If you need a squared or rectangular piece of
timber, you can use a chainsaw and an axe to
turn a straight tree butt into one. Set the log
on a level stand. If the timber is to be
rectangular, mark the lengths of the
rectangles first by hanging a plumb line the
smaller butt-end of the log. Make your
measurement for the other side and mark
your opposite length. Use a square to mark
the widths. Do the same thing to the other
end of the log. The trick here is to eye
everything to make sure you can get the size
of timber you desire with all the corners
showing. Now secure one end of your chalk
line on the one of the marked corners and
take it straight to the other end of the log and
snap your first corner line. Do the same thing
with all four corners. Laying the log in a
position where you can see both corner lines,
use a chainsaw cut 4� apart kerfs as
straight as you can down to meet both lines.
Once you finish doing the other side, then use
a sharp axe to knock out the 4� chunks
of wood on both sides. You should end up
with what you see in this picture. Snap the
chalk line on the remaining two corners, cut
them in similar fashion as above and knock
out the chunks. I used the two bitted axe for
this reason and used my razor sharp blue
handled axe to clean it out.
timber, you can use a chainsaw and an axe to
turn a straight tree butt into one. Set the log
on a level stand. If the timber is to be
rectangular, mark the lengths of the
rectangles first by hanging a plumb line the
smaller butt-end of the log. Make your
measurement for the other side and mark
your opposite length. Use a square to mark
the widths. Do the same thing to the other
end of the log. The trick here is to eye
everything to make sure you can get the size
of timber you desire with all the corners
showing. Now secure one end of your chalk
line on the one of the marked corners and
take it straight to the other end of the log and
snap your first corner line. Do the same thing
with all four corners. Laying the log in a
position where you can see both corner lines,
use a chainsaw cut 4� apart kerfs as
straight as you can down to meet both lines.
Once you finish doing the other side, then use
a sharp axe to knock out the 4� chunks
of wood on both sides. You should end up
with what you see in this picture. Snap the
chalk line on the remaining two corners, cut
them in similar fashion as above and knock
out the chunks. I used the two bitted axe for
this reason and used my razor sharp blue
handled axe to clean it out.
| EARTH ART AND FOODS |
Notching round logs are not all that
difficult. Place the log on top of the
two logs where it will sit. (The bow
always goes on top) Use a
plumb-line to plumb the inside wall
or place it on the log ends to center
them. Using a scribe, measure the
shortest distance between the log to
be notched and the one below it. If
there are large bumps or deformities,
you may want to open the scribe
enough to work them into the notch
so they can be cut out. Be sure the
log does not move during procedures
by either placing wedges on either
sides of both ends or use log dogs to
keep them secure. Also insure your
scribe is locked in or the notch will
require modifications.
difficult. Place the log on top of the
two logs where it will sit. (The bow
always goes on top) Use a
plumb-line to plumb the inside wall
or place it on the log ends to center
them. Using a scribe, measure the
shortest distance between the log to
be notched and the one below it. If
there are large bumps or deformities,
you may want to open the scribe
enough to work them into the notch
so they can be cut out. Be sure the
log does not move during procedures
by either placing wedges on either
sides of both ends or use log dogs to
keep them secure. Also insure your
scribe is locked in or the notch will
require modifications.