A note to the sensitive viewers. In the video I poke a little fun at the conventional notches and those who do them. This is all done with the intent of it being all in good fun. Some of my viewers like to razz me about my “upside down notches”. All of this is just friendly banter.
@@thekiltedsawyer no I have always used Woodmizer resharp. I just recorded a video today about them ending resharp. I either need to get some sharpening equipment or find another solution.
I can't think of any higher praise than to say I found this very, very useful. I like the clarity of your explanations, your dry sense of humor and the pace of your delivery. All in all, most excellent.
I've been cutting trees professionally 38 years. This guy knows his stuff and no ego. Just smooth and steady. My only comment is always plan to use a wedge. I once had a sudden wind gust push a tree about this size back up after it started to go. Thankfully I had placed a wedge and it saved me.
Can i ask a serious question, if you have been cutting professionally for 40 years…why are you watching a how to video? Genuinely curious…ive been cutting for 18 months and have in field teachers, everything i saw here was already known to me in the short time ive been learning, but was curious to see if my instructors were providing same info as others…i imagine if i did this for 38 more years, i would have done thousands of humboldt cuts and wouldnt find any use in spending 15 minutes in my advanced age watching a video about one
Couldn't agree more with your comment David ! I never tire of witnessing such skilled workers in the tree felling trade. Kudos for this well-executed video instruction Wilson - it brings me back fond memories !
@@TheAcenightcreeperI know your question was for the other commenter, but I've been falling for 29 years and I just enjoy watching someone who knows what they're doing. This video just popped up on my feed, and honestly I thought maybe I'd get to see some carnage, but low and behold this dude has good skills and he explained things perfectly. You never know what you may learn! I learned that this guy has good aim😊
I'm no pro, but have dropped many trees in the last 45 years. Always something to learn from a guy who knows what he's doing, even if it's only a reassurance that you would have done it correctly.
Your method of delivery and personality made me smile. I think you would be very welcomed sitting around a camp fire squinting in smoke telling a few tall tales.
I am impressed!!! Clear, cocise and honest. Nothing gives a better feeling that dropping a 12k pound tree where you want it to fall...safely. Keep it up!
I agree, this man is very experienced indeed and he is dead on when saying he should save as much wood by cutting the stump. This is a true work of art not like those other viral video showing the key notch (or Tongue & Groove) technique which is the worst amateur things I have ever seen.
I cut for a 'gypo' cutting company and we had to use the Humbolt cut to save more good Doug Fir wood on the logs because the mill wanted nice, square-end logs. You are a great teacher and add a little humor to make an interesting video. Blessings to you.
My Dad was a timber faller. He started when he was 18 and cut until he was 65. If you asked him how to cut a tree, he would say, “Well, I don’t know.” He was known for accurately dropping trees. They used him in areas where there were burns and they wanted the dead trees down without harming the live trees.
Sounds like some fallers I've known over the years. The I don't know means they have so much knowledge that it's hard to put into words for mere mortals to understand.
I cut trees 5 days a week (not for logging, but for residential). I found this to be more helpful than most of the tree-cutting videos on RU-vid. You explain. the details that were needed very well! The only thing we do differently is we try to line up our back cut dead center on our notch cut or a little bit above as you do.
Thank you for your input Mike. I appreciate the comment. I get the impression they are more about making higher back cut with conventional style than we are with the Humboldt.
I think a Humbot cut is less likely to kickback off the stump in the feller's direction, the reason for coming in above the face cut on the conventional method. With your coaching I think I'm going to try this method again-first efforts were dismal. DOUG out
Great instruction! One thing I will add, if you are falling a rotted tree make sure you bore it to find where the best holding wood is. I learned from my mistakes back in the day, and I remember a few Red Oaks kicking out on me because I did not bore them. Do the face cut on the rotted side or it can come over backwards on the cutter. Also, I was always taught to stay in the tree on the throttle until the last second, then take a step away, this prevents the cutter from ruining good wood.
This might be the single best tree cutting instructional video I have ever seen. Supreme description of the how AND the why, in a really easy to watch and listen tone and style. Absolutely excellent work and thanks for taking the time and effort to do it.
As an xlogger, having fell thousands of trees for hongry skidders not far from the yard/deck, and having topped Spruce/Virginia pine in the summertime,😢 this tutorial was most informative, interesting, and accurate ever. 👍 Thank you Sir!
That was probably the clearest explanation of correct technique I have ever seen. I've done a couple of "professional week long courses and have some 30 years experience, but your modest, dry, detailed, humourous and super clear explanations are an example to all of those tutors. I feel the Humbolt makes sense on a slope. On flat ground, unless there is huge flare, it just gives you a high stump.
Thank you for the kind words. What you said sounds like a good explanation of why west coast has gravitated toward Humboldt and East coast has toward conventional.
