Any chainsaw users?

Emp_Fab · July 2016

I have need to cut logs into slices lengthways and as I don't have a big bandsaw or huge table saw, I have to use my chainsaw. My question is how can I secure the log so I can slice it?

Easy enough to do across the growth axis with a saw horse but along the axis ??

Sporky · July 2016

Grip it between your knees.

hywelg · July 2016

A couple of sash cramps along the log, then clamp or screw them down to a bench or workmate.

fretmeister · July 2016

Sporky · July 2016

Slightly less flippantly, I think what you're after is a chainsaw mill.

Or to get someone with the kit to come and do it for you, quickly and safely.

lasermonkey · July 2016

I've been incredibly wary of the things since a schoolfriend was killed using one. It left quite an impression on my fourteen year old self and I haven't been able to even watch someone use one since, yet alone use one myself.

For Christ's sake, be careful!

richardhomer · July 2016

I can imagine Boris might be considering investing in one....

BigMonka · July 2016

Can you stand the log up and then cut down?

I've found that the chains are designed for cutting across the grain, so ripping a log into slices isn't what it's best at. How accurate does it need to be? What are you doing with the wood?

paul_c2 · July 2016

I would put a large flat stump down as a support/stand and then use the spikes on the front of the chainsaw to do it. Easy going on pushing the saw through the wood, you want to be as gentle as you can but keep the revs up because you're cutting a long length of wood. Once you've done the first stump into a half-stump it gets easier since there's a flat surface to lay down. Its all about having a light touch, being able to accurately position the chain and being able to back off if you're mispositioned rather than slicing through and cutting in the wrong place.

Of course, since you're cutting along the grain, you could use a log splitter or axe quite easily but its still possible with a chainsaw.

chillidoggy · July 2016

Most people would use an axe to spilt them after cutting them across the diameter. Or how about a log-splitter? You might be able to hire one.

strtdv · July 2016

Use an axe. You can split logs up to about 3 feet in length that way, depending on the wood.

There are also hydraulic splitters that'll do the same thing.

Stevepage · July 2016

log splitter. Safer and you can pretend to be Thor.

Alnico · July 2016

Stevepage said:

log splitter. Safer and you can pretend to be Thor.

Wisdom or LoL?

Wisdom - Anything which allows you to legitimately pretend to be Thor, *must* be the best way.

ESBlonde · July 2016

The nordic folk spit long logs laid on their side and cleaved near the end.

Emp_Fab · July 2016

Hmm... Some interesting ideas here, but none really suitable for my specific requirements. A log splitter would, I suspect, leave very rough sides to the slices, as it is effectively tearing the wood apart. The wood is being used in art, and whilst a chainsaw cut isn't exactly super-smooth, it's better than a log splitter. Plus, I need to get multiple slices from small logs (say 8" dia x 12" long). That's too big to fit in my bandsaw. @Paul_c2 I'm not sure I follow what you're describing.. could you elaborate on the chainsaw-spikes method please ?

paul_c2 · July 2016

I thought you were quartering logs for firewood. I used to have a small solid fuel stove with a small-ish door on it and often the logs needed to be cut down to fit in it - also, the smaller the logs, will burn quicker to heat up the room quicker.

The chainsaw has spikes fitted at the front of the body, these can be used to hold a piece of wood which is getting cut. It might be that your chainsaw is missing these if you've never heard of it but I'm surprised, they are used quite frequently - what type of cuts do you do with the chainsaw?

rsvmark · July 2016

Cutting logs in this way buggers the chain. Don't do it. Log splitters are great. On the other hand buy yourself a fiskars axe. A tool of the gods- a modest blow smashes logs along the grain. You are Thor, never mind pretending..... Other than the fact that Thor had a hammer.

Sporky · July 2016

Emp_Fab said:

A log splitter would, I suspect, leave very rough sides to the slices, as it is effectively tearing the wood apart. The wood is being used in art, and whilst a chainsaw cut isn't exactly super-smooth, it's better than a log splitter.

Bung it through a thicknesser and a planer afterwards? How smooth do you need it?