Black & Decker LH1600 Instruction Manual page 13

chainsaw booklet 1/19/00
necessary before cuts are started. The retreat path should extend
back and diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall.
• Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of the tree, the
location of larger branches and the wind direction to judge which
way the tree will fall. Have wedges (wood, plastic or aluminum)
and a heavy mallet handy.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from
the tree where the felling cuts are to be made.
• (Fig. H2) Notching Undercut - Make the notch 1/3 of the
diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the direction of the fall.
Make the lower horizontal notching cut first. This will help to
avoid pinching of either the saw chain or the guide bar when the
second notch is being made.
• (Fig. H3) Felling Back Cut - Make the felling back cut at least 2
inches higher than the horizontal notching cut. Keep the felling
back cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut. Make the felling
back cut so enough wood is left to act as a hinge. The hinge
wood keeps the tree from twisting and falling in the wrong
direction. Do not cut through the hinge.
• (Fig. H3) As the felling cut gets close to the hinge the tree
should begin to fall. If there is any chance that the tree may not
fall in the desired direction or it may rock back and bind the saw
chain, stop cutting before the felling cut is complete and use
wedges to open the cut and drop the tree along the desired line
of fall.
When the tree begins to fall remove the chain saw from the cut,
stop the motor, put the chain saw down, then use the retreat
path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs falling and watch your
footing.
Limbing (Fig.J1)
Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree. When limbing,
leave larger lower limbs to support the log off the ground. Remove the
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small limbs in one cut. Branches under tension should be cut from
the bottom up to avoid binding the chain saw. Trim limbs from
opposite side keeping tree stem between you and saw. Never mak
cuts with saw between your legs or straddle the limb to be cut.
Bucking
Bucking is cutting a log into lengths. How you should cut depend
on how the log is supported. Use a saw horse whenever possible
Always start a cut with the chain running at full speed and the spik
bumper (15) in contact with the wood. To complete the cut us
pivoting action of the spiked bumper against the wood.
(Fig. J2) When supported along its whole length
Make a cut from the top (overbuck), but avoid cutting the earth as t
will dull your saw quickly.
(Fig. J3) When supported at one end
First, cut 1/3 the diameter from the underside (underbuck). Th
make the finished cut by overbucking to meet the first cut.
(Fig. J4) When supported at both ends
First, cut 1/3 down from the top overbuck. Then make the finished
by underbucking the lower 2/3 to meet the first cut. second, cut ag
to meet the first cut.
(Fig. K1) When on a slope
Always stand on the uphill side of the log. When "cutting through"
maintain complete control release the cutting pressure near the end
the cut without relaxing your grip on the chain saw handles. Don't
the chain contact the ground. After completing the cut, wait for the s
chain to stop before you move the chain saw. Always stop the mo
before moving from tree to tree.
(Fig. K2) When using a saw horse
This is strongly recommended whenever possible. Position the log
a stable position. Always cut on the outside of the saw horse arms.
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If you have any questions, call 1-800-54-HOW-TO