Hey that’s a great job on explaining the proper way to make a tree go boom and exactly where you want it to go boom . I am from the PNW grew up on a hydraulic tank of a D8 cat my step father was one of the best him and his brother. So I have seen a lot of faller’s making there section of the cut go boom helped some also . But the that we were taught was by being yelled at and called something’s that weren’t your name until you did it right lol, I don’t think that is ok to do anymore because of the sensitivity of society today but I really enjoyed watching and listening to and the boom. Thank You nicely Done.
@@WilsonForestLands Let's face it, you are just a failure at making mistakes Me, I'm really good at making mistakes. In fact, I can do that without even trying. LOL. By the way, that was a great demonstration. I just had to come back and watch this video again. Your videos do tend to be that good. Yes, even the reruns.
Thanks so much for your insight on felling trees. Ive only cut down about 20 trees but seem to have that ability to understand cutting the wedge and backcutting to accomplish the correct direction. Never really had any instruction. But today, i learned about the necessity of using a wedge and a more practical way of cutting for log harvesting with the Humboldt cut. Excellent explanation of how to start and adjust the cut. Another thing i seem to have done wrong is i always cut 50 percent into the tree for the top angle wedge. A third seems much safer, and using a wedge so applicable. I mistakenly also cut at the same height as the front cut for the back cut. I've got 50 trees to cut down and sawmill for a pole barn and other structures on my property, so i value your lesson immensely! BTY, I'm 73 and still love the work and building stuff. Sawmill is sitting in the box waiting for the trees to get cut down!
@@jackh7977 I think he took your "undercut" name for the Humboldt to mean you fell them without taking a wedge out... that would be like Russian roulette, right?
I've been logging and falling for many years here in B.C. , and we use the Humbolt so the sawmills don't whine and complain. We use the exact same terminology as you do. Great video, great explanation for aiming the tree's landing spot. I hope the young guys listen and learn from you.
Thanks so much for this. I would say that this is the best tree cutting video I’ve ever watched. Obvious experience, no BS, and really fun dry humour. Even the description answers the other immediate questions. I’ve been cutting our own firewood for 15 years or so, and things go the way I want most of the time now. My biggest challenge is lining up the notches and you have me some new tips to try that I think will make a big difference. Sure am glad that the algorithm’ decided to put one or your videos in my feed, this was the second one I watched. I’m about to see what else I’ve been missing.
There's nothing but experience in this video, i appreciate you sharing your wisdom . Knowledge is knowing ,wisdom is doing! I'm an ASE certified automotive technician and can relate to the fact that it's just second nature and its hard to explain how you make it look easy . Thank you for sharing, stay safe.
As a Kiwi who has dropped lots of big pinus radiata trees on steep hillsides, I like the "upside down cut". I do the upward cut first. Easier to get the right meeting of the two with a horizontal cut. I use several cheap Chinese saws with full chisel teeth, these are fast on pine. They do not like grit so I just get another saw and sharpen them all later.
Around here, western Montana anyway, we always refer to that as an “Oregon undercut”. I’ve been trying to figure out approximately where you live, whether it be Northern California or Southern Oregon. I think you dropped me a huge hint. Thanks for making these inspiring videos. I spend a lot of my days doing what you’re doing and then, because I can’t get enough chainsaw action during the day, I entertain myself at night watching you and listening to your chainsaw.
Hi, I,ve been felling for 20 yrs now in UK Not always as much as I would like. I look at youtubers doing this and they faff about to much. I think your video could be used as a training tutorial. To the point and showing in a simple manner. Explanation was really good. Will watch more of ypur videos.
Thank you for the kind words. I like how you said “faff about”. I have never heard that one. Those of you from the UK definitely have a way with the English language.
That went exactly where you wanted it, excellent. I've heard the other top down style of face cut called a 'Conventional Cut',,,, I personally prefer the Humbolt like you do it. That was great
While not a pro, I have been clearing trees for better than 40 years, and managed to not get myself into trouble. I have some work coming up in a week or so and because I always like to prepare, I have been watching YT videos a lot lately. Even found some training videos I think from British Columbia. While pretty experienced I have learned a lot more, and I have to say this video of yours is the best I have seen. Your style of humor just resonates with me (and others from the comments here) and that makes this all the more enjoyable. Great job! I hope to view more of your videos to see your take on other techniques. At 68 I know a lot of stuff, but there is so much more I don't know, and I always want to learn. Thanks again.
