind with their own hands when working with welding and metal - the corresponding diagrams on the Internet are not uncommon, and from the material you will need several square hollow pipes, nuts and screws.
Centuries and millennia pass, new materials and technologies appear, but wood, stone and metal have been and remain the main materials used by humanity for its needs. Products made from them surround us everywhere, wherever we are, wherever we go.
Particularly noteworthy is the wood, which creates an atmosphere of coziness and comfort everywhere. Metal and stone are colder and more laconic, but wood is even warm to the touch. Therefore, the first two materials are used more often in the form load-bearing structures, and wood in interior decoration, however, after being brought into the appropriate form.
Before you cut a log correctly, you need to inspect it. If on outside There are no significant flaws in the tree, then processing can be done quickly and with virtually no loss of wood.
Logs must be sawed in such a way that the resulting materials have equal density. And to do this, you need to remember that the wood on the north side of the trunk has a higher density than on the south. Cutting a log lengthwise begins with removing the slab; this part is removed from both sides of the tree to create a beam that will not roll.
We place the resulting timber on one cut side, and the other looks up, and the cutting will begin from there. Now you can cut the remaining log into appropriate lumber or boards of equal thickness. At the output we get the set unedged boards, in which the raw edge (sometimes even with tree bark) must then be cut off with a handsaw. Now we can consider the work completed.
How to saw a log lengthwise - disappointing realities
All these recommendations are good for ideal logs, but, as you know, ideal is quite rare. Basically, almost all logs have various shortcomings, and you have to adapt and invent cutting methods in order to avoid wood loss and get as much wood as possible quality material.
As in the previous case, Before sawing a log lengthwise, you need to remove the slab from it. For those who don’t know, a slab is a board that has one sawn surface, and the other either is partially processed or is not touched at all.
After removing the slab, the next step is to make an unedged board, this has already been written about above. Longitudinal cutting of a log produces boards, but with raw edges. In the process, because the log is not perfect, it is necessary to periodically turn it over and identify it best options further use. Sometimes, while cutting one log, you have to turn it 180 degrees several times to minimize defective boards.
If it is possible to obtain good quality material from the other side of the log, you need to continue the process from there and so on until the wood is completely used.
Very often, after cutting, timber remains; it can also be used on slats, boards, or used in its original form.
Features of mechanisms for processing logs
Many private developers have a question: how to cut a log lengthwise with a chainsaw? To perform this operation, experts recommend that you first secure the log and only then carry out processing. In addition, in order for the cut to be as even as possible, the chain of this saw must be well sharpened so that it does not move to the side, or buy a special chain designed for longitudinal cutting.
In addition, it is advisable that the logs are not long, because manually from long workpiece It is very difficult to do something well. Also, construction stores sell special attachments for logs and saws, which are called mini-sawmills; they allow you to do work at home quickly and efficiently. The only drawback of such equipment is its high cost.
Act upon use hand saw necessary in the same way as when processing with a sawmill. The slab is cut off and the remaining log is cut into longitudinal boards, from which the raw side edges are then separated. Only the main difference when working with a saw is the increased complexity, because you need to maintain a uniform thickness of the board when working with a saw that is constantly tending to wobble, and it is also simply physically difficult to hold it in your hands all the time.
All experts agree that if possible, it is better to take the material to a sawmill, where they will be processed using professional equipment with minimal losses and extremely smooth edges.
The chainsaw is designed for various types of work with wood. With its help, you can fell trees of various diameters and cut them into boards or bars. In addition, this tool is used for figured cutting on wood - carving. In order to use a chainsaw correctly, you need to familiarize yourself with the technology of various works and safety rules, neglect of which leads to very disastrous consequences.
Felling trees is enough traumatic process, because with the slightest mistake, the trunk of a sawn tree, which has a huge mass, can fall on a person working with a chainsaw. Therefore, it is not enough just to have this unit and the desire to cut down a tree. Before you start working with a chainsaw, you should know the basic rules of working with this tool. So, safety precautions when felling forests contain the following points, which must not be ignored.
How to cut down a tree with a chainsaw
When felling trees with a chainsaw, it is necessary to select the right blade: it must match the thickness and type of wood. For example, if you need to cut down thin trees, then there is no point in using heavy and powerful units. After all, they have a high consumption of fuel mixture and lubricant, and they are much harder to work with. It is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- for trunks with a diameter of 600 mm or more, a heavy blade (650 mm) should be used;
- for trunks of average diameter 300-600 mm - medium-sized blade 350-650 mm;
- Thin trunks (up to 300 mm) can be felled using a blade up to 350 mm.
