Way too much free time.

[Gologit]

Anybody cut their own falling wedges? I was bored today and temporarily out of chores so I cut a bunch of wedges out of a madrone log. Got some oak laying around that I might try later. I used the little saw, the 361, and just cut 'em free hand. I'll probably smooth them out later with a rasp. If anybody has any tips on this I'd appreciate it. I remember hand-made wedges from when I was a kid but after making a bunch and seeing the work involved I can understand why they switched to plastic.

 

[JUDGE1162]

They are $5 for the cheap plactic wedges, way too much time

 

[Tree Sling'r]

I've had to make them in the strip before. Sometimes that little extra lift is all you need and when you are wedged out - making your own is pretty handy.

I have used plenty of Live Oak, black oak and madrone.
Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.

 

[michael j]

I made three of 'em a week or two ago. Bored.

Mike

 

[kevinj]

Anybody cut their own falling wedges? I was bored today and temporarily out of chores so I cut a bunch of wedges out of a madrone log. Got some oak laying around that I might try later. I used the little saw, the 361, and just cut 'em free hand. I'll probably smooth them out later with a rasp. If anybody has any tips on this I'd appreciate it. I remember hand-made wedges from when I was a kid but after making a bunch and seeing the work involved I can understand why they switched to plastic.

Thats a good idea.
Especially now, when it's so crummy outside.
Seems like a good way to past the time.
Heck, I may even end up staining and laquering them.
Once the snow melts, I'll pretty much live outside.

 

[oakman]

i make my own out in the bush all the time. i cut a lot of standing dead elm and usually i just whittle a couple out of the one i'm gonna drop, or i'll find a hickory stick and use that. no biggie if it gets chewed up by the saw, plus i hate plastic anything. environmentaly friendly too. theres way too much plastic stuff out there. if we're gonna reduce our dependency on oil, plastic is one thing thats gotta go, imho. gimme wood and steel, man.

 

[Timberhauler]

I've cut my own felling wedges many times...I very seldom use one for actually falling a whole tree....But I do use them for lowering big stumps,and blocking big wood down from up in the tree..I used to buy dozens of the things,but now I'll usually improvise and rig something.....I do keep a few for falling snags.

 

[kevinj]

Great Idea!!

I just had a great idea.
Make some out of different species,(oak, walnut, hickory, maple burl)
or whatever. Prep them for staining, but b4 staining,
Engrave the wedge on one side with a persons name or or something relavent to thier business. And have them use it on their office desk perhaps.
Especially if they are in the wood business.
Just a thought.