Right where you wanted it. I have been felling trees since 89', Here in the UK where i work it's mainly hard wood, European Ash, Oak, Maple, even in local woodlands it's seen as urban forestry so amenity based for leisure. we usual cut 'Goofy' as you put it because the stump height is important for access and many stump are ground out or left for coppice The wood rarely goes to a mill but I do some with my Alaskan Mill on the spot. I cut a Humboldt gob when i get a chance. Great video. Thanks
The explanations and demonstration are as good as it gets. Details matter in the woods. We've lost a few wood cutters with cutting errors and inattention to branches that have broken off above landing on the sawyer. Salute
Thank you for responding to a request to do this type of video. I appreciate your disclaimer , but to most of us I’m sure you are considered an Expert. Ever video you put out you are doing a teaching video. I think the most important message you left me with, is experience is the greatest teacher, but your guidance and help is very much appreciated. Great channel. Thank you.
Fantastic video. Thanks for passing on your wisdom and experience. I enjoy falling trees but I’m a beginner and it’s sorta scary. But I take my time and so far I’m still here.
Thanks great video, wanted to share about how much hing to leave. I was taught to leave a 10th of the width. So if you have a tree 15 inches wide then you will need a 1.5 inch hing. This has always worked well for me and hope it helps other people.
A very informative and and the point demo of how to and not to. I have been felling trees in New Zealand for many years and I am still learning. Thank you and cheers, keep up the good work . Thanks
Though I have never cut trees down, I have always felt that there is a science to it. You proved it. Thanks for the education. I hope to see you do the Dutchman sometime in the future. This does interest me. Thank you!!
Found the information regarding the direction adjustment of the bottom cut really helpful - first time I have seen anyone explain the sighting of the bar angle from the far side .
My father was a well respected tree surgeon and grew up settling slings and chokers on a logging crew as a boy. He told me the same thing, I can’t tell you how I know boy, I just know! That trees gonna go right there, and sure enough every single time it did. God bless and be safe out there! 🇺🇸💪👊👍
“Entertainment only” is why I’m watching. I’m well past my years where I want to fell a whole tree, especially with a chainsaw. Nowadays I trim my trees, but with a pruning blade on my Sawzall. I have more control, in my situation. But I do love to watch a pro working his craft. Thanks for sharing
Just found your channel...I'm very impressed with your presentation style and your method of explaining techniques, and why/how they work. Great job! Thanks a lot for your efforts to help the rest of us. I subbed...
Been watching these types pf videos for the past few months. This was was by far one of my favs! Clarity and spot on comedy! Not bad for the west coast. . ... You just had some goofy front cut 😂
you have some great videos and your experience shows, just wish I could have found them years ago when I was more active (old age coming on strong) but I still drop a few smaller trees on occasion. there are times when a thick chunk of calk can be handy, saves you from stopping to check the other side of the tree but I caution you DO NOT let your buddies catch you marking a cut line with chalk, they will most likely dog you for weeks to come if not longer. thank you for the time to take to make these educational videos and stay safe.
To help align the back cut, I'll often place a small twig or weed stalk in the "V" of the undercut so it's sticking out the other side. It's easier with a hinge cut than the Humboldt because the twig will want to fall out but if it stays put you have a visual alignment aid instead of having to stop and walk around the tree
Best explanations and outstanding technical demonstration. If I had seen your video a few years back it would have prevented the scariest tree falling I ever had. Thanks also for your detailed and most courteous, professional advice.
Im 60 been a brick mason up until 55 or so but someone gave me an old sawmill and just about got it ready to use and been cutting down a few trees and after watching this it helps alot i have about a 100 ft cable that i use but theres been a couple times it broke just about had a big disaeter once butvthanks be to god things turned out all right but anyway thank you for sharing this as an example without saying this is the only way to do it,you have a nice evening
Thanks for sharing you valuable knowledge. I don't cut a lot of trees, mostly dead or damaged on my property. I use the top cut unusable log method because I almost always get it right first cut every time, with the Humboldt, never! It amazes me how you can make a Humboldt cut perfect almost every time & on huge trees.
Thanks for sharing this, I use mostly the conventional cut and have been practicing the humboldt, but it feels awkward for me. Yes, please show the swinging Dutchman. I have tried it several times and have had various results. It comes in handy on some of the trees I cut down for firewood, mostly conifer pine.
I could probably do a more informative video if I had more experience using both techniques. But either one makes the tree go boom, that’s the main thing.
As a young man growing up in VT, we were cutting ski trails in the middle of the winter when they had winter. We're. talking below zero weather, sometimes 20 below. Anyway there were four of us cutting and we use to have competitions on felling. Yes, swinging Dutchman, you can really make a tree dance. We would take a tree and challenge someone to drop it in a place it shouldn't go. Lots of money changed hands and good times! The other part of that job is we went up in insulated suits and in 5-10 min you were peeling shirts off getting down to your long underwear. You would look like a steam man. The city folks photographed the heck out of us. What memories! Happy holiday