If you have work to do With hard rocks wood(oak, beech, cherry, apple tree, pear, etc.), it is better to use medium blades for thin trunks, and heavy blades for trunks with a diameter of 300-600 mm or more.
Preparation stage
Felling trees with a chainsaw will be difficult and sometimes dangerous without the preparation stage.
- Make sure there are no people, animals, buildings or other trees in the area where the tree is expected to fall.
- Very careful preparation is required for felling trees. near bodies of water. If a sawn object falls into the water, you will have to make a lot of effort, including using technology, to get it out and saw it.
- If you need to lay the tree to be cut down in a certain place, you can tie a cable to the top of the trunk or to its middle, and use a winch or other mechanism to force it to tilt in the desired direction.
- Before cutting down a tree, take care escape routes, if an unforeseen situation arises (if possible, remove all obstacles that may prevent you from leaving the danger zone).
- Provide access to the cut and trimmed tree for transport for loading and removal.
- If you have to felling big tree , then you first need to eliminate the possibility of large branches falling during work. It is recommended to rent a lift or use the services of industrial climbers to cut off problematic branches.
In amateur practice, it is allowed to fell trees using a single-cut cut only in cases where low plants with a trunk diameter of no more than 150 mm are to be felled. But thick trees need to be cut using standard technology.
- The very first upper cut should be done on the side of the plant in which it should ultimately fall. It is made at an angle of 45°, with a recess of ¼ of the diameter of the trunk. Second, lower notch is carried out horizontally until the cuts join.
- The third file is called felling and is the most responsible. It is performed on the opposite side of the previously made wedge-shaped cut, parallel to the second cut (see figure below), but 5 cm higher than it. Also, according to the technology, the felling cut should not be sawed to the end, that is, to the wedge-shaped cut. It is necessary to stop without finishing about 1/10 of the thickness of the trunk, so that the remaining intact part acts as a kind of hinge.
- To prevent the saw from jamming in the cut, you must use wooden wedges. Metal wedges should not be used because the chain may be damaged if the saw kicks back.
- When making a felling cut, carefully monitor the verticality of the trunk. A sudden gust of wind can make its own adjustments, and cutting down a tree as you planned will not work.
- After the felling cut, even before the plant begins to fall, you should quickly, without fuss, remove the chainsaw bar and retreat to safe distance. It is extremely unsafe to be near a tree at this moment, because bottom part When a trunk falls, it can jump to a height of about 1.5 meters.
If the undercut rule is ignored, and the guide and felling cuts are positioned incorrectly, then it will be impossible to predict the direction in which the tree will fall.
After the plant has been knocked down in the desired direction, you should cut off all branches on its trunk. For convenience, you need to place a flat piece of wood 100-150 mm high under the trunk. If you do not do this, there is a high probability that you will catch the ground with the saw. When the equipment gets into the ground, where there is always sand, the latter ends up on the tire, namely in the groove along which the chain slides. As a result of exposure to abrasive particles, not only the chain shanks, but also the entire tire begin to wear out quickly. Therefore, the question that builders often ask - is it possible to saw foam blocks with a chainsaw - is inappropriate.
How to properly cut a log
The next stage after felling the tree is sawing it. It must be carried out following certain rules and according to a scheme.
Longitudinal sawing into boards
As you might guess, boards are made by cutting logs longitudinally. Since it will be necessary longitudinal sawing, then the saw chain must be of the appropriate type. To ensure accurate cutting of the trunk into boards, a special Big Mill log sawing device is used, shown in the following figure.
It can be used to cut logs diameter up to 500 mm. The thickness of the resulting board is set using a special ruler marked on the racks of the device. You can purchase it ready-made or make it yourself by watching this video.
To cut a log into boards of equal thickness, do the following.
To cut logs across the grain, it is necessary to install on the unit saw chain for cross cutting. Basically, cross cut is used for cutting wood. The resulting small cylinders are then split into firewood. To make it convenient to cut firewood, the logs are placed on trestles 600-800 mm high.
In the same way it is carried out beam trimming.
Log sawing diagram
Below is a diagram that shows how to correctly dissolve a log into boards and beams.
This operation can be performed in several ways.
- Sawing a square beam occurs from the core part of the log.
- To get 2 rectangular beams, the square beam is sawn into 2 parts.
- By sawing a log crosswise, you can get 4 beams.
