Cutting logs lengthwise with a chainsaw can be an intimidating task for those who don’t know how to do it. But, there are many tricks and techniques that you can use to make the process easier.
In this blog post, we will cover the basics of cutting logs with a chainsaw and offer some tips for making your next log cutting project go smoothly!
How to cut a log lengthwise with a chainsaw?
A chainsaw is an invaluable tool in the logger’s arsenal. The ability to cut logs lengthwise with a chainsaw will result in more efficient, effective, and accurate cuts which means less time wasted on rough-cut lumber.
Want to know how? Keep reading!
Prepare for the cut:
Find an area where you can lay your entire log down on the stable ground without it being too close to trees or other objects that might interfere when cutting. Clear the area for your log cutting so that you have plenty of room around the work zone.
Make sure to place the log against a solid and sturdy surface, as well for safety purposes of course; then, position it so you’re cutting approximately perpendicular to the ground (with enough room on either side).
This will allow you to cut all the way through without stopping and reversing.
Ensure safety:
For safety reasons, always wear protective gear including heavy-duty gloves (even if they’re just used as padding), goggles, dust mask, ear protection & steel toe boots while working with a chainsaw. For more safety, ensure you have your chainsaw helmet and chaps on before you get started.
Use the right type of chain:
Use the right chainsaw chain size for your log. A common misconception is that you need to use a full-round guide bar for every cut, but this isn’t true.
Use a thinner saw blade if you are cutting through thin logs and want it to go smoothly without shaking too much or causing a kickback.
Using the wrong size will wear down your blade faster, which can lead to an inaccurate cut in this case; so make sure to read the specifications for your chain and choose the right size for log cutting.
Setting up the saw:
Place the saw on a level surface, and make sure your safety features – such as the chain brake are engaged properly. When you are setting up the saw, put something on either side or just one side.
This will help you while cutting down the log so that you have enough space to stand under it when finished.
Measure and marking:
Measure and mark your desired length on one end of the log using a chalk line, tape measure, or some other marking device.
Make sure that this measurement is taken from the center point of the log so that both pieces have an even thickness when they are finally cut apart.
Draw lines across all four sides of your marked section with a pencil or marker to show where you want to make cuts into each side at equal distances (usually about 18 inches). These marks act as guides for cutting out sections later on.
Cutting the log lengthwise with a chainsaw
Cutting logs lengthwise is an excellent way to make building materials for the home. There are two ways to do it with a chainsaw: using a chainsaw mill and by “freehand”.
Cutting the log using a chainsaw by freehand:
Using your chainsaw to cut wood lengthwise is different from cutting it cross-grain because there’s less resistance in that direction. So, once the lines are drawn, take your chainsaw and make an even cut all around the marked section.
Next, use a sharp splitting maul like this Husqvarna 32″ Log Splitting Maul or just a good old-fashioned axe to chop a kerf into the log.
This will allow you to clearly see your preferred cutting location and also help determine what angle you should be making your cut at.
Then use a sharp saw to start cutting into each side of the log until it’s pried open enough for you to pull out one plank at a time by hand and finish cutting off any remaining sections with your chainsaw or handsaws as needed.
You may need assistance from another person if this process is difficult on your own!
Pay attention when removing planks that they don’t come apart in two pieces without being cut cleanly down their center (known as rift sawn). This will leave both halves imperfect and unusable because there won’t be any straight edges left once they’re trimmed.
Cutting the log using a chainsaw mill:
Cutting the log with the chainsaw mill is pretty much easier than the freehand method.
The chainsaw mill is designed to hold your log securely, which minimizes vibration and makes cutting a lot easier.
All you have to do is attach it to your saw (which will mount on the side of your chain bar), put on safety gear like hearing protection and gloves, then cut off any branches with the help of marking guidelines.
The best way to use the chainsaw mill is by cutting your log into two pieces, then lining it up with the blade. To make sure you get a straight cut, line the pole of one piece against the chainsaw mill’s guide plate before pushing them together.
