Poulan 3450 User Manual - Page 12

CUTTING A FALLEN TREE (BUCKING) Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the desired log length. WARNING: Do not stand on the log being cut. Any portion can roll causing loss of footing and control. Do not stand downhill of the log being cut. IMPORTANT POINTS S Cut only one log at a time. S Cut shattered wood very carefully; sharp pieces of wood could be flung toward operator. S Use a sawhorse to cut small logs. Never allow another person to hold the log while cutting and never hold the log with your leg or foot. S Do not cut in an area where logs, limbs, and roots are tangled. Drag the logs into a clear area before cutting by pulling out exposed and cleared logs first. TYPES OF CUTTING USED FOR BUCKING WARNING: If saw becomes pinched or hung in a log, don't try to force it out. You can lose control of the saw resulting in injury and/or damage to the saw. Stop the saw, drive a wedge of plastic or wood into the cut until the saw can be removed easily. Restart the saw and carefully reenter the cut. Do not attempt to restart your saw when it is pinched or hung in a log. Use a wedge to remove pinched saw WARNING: Never turn saw upside down to undercut. The saw cannot be controlled in this position. Always make your first cut on the compression side of the log. The compression side of the log is where the pressure of the log's weight is concentrated. First cut on compression side of log Second cut Second cut First cut on compression side of log BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT S Overcut through 1/3 of the diameter of log. S Roll log over; finish with a second overcut. S Watch for saws with a compression side to prevent the saw from pinching. See illustrations for cutting logs with a compression side. BUCKING USING A LOG OR SUPPORT STAND S Remember your first cut is always on the compression side of the log (refer to the illustrations below for your first and second cuts). S Your first cut should extend 1/3 of the diameter of the log. S Finish with your second cut. Using a log for support 2nd Cut Turn saw OFF and use a plastic or wooden wedge to force cut open. Overcutting begins on the top side of the log with the saw against the log. When overcutting use light downward pressure. Overcutting Undercutting Undercutting involves cutting on the underside of the log with top of saw against the log. When undercutting use light upward pressure. Hold saw firmly and maintain control. The saw will tend to push back toward you. 1st Cut 1st Cut 2nd Cut Using a support stand 2nd Cut 1st Cut 12