Can we talk about how notch cuts can make or break a fell?

I was always casual about my notch cuts until I had a 30 inch oak pin me against a fence last spring. Getting the angle and depth right made the difference between a clean drop and a total disaster. Anyone else ever get burned by a lazy notch?

3 comments

3 Comments

emmaking6d ago

Whoa hold on, a 30 inch oak pinned you against a fence?! That's insane, I can't believe you walked away from that. I had a similar wake up call with a hickory that twisted on me because my notch was too shallow, scared the crap out of me. The angle is everything, I've seen guys cut a perfect face notch but then screw up the back cut and wonder why the tree doesn't go where they want. It's not just about getting it on the ground, it's about controlling exactly where it lands, especially in tight spots. How long did it take you to get back to running a saw after getting pinned like that?

marybutler5d ago

Yeah I hear you @emmaking, the notch and back cut dance is no joke. Took me a good three weeks before I could even look at a chainsaw without my back hurting, and that first cut back was a real shaky one. Guess you could say the tree taught me a lesson in humility, or at least in making sure my escape route is clear.

singh.harper5d ago

Wait, a 30 inch oak actually pinned you?! That's terrifying.