Danger Cat
ArboristSite Lurker
I agree that there's always a lot of learning to be had in this job, and I've cut timber in every state west of the Miss., Alaska, and Canada. I'm still learning constantly and don't fool myself into thinking that I'm the be-all end-all of anything. However, when you post videos of yourself on the internet, in fun and for entertainment, you open yourself up for criticism. That's just the way of life, human nature, and the internet. I face the same thing every time I teach a saw handling and falling class or when I certify students as fallers (in both government and private industry.)
The reason I post the comments that I do here is because young guys see your videos and fall in love with what you're doing and how you conduct yourself. Then they want to be like you and do the things you're doing, as evidenced by the way they talk about it, the copycat videos I see, and people asking me if these techniques really work "well I saw hotsaws101 doing it", etc. etc. Part of keeping young log cutters healthy is teaching them patience, finesse, and not to be too aggressive for their skill level.
As far as posting randomly on this site or any other, you were always welcome to join the discussion here and it's good that you're here now. This is the biggest forum and open discussion on the internet (as far as I know) on forestry and tree service related issues. The comments here are seen by tens of thousands of people every day. It's important that a professional manner be maintained.
As far as head lean, back lean, and side lean go- How those and other terms are used in your area doesn't mean they're universal. Northern California is nice, but it's not the whole world.
I guess to me maintaining a professional atmosphere means you are dealing with or talking to that person directly, not about them. Especially when they are unaware it is even going on. I have seen a lot of interesting things on YouTube and have yet to make an unprovoked, snide comment about someone elses' style. If you are going to bag on my style then be decent enough to do it directly. I might be a little slow, but not stupid.
I have cut logs in Washington, Oregon, all over northern Cali., and in So. Cal. - Julian to be exact. Head lean has been when it is already listing the right direction. Kind of like driving a car, a boat, or whatever - ahead is the way you go. This came from my grandpa who hand fell old growth with a misery whip and a sharp axe. This is also like how you plumb a tree. 90 degrees from where you need it to go. If it leans that way it is head lean, if it does not the tree leans back. You then plumb it from 180 degrees of the desired falling direction, unless (and this is rare) the limbs prevent you from seeing the bole of the tree. At that point, you have to go to the front or way you need it to go. This reading tells you the side lean. You can NOT compensate for the lean (and limb weight) with the face cut unless you know what the actual lean characteristics are. Therefore, if you do not know how the tree leans you can not be that accurate with the it. If you are plumbing it from other places you will get false readings, that is simple geometry.
Why is this important? Because when you are felling big, tall timber, to hit the shot it is CRITICAL they take off the right direction (unless a swing is used). The taller they are the more critical it becomes! I am talking about non pulled trees here, of course.
You are right, I post some of the vids. for the fun of it, to show what is possible (if all goes right), and my way of doing it. And yes they really work, I am not a computer whiz... I have never said it is the only way any of the manuvers can be done. They are always well thought out and calculated, with the escape route ready. The nickname was given to me because I will try things that are on the edge - this does not make me foolish, I am well aware of the ramifications if something goes wrong. Just because I do it does not mean everyone should. Log cutters are an independent lot and most will try new things. My thought is now, if one way to do it is shown, then at least there is a basis for the starting point. It is up to the individual to realize if they are capable.
It is possible to show someone ways to do things and coversely, ways that will get you killed. However, you can not teach finesse, it is acquired. Just like timberfalling, they are learned things.
As far as influencing someone, that was never miy intention.
In regard to the Humboldt undercut, you guys only have it half right. Originally it was two paralell, flat cuts put in by the old drag saws that were nailed to the tree, around Humboldt Bay. You guys are talking about a "modified" Humboldt undercut where the bottom cut is put in at an angle toward the ground.
It is important to realize, a modified Humboldt is less accurate than the original (when done correctly) and the farmers face - top cut taken out of butt of the tree.
One more note in relating to that professionalism thing, some of the guys on this forum should take the time to ask a few questions of the guy doing the work > who knows, they might even learn something from this dumby.
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If you are paying attention...there is still some learning to be had!