Thread: Death Wish

I think this one is an attempt at square felling. The idea is to cut two or three single cuts horizontally into the trunk about 50mm apart. This replaces the scarf and gives a bucked end to the felled log. The theory is, that as the tree falls the two or three cuts on the other side break downwards into each other. A method usualy used on small dia trees or a tree with a prominent limb or lean. A wedge in the felling cut helps to get things underway if the tree still wants to stand up.

Originally Posted by rustynail

I think this one is an attempt at square felling.

I don't think so Rusty..they actually felled this tree directly on top of another small Ironbark (in an open paddock),this tree could have fallen anywhere..i don't think they have the skills to get too tricky with their felling..MM

Maybe their idea was to use the small ironbark to brake the fall. Particularly if the tree had a prominent branch. Or am I giving them too much credit?

Originally Posted by rustynail

Or am I giving them too much credit?

Tooooo much credit, Rustynail ..MM

Originally Posted by Bushmiller

There's no substitute for experience in tree felling. Trouble is, you only get that experience by tree felling .l

My dad was axe faller in the Italian Alps in the late 40s and early 50's so slopes were not a problem for him. However, when he migrated to Oz in the early 50's he tried to get the same job but he needed a partner and the mill foreman very wisely would only give pair of fallers a contract if one of them had local experience. Dad couldn't find anyone experienced that would take him on and after waiting for 12 months the mill foreman let him partner with another inexperienced guy but they had to find a mentor and work with the mentor for a month to learn the local ground rules. Dad's mentor was a top bloke and they kept in close touch and became good friends especially because Dad was not that mechanically minded when (two man) chainsaws started being used. In 1960 single man saws became readily available and then Dad worked solo for about 7 years until he was in a road accident in a log truck. I used to go with him as a kid and carry the oil and fuel. Watching those big Karri's and Jarrahs fall is indelibly etched in my mind but when I think back on how dangerous it was it makes me cringe a bit .