How to crosscut a tree
Cutting up a tree trunk into desired lengths can be complicated. For example, the trunk might be very thick; be on a slope; or is lying directly on the ground. Before you begin, carefully consider the condition of the trunk, the stresses that are affecting it, and how the log end will move when you cut through it. Plan the crosscutting procedure carefully, especially for larger logs. An incorrect work technique can be dangerous and cause the trunk to split or the guide bar to become pinched.
Safety when crosscutting
Be aware of how you are standing when crosscutting logs. Stand off to the side of the cut, as the trunk can jump up or throw back. If the ground slopes, never stand on the downhill side and crosscut. The log can start to roll before it is cut through and injure you. Always stand off to the side of the cut, as the trunk can jump up or throw back.
Always stand off to the side of the cut, as the trunk can jump up or throw back.
Be aware of the risks, such as:
- Kickback.
- Timber movement that traps the saw.
- Sawing into the ground or a rock after sawing through the log.
- The cut log end falls on your feet, rolls towards you, or kicks out towards you.
Safety first! Failure to consider and eliminate these risks can result in serious injury or death.
Tension direction and basic technique
Always assess the tension in the trunk – is the compressive stress on the top or bottom of the trunk? The basic technique is to start with a meeting cut through one third of the log from the side that is exposed to compressive stress – that is the side where you expect the guide bar to pinch. Then continue to cut a meeting cut on the opposite side until the log is cut through. See detailed method descriptions below.
Make it a habit to look at how the trunk reacts to being cut. It may be the case that you misjudged the tension.
Pressure on top
Method
Pressure on top: basic crosscutting technique
For trunks where the chainsaw’s guide bar reaches all the way through:
Start by making a cut from the top side. The depth of the cut should be about one-third of the diameter of the trunk, or before the trunk tends to pinch the guide bar.
Now cut from the bottom to meet the first cut. Saw until the log is cut through.
Method
Pressure on top: crosscutting thick trunks
If the pressure is on top and the trunk is thicker than the bar length:
Start by crosscutting the opposite side of the trunk.
Pull the saw towards you and crosscut from the top, up to about one-third of the trunk diameter.
Now crosscut from the bottom. Make a bore if the trunk is lying on the ground to avoid sawing stones.
Continue with undercutting towards the centre of the trunk.
Pressure on bottom
When the trunck lies so that the pressure comes from the bottom, you must perform the crosscuting in a reversed sequence:
Method
Pressure on bottom: basic crosscutting technique
For trunks where the chainsaw’s guide bar reaches all the way through:
Start with the undercut up to about one-third of the trunk diameter, or until the guide bar tends to pinch.
Now cut from the top to meet the first cut. Saw until the log is cut through.
Method
Pressure on bottom: crosscutting thick trunks
If the pressure is on the bottom and the trunk is thicker than the bar length:
Start by crosscutting the opposite side of the trunk.
Pull the saw towards you and cut a little from the top.
Now crosscut from the underside, up to about one-third of the trunk diameter. Make a bore if the trunk is lying on the ground.
Finish with a top cut.