- This type of sawing is called “tumble” and is used on sawmill frames. All boards are unedged.
- With this type of log cutting, you can get a double-edged beam, as well as several unedged boards and a couple of slabs.
- Complex in its execution radial sawing. Feature When cutting boards this way, they have vertical growth rings.
- The double-edged beam opens onto edged boards and 2 wane.
- For boards with a horizontal arrangement of growth rings, the front side is called the one that is turned to the center of the log (core), and the back side is called the one turned to the sapwood (the so-called periphery of the trunk).
What is carving
The word “carving” came into our language from English and means “cutting”. This is the name for figured wood carving with a chainsaw. This art of skillful use of an instrument is beginning to gain popularity in our country. For carving, ordinary light chainsaws, for example, such as Husqvarna 135.
Chainsaw Husqvarna 135
The chainsaw has small dimensions, develops the necessary power, weighs 4.4 kg and makes it easier to start the engine. The tire needs to be installed in a medium size, about 14 inches. The chain is selected in 3/8 inch increments. It is recommended to immediately purchase special chains. For example, the STIHL Carving Rapid Micro Spezial (RMS) chain has a ¼-inch pitch, short teeth, and is designed specifically for wood shaping. The Husqvarna 135 saw is well suited for beginner carvingists.
Chainsaw Husqvarna 450e II
As you gain experience, you can use more powerful units.
Sculptures created from wood using a chainsaw are very widely used in recreation parks, on city streets, near cafes, restaurants and other public places, and always attract the genuine attention of passers-by.
For example, seeing such a product in the park, few people will pass by it indifferently.
The imagination and skill of professional carvingists sometimes causes surprise and admiration.
To achieve such results, you need to make a huge effort, it will take years of practice to hone your skills. After all, even if you try to make some simple product with your own hands, you will immediately understand that carving wood with a chainsaw is not an easy process. But if you are filled with the desire to learn this art, then, undoubtedly, you will be able to realize all your plans and decorate your site with unparalleled products.
What can beginner carving masters do?
If you want to try your hand at wood carving with a chainsaw, then first you should choose a simple shape, for example, you can cut outmushroom or cube
Take your choice of wood seriously. If it is wet then finished product after drying, it will crack and the result of your work will be ruined.
So, first you need to make a blank from wood with a chainsaw, that is, give the product a general outline. At this stage, special precision is not needed. It’s just important not to remove too much. Keep a drawing of the object or a sample in front of you to more accurately represent the proportions of the finished sculpture.
Finished wooden sculptures are sanded with sandpaper and covered with a protective layer, paint or varnish. As you acquire skills, you can begin making more complex figures. Crafts made from logs, namely pillars depicting people or animals, are very popular among chainsaw carvers. They are installed vertically (buried in the ground). The photo below shows a simple manufacturing process bear figures made from logs, which is suitable for beginner carvingists.
To create birds more experience and dexterity are required, since there is a lot of processing to be done small parts sculptures (head, feathers, etc.).
All photos from the article
Sawn logs are boards. The task of competent and efficient sawing of trunks is extremely important when logging independently or industrially; in addition, knowledge of the basics will help you choose the right lumber.
We will look at the main points regarding this topic and tell you how to properly cut a log into band sawmill.
Log sawing
Main task
Important! The cutting scheme is selected in accordance with the quality of the raw material, the purpose of the board and the capabilities of the equipment.
Sawing tool
Logging is carried out using a special tool. For normal work by today's standards, you need a special machine for cutting logs with your own hands, which is called a sawmill.
There are two types of sawmills: disk and belt. Disk use circular saws and are considered less effective, since they have a larger cutting thickness (from 6 to 9 mm), less accuracy and depth.
The band sawmill is equipped with a different system: the saw is a band mounted on rotating rollers. The cutting thickness is approximately 1.5 - 3 mm, which is quite economical in terms of waste to chips.
Modern models are distinguished by high accuracy and productivity; they are automated and have a tilting mechanism for lifting and turning logs in the case of circular sawing or sawing timber.
Using a chainsaw, you can only cut a log in half, but if you use a special frame, you can cut the log into boards right in the forest.
Important! The band sawmill is considered the most efficient and cost-effective.
Conclusion
Sawing logs is considered one of the most difficult and important tasks in logging and lumber production. The quality of the product and the income of the enterprise depend on the chosen scheme, well-designed work order and preparation of the tool.
The video in this article will tell you about the types of sawmills and methods of cutting wood.