How to Cut Logs with a Chainsaw: The Right Way – Our Two-Part Guide

If you have a chainsaw, then there is a good chance you will be cutting logs sooner or later. In this guide, we will discuss how to correctly cut logs with a chainsaw. Cutting logs might appear as an easy task. However, you can easily waste a lot of time if you are cutting the logs in the wrong way. You can also hurt yourself or those around you.

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The Right Type of Chainsaw

Most people will go with a petrol chainsaw if they intend to cut logs, greater than 16″ diameter, for long hours or work away from the mains power source. However if you are only looking to do the odd log cutting job around the home and the diameter of the log isn’t greater than 16″ then you might do just as well with an electric chainsaw.

Saw Size

As alluded to earlier it is important to know how big the diameter of the log is that you are planning on cutting, as this will determine the size of the chain bar and also the engine which you will need.

Fuel

You need to have enough fuel to last you through the logging process. It is also best that you buy fresh fuel for each logging trip or session. That will make sure that your chainsaw starts and runs without trouble.

Claw Bar

You need a claw bar if you are cutting a big log. They come in handy if you need to rollover a big log. You may need to do that to cut the log from the underside. That helps you to cut big logs once you get too deep and your chain bar is shorter.

Hammer or Sledge Hammer

You will need the decent hammer or a sledgehammer for larger logs to pound the wedge into the log. Driving the wedge into wood is the first step of splitting logs.

Splitting Maul

The splitting maul looks just like an axe, but it is heavier, to help push the sharp edge into the log. It is basically a half sledge hammer, half axe tool.

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Safety Gear

Wearing the correct safety gear will save your life or limbs in case something goes wrong while you are cutting wood. It’s true that modern chainsaws are much safer to use than their predecessors. However, you still need to operate them safely.

The following are some of the precautions you can take.

  • You must wear safety goggle to protect your eyes from sawdust and debris; never operate your chainsaw without safety goggles.
  • Protect your ears especially when operating a gas chainsaw. Prolonged exposure to noise is just as bad as short pulses of loud noise.
  • Wear well-fitting protective clothing. Your gloves, boots, overalls, and hat should not obstruct your chainsaw operation.
  • Have a partner to keep you company and help you cut as well as a mobile phone that you can use to call if there is an accident.

OK, now you are equipped and ready to go …. next week we will look at the methods and techniques required for safe logging.

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