Safest way to cross-cutt split wood for chunks?

Okay after messing around I figured out a way, that seems VERY safe to crosscut splits / small limbs:

2rr1gle.png


My boyfriend had a couple $5 buckle ratchet strap thingies laying around and I just strapped one around the workbench top, saw and wood. This holds the wood in place well and keeps your hands free & safe. I stand on the left side of the saw (on the strapped down side) when cutting. I only use one hand in the entire operation and that's just pushign down on the handle.

Let me know how safe you think this is.

I know it is a lot more time consuming.. but I have all the time in the world, but only one left hand & set of fingers.
 
bbqgeekess said:
Okay after messing around I figured out a way, that seems VERY safe to crosscut splits / small limbs:

2rr1gle.png


My boyfriend had a couple $5 buckle strap thingies laying around and I just strapped it around the workbench top, saw and wood. This holds the wood in place well and keeps your hands free & safe. I stand on the left side of the saw (on the strapped down side) when cutting. I only use one hand in the entire operation and that's just pushign down on the handle.

Let me know how safe you think this is.

I know it is a lot more time consuming.. but I have all the time in the world, but only one hand & set of fingers.
Click to expand...
Only one hand?
 
bbqgeekess said:
Edited it.. one left hand. Thanks :)

Btw, that's all you can say about my ingenious idea? lol.
Click to expand...
Well, I'm no woodcutter but the level of perceived greatness would depend on if you did it all one handed or 2, so I asked... :thumb:

Since it was 2 handed, it seems like a pretty decent approach other than the time to loosen and tighten straps.

If it was one handed, I'd say it is a great approach to a problem! :wink:
 
peeps said:
Well, I'm no woodcutter but the level of perceived greatness would depend on if you did it all one handed or 2, so I asked... :thumb:

Since it was 2 handed, it seems like a pretty decent approach other than the time to loosen and tighten straps.

If it was one handed, I'd say it is a great approach to a problem! :wink:
Click to expand...

Giggle.. yeah I have two hands.. what I meant was I have all the time in the world, but only one left hand I can't stand to lose!

My right hand pushes down on the handle and my left hand is at the left side of my body, which is in turn on the left side of the blade when cutting to avoid any kickback of the piece that got cut off.
 
That will work but I hold with my hand. The blade rotation holds the wood tight against the back of the saw. No danger.
 
Question about Crosscutting Pecan Limbs

A small, yet significant, portion of the bulk pecan I picked up the day before last is limbs that are about 2-4 inches in diameter, encapsulated in bark.

Since these are encapsulated, I noticed when i did a crosscut that they are very wet still comported to the splits. I have cut a couple of the limbs now, in about 2-3 inch long segments, because I like larger chunks of wood.

However, should I be cutting them thinner so they have a chance to dry out? Like perhaps 1 inch thick? What do you suggest? Thanks!

2rr1gle.png
 
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You are doing this perfectly. This is from an idiot who lost the tip of his left index finger to jointing a piece of wood that was too short. Power tools are great but stay safe. I still say the band saw is safer, but I like your hold down on the chop saw. Left hand on your butt, right hand on the saw handle and you will be fine. Oh, very important, wear eye protection. I've cut splits on my chop saw and they just exploded.
 
HarrynVegas said:
Oh, very important, wear eye protection. I've cut splits on my chop saw and they just exploded.
Click to expand...

Thanks, good point. I'll make sure to have eye protection on. I usually have my glasses on all the time anyways (near sighted).
 
I think if you split the "rounds" that you will like them better and they will dry out quicker. I would split them after cutting them into length. By the way, Jealous of your find! When I lived in Texas It was a hard decision whether to use pecan or mesquite when smoking my Briskets. My personal favorite was mesquite, but if I was feeding others at the trough, I would use pecan. :-D

Blessings, :pray:
Omar
 
retired trucker said:
I think if you split the "rounds" that you will like them better and they will dry out quicker. I would split them after cutting them into length. By the way, Jealous of your find! When I lived in Texas It was a hard decision whether to use pecan or mesquite when smoking my Briskets. My personal favorite was mesquite, but if I was feeding others at the trough, I would use pecan. :-D

Blessings, :pray:
Omar
Click to expand...

I don't know how to split the wet rounds.. they don't split very well wet right? I got a hatchet today and harbor frieght for $11. I don't have a chopping stump or block though to sit it on.. any ideas what I could sit the wood on to chop it? This is all new to me.. cutting fire / smoking wood--axes included.
 
I have used an old axe or hatchet and set the round up on a piece of old RR tie or a large piece of 6 X 6 and then used a hand held sledge hammer to pound the axe/hatchet through the round. Really, anything will work except a chunk of concrete. Of course you want to use a axe/hatchet with a hammer head on one side. :doh:

Blessings, :pray:
Omar
 
retired trucker said:
I have used an old axe or hatchet and set the round up on a piece of old RR tie or a large piece of 6 X 6 and then used a hand held sledge hammer to pound the axe/hatchet through the round. Really, anything will work except a chunk of concrete. Of course you want to use a axe/hatchet with a hammer head on one side. :doh:

Blessings, :pray:
Omar
Click to expand...

That sounds good.. I'll find a large flat piece of hard wood that won't split easy to use as a base. I'll sharpen up the axe good and just sit it there like you say and hit with a sledgehammer. Thanks.
 
c farmer said:
Yup. I am Adam. Lol

I cut it last fall and a put some chunks beside my coal stove to help dry them. I keep them there for 1 month. As I use them I add more.

I have hickory, apple, maple, cherry and oak that I cut on the farm.
Click to expand...

Very nice, how thick do you cut your limb discs again? What diameter typically?
 
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