It may take some effort on your part—especially if there are knots in the wood—but the results will be worth it.
The mill can be used as a guide to cut down logs that are too big for your chainsaw, but it’s not designed for cutting firewood. To get uniform lengths of wood from branches or small trunks, use a bandsaw instead.
What is a Chainsaw mill?
Chainsaw mills are an attachment tool for chainsaws that lets you cut logs lengthwise. This is a portable and inexpensive alternative to a bandmill, requiring less space.
After the milling job is finished, you can detach your chainsaw from the tool. Detaching the tool after you finish milling makes your chainsaw ready for finishing other jobs. So, this is how you can convert your chainsaw into a milling machine at a cheap rate.
Look where you’re going:
After cutting through one side of the log, look ahead to make sure your blade will clear the other end without catching on it and buckling or damaging your chainsaw’s chain.
Stay in control while cutting by maintaining a steady pace with your arm movements, not letting yourself get too far ahead of your saw as it reaches the end of its cut.
Cutting techniques:
The key to cutting the log in one pass is by using a low-to-high motion, which will allow you to cut through smoothly and without getting stuck.
When you have progressed an inch or so into your board, change directions (cut from high to low) as this can help reduce friction that could build up when cutting back across the wood.
Tips for cutting logs:
1. Be sure to read the manual that came with your chainsaw. Understanding how to use your machine will help make the process easier and safer!
2. Begin slowly when cutting the wood and maintain control of your saw before proceeding.
3. Always have a sharp chainsaw blade. Dull blades can make your work much more difficult and are dangerous to use, so be sure you keep them well maintained!
4. When cutting, keep a firm grip on both handles of the chainsaw and go slowly through the wood with steady pressure. This will ensure you have good control over where you are cutting so that it is not too deep or shallow.
5. Picking up an extra chainsaw is always a great idea so that you don’t have to worry about restarting or getting stuck on one side of the tree! And with this Husqvarna 460 Rancher Chainsaw, it’ll feel like Christmas morning when they get here (or Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.).
If you’re not sure which model would suit your needs best then check out our Chainsaws Buying Guide.
6. Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and helmets before operating any power tools.
7. If there are knots in other sections of the log, cut them out before you attempt to cut the log lengthwise.
Knots in one section can cause your chainsaw to bind up and make it difficult if not impossible to finish cutting the logs, so take care when removing them by using a sharp saw or splitting maul.
8. Be aware of the direction that the log will roll when it falls cut on its end (the faller). Be prepared for this by making sure there is nothing below the log to get in your way.
9. Make sure that after you are finished with your cuts on both ends of the log there are at least 12 inches left on either end of the log for support. This will help keep the weight balanced during transport!
10. If you have a helper, he/she should be used to hold either end of the log against your chainsaw.
This will help keep it in place so that as you cut deeper into the wood, it doesn’t shift or break free and cause injury to yourself or others nearby.
11. When cutting logs lengthwise with a chainsaw, start from one side and make shallow cuts towards the middle first (around two inches deep). Be sure not to go too far down because this can lead to problems when trying to split off pieces on each end!
Once these are done, finish making depth cuts starting at where you started earlier until your blade reaches through all layers of wood. We recommend using some type of clamping mechanism for additional stability if available.
12. To avoid the log from rolling and making cutting more difficult, either clamp it down to a table or use your helper as mentioned earlier!
13. When you are done, shake off any sawdust and oil your chainsaw blades with a high-quality lubricant (like WD-40). This will help keep the blade sharp!
Some additional resources to help you learn more about chainsaws:
Conclusion:
Cutting a log lengthwise with a chainsaw isn’t difficult if you keep the following points in mind.
Hopefully, this article has helped to clarify some misconceptions about the steps involved when cutting logs. If it is for the first time, then maybe you will find the process tiresome and hard to do at first.
But we encourage you to persevere, and you will find that it is a useful skill.
