I'm sure there is a simple answer to this...

[Royk]

How do you cut a tree trunk perfectly horizontal and level? I cut down a hemlock in the yard about 4 feet up from the ground. We want to cut it down a bit shorter and use it as a stand for a bird bath, so the cut needs to be level.



Roy

 

[JRuel]

Just take a level, and make a mark. Then take some string, and wrap it around, checking it for being level. When you have a line all the way around the tree, carefully cut it.

 

[Sled Puller]

Make sure your chain is filed evenly on both sides. A bad sharpening job will go crooked everytime.

 

[tugboatphil]

A bad sharpening job will go crooked everytime.

I will second that! I am a terribly bad sharpener. However, my cuts are consistently to one side, so I account for that.

 

[swmnkdinthervr]

Make a "water level" (this works on all manner of things including a house foundation or suspended ceiling depending on how long you make it) ... buy a length of 1/2 id clear yubing about 6 ft. long and 2 plugs for the ends, remove one plug and fill with water to about 2 in. from top. Carry it over to the tree holding both ends up and side by side in one hand (easier if you have a helper) now remove the plugs allowing the liquid to adjust to level, take a sharpie and mark the water level in both tubes. Now you can go around the stump raising and lowering the tubing to find the "level" marks and mark your cut.

 

[IC Smoke]

A bent bar will make a nice curve..... just do it by your own judgement, hold the saw up level, and get the dogs to bite and turn the saw, as far as you can go with it without having the dogs let loose, then take the saw down to the end of your cut, when the slab drops hit the chain brake and pull it out or push the slab off.



If we have to leave a stump high for a customer we take the tree down then do it by free hand, if you dont get it right the first time just shave a little more off.



Ian



STIHL

 

[Royk]

I like the water level idea. Thanks to all.

 

[Sled Puller]

This is the best way!!

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Gene, Saw (No punn) one in action a few months back when they were clearing a spot for yet another wallmart. He cleared acres in mere minutes. Prolly the most insane thing I have seen. His had the Delimber mech as well so he could fall them , delimb , and stack all in what 12 secconds??

 

[Sled Puller]

Yes, they give new meaning to the chainsaw song!! Almost like science fiction, grab a tree and neuter it like that.

The chippers/mulchers that eat whole stumps and spit them out-with your favorite color added- are pretty dern impressive, to. Timberman carnivals rock!!

 

[JLEONARD]

The chippers/mulchers that eat whole stumps and spit them out

I was visiting a welding shop several years ago north of Milwaukee and they were building 10 huge chipping machines. They were to be powered by a 6 cyl JD diesel.

 

[DValentine]

Used to work on those... Timco 445. The one pictured has a 5 foot blade, spun by a hydraulic motor. I can't remember how fast they spin... but will throw rocks and such. They sit on a D 7 Cat dozer track frame and are run by 5. 9 or an 8. 3 Cummins. Very impressive.



D

 

[rivercat]

yeah don't listen to anyone about how hard and fast they throw the chips out the side.

I stood near one-a regular 4 wheeled buncher based on a rubber tire loader with a 6bt- we demoed and from a 150 feet away the chips came so fast they whisled and me and another boy couldn't side step fast enough!