Is everyone on this forum a Gear Whore?
I have no intention of purchasing a peavey and if I owned a peavey I wouldn't carry it up the trail, too heavy too big.
I've asked direct questions to replies, no answers. I don't need more gear, I need cutting knowledge. Simple Do's and Don'ts.
Gear Whore? No, not really. A lot of the answers to your questions came from guys who make their living in the woods. They know better than to carry anything they don't really need. But they usually know what works the best for any given situation. You'd do well to listen.
I understand your frustration. You're seeking information that will help you overcome your lack of knowledge. It sounds like you need a
lot of information. It also sounds like your're falling into the trap of wanting absolute guarantees that "if I do
this, the tree will do
that. I wish it worked that way. My job would sure be easier if it did.
It's hard to tell from your picture but if all you need to do is cut a three foot gap through that windfall it shouldn't be too hard. An experienced cutter would have it done in about three minutes. You're quite obviously not experienced so take it easy and slow. If there's a lot of tension make a few small cuts, relieving cuts they're called, from underneath and see what the tree does. Stand well back while you're cutting. When you've cut a few relief cuts you should be able to tell where the most pressure is. When you decide where your final cut will be start your first cut on the far side of the log and only cut in a few inches. Start your main cut from the bottom until you're at least 3/4 of the way through the log. Then, using the front few inches of the bar start down from the top. If the kerf wants to close up on your bar pull out and come in from the bottom again. Be cautious for the log to swing at you when it finally lets go and watch for the uphill log to move down at you. This can happen in an eye blink.
If you have time and the ground permits it starting from the top and cutting three or four foot sections would probably work, too.
Caveat...none of this is absolutely guaranteed to work. One of the things experience has taught us is that every tree is different and you have to be able to change your plan instantly when things go awry. A lot of wood cutting is correcting small mistakes as they happen and not letting them become disasters because of your inexperience or ignorance.
And, if you would, lose the Gear Whore mentality. Use a peavey or don't...it really doesn't matter to me. You asked for advice and you got it. If you don't like the advice, don't take it. Your choice entirely.
But, if you can, have somebody video your attempt at cutting and moving that windfall. We all enjoy entertaining videos.
