cutting chunks of a spar, bar pinching question

[Plasmech]

After watching tons of videos of guys dropping sections of a spar, especially big diameter stuff, I wonder how they seem to never get their bar pinched. I mean, they don't get it pinched because they know what they're doing. So my real question is how on earth does that thing not turn into a pinch-fest? Especially when the spar is sitting pretty at zero degrees, no lean whatsoever. I would think the chunk would simply lean back on the bar.

 

[Tree Pig]

After watching tons of videos of guys dropping sections of a spar, especially big diameter stuff, I wonder how they seem to never get their bar pinched. I mean, they don't get it pinched because they know what they're doing. So my real question is how on earth does that thing not turn into a pinch-fest? Especially when the spar is sitting pretty at zero degrees, no lean whatsoever. I would think the chunk would simply lean back on the bar.

There is a bunch of correct answers here. Its done with ropes, wedges, proper notches ETC ETC... but most importantly you have to watch your cut. Watch the tree and what its doing. You will get a feel for certain cuts eventually on how deep you can go before it starts to pinch. But you still have to watch the cut. Dont get totally fixated on it you should still be keeping an eye over head when necessary also but if you keep an eye on the cut you can see if its gonna start to close. The key is to take action before it does.

 

[pdqdl]

Lots 'o options:

1. Wedges
2. Leave sawdust in the cut to support the wood (risky, sometimes you pinch the tip into the groove with sawdust)
3. Cut mostly through, then finish the last 1" from the outside, especially with an upper angled cut.
4. Let it pinch, then push the log off.

 

[woodchux]

Sell your 192 and get ya a 200t!

 

[Mikecutstrees]

I usually use the lean. Almost every piece has a little lean. Or I'll push it off by hand. If its really large (30" or bigger ) I'll use a pull line..... be safe.... Mike

 

[Treehound]

you can snap off a twig in the cut, but the more experience you get the better you'll be able to feel and will not need to do anything and just follow through the cut...you'll get there

work safe

 

[SINGLE-JACK]

After watching tons of videos of guys dropping sections of a spar, especially big diameter stuff, I wonder how they seem to never get their bar pinched. I mean, they don't get it pinched because they know what they're doing. So my real question is how on earth does that thing not turn into a pinch-fest? Especially when the spar is sitting pretty at zero degrees, no lean whatsoever. I would think the chunk would simply lean back on the bar.

Consider: Climber’s Wedge Kit from WesSpur:

 

[kennertree]

I use a plastic wedge that I drilled a hole through in the butt end and ran some small diameter string through then attatched a dog leash snap on the other end and clip it to my saddle. Start cutting, then i place the wedge in the kerf and follow through with the cut. After its cut i push the chunk off and the wedge drops off and the string catches it. If the chunk is real big I will do it the same way but not cut all the way though. pull the saw out of the kerf and cut on the front side just a little below the kerf. That makes it easier to get the saw out then i can push the chunk on off.

 

[ckliff]

and if all else fails ---------------















video editing !

 

[Garden Of Eden]

I use a plastic wedge that I drilled a hole through in the butt end and ran some small diameter string through then attatched a dog leash snap on the other end and clip it to my saddle. Start cutting, then i place the wedge in the kerf and follow through with the cut. After its cut i push the chunk off and the wedge drops off and the string catches it. If the chunk is real big I will do it the same way but not cut all the way though. pull the saw out of the kerf and cut on the front side just a little below the kerf. That makes it easier to get the saw out then i can push the chunk on off.

Love that idea!! Thanks for sharing, Rep for ya...

 

[fishercat]

that's pretty slick!

Consider: Climber’s Wedge Kit from WesSpur:

somebody was thinking that day.