This tree has a beetle infestation , there is 3-4 dead tops in it which are all 50 foot from there old topping wound . shes on her way out , we just help her rest .
IN THE PAST 3 YEARS OUR GRAND FIR TREES ( BALSAM) , HAVE BEEN GETTIN' ATTACKED BY A BETTLE , YOU WILL NOTICE AT 18:00 MIN AND ON THAT IT WAS TOPPED MANY YEARS AGO AND HAS 4 DEAD TOPS IN IT WHICH ARE ALL 50 FOOT FROM THE OLD WOUND, ANOTHER VICTIM OF THE BALSAM BEETLE .
Reminds me of when the city I grew up in cut every single Elm tree down in the city in the 70's, Dutch Elm disease took hold and was moving through the city, Very sad. The city replaced the Elms but it took decades for streets to look like they did before they were forced to act.
out here in the western US, Mountain pine beetles are wreaking havoc on big swathes of trees. Southern Utah is covered with standing dead and deadfall, just waiting for fires to catch and cause all sorts of devastation. Even worse, they're starting to find them in Bristlecone pines which are some of the oldest trees in North America. They grow slow in the dry mountains and poor rocky soil where nothing else wants to grow. The bristlecones are pretty tough but the thought of losing trees that started life during the early years of the Roman Empire to bugs is no bueno.
I have been working in the woods since 1950, starting with my dad with crosscut saw and felling axe, eventually graduating to chain saw. I've never seen a more skillful operator. As the Germans say, ausgezeichnet!!
End of the day, already done a full day’s work, minor injury adding to fatigue, BUT there is still ONE MORE THING TO DO, and the “warrior mentality” of “doing what it takes to get the job done” with skill, and deliberation, performs at the highest level of the art, with joy and humility. You are an inspiration!
Yeah, I'm watching the undercut and thinking "that is so big and it's such a difficult angle - how is he ever going to get that cut to come out right", then he lines it up carefully and smoothly and works through it to a perfect cut. Just perfect, great skills and planning.
Sweet.. I am Oregonian born and bred.. the 1952 version and all of us boys worked in the lumber industry in the Start of our illustrious life.. my brother and I were choker setters.. I went on to be a carpenter and he to work for the phone company.. This is how I was taught to down a tree and still do.. or did. now a days my little saw and I cut trees that are no more than heavy brush.. But man what a great time I had watching this!!!! Brought back many great memories.. and you truly are a faller of quality and determination.. No matter what anyone else says.. I have worked and had more friends that were fallers then I care to remember.. You are right up there with some of the best.. thanks a lot brother for the share.. it was great..
Buckin, that was the prettiest humbolt I’ve seen on a tree that size with an undersized bar. And you were hurt to boot. Well done, old chap. Well done!
Oh, he'll show off a little too! Haha but you're right, he's definitely seems to be way more humble and informative rather than just egocentric and dangerous like a lot of the guys I've seen on here. Buckin' seems like a great guy to take advice and learn from
Nothing wrong with fanfare when it's deserved. And Billy as he said " Nailed it." The only thing stopping him from doing a little jig was his bum leg. Ha Ha.
I love this stuff. Ain’t it awesome how the first thing we do is check our stump after a fell? It’s like our report card on how well we did. Stay safe.
morning buckin! this is the moment where long experience and knowlege meet.... blindly undercut with too short bar on a big tree...well done bro! (it's easy for me to speak, I'm not a professional...hahaha) have a great day my friend, luvya!
thanks rick and ron that is how my grandfather taught me how to cut down some oak and pine trees in Florida with a 16" electric craftsman chain saw when I was 12-13 years old to clear a lot for our mobile home back in 1975-76. I was a big soft city kid and had to learn some hard things and ways of doing stuff, did shed some tears on the way, when I thought I could not do any more...
Chain saws scare the hell outta me. I can use one and I have taken down a couple of trees (30') but did not like it and I was second third and fourth guessing myself. You sir made that look easy, you knew what you wanted to do, calculated out what you wanted and did it like a professional. Which is exactly what I would pay someone for next time!
The holding wood on the humboldt is perfect. Love how you know the length of the bar w/o cuttting into the holding wood. With all that water I thought it'd have rot in the core. Then same switching to bucking w/ a shorter bar. You know exactly how long it is too. Inspirational
Billy Ray Smith... It is a joy to watch your Mastery of Tree Cutting... Its truly a work of art... And that's what makes you that guy... the very best 👌 👍😉🖖
Hey Ray. I've bucked a few trees in my time and my names Ray Smith too. I've always been a big fan since I've known about you. I'm crippled up and just a few weeks post heart attack and a quadruple bypass. I watch everything you post and have seen you're a genuinely generous person. I say that because of the axes you've given your fans. I'd love to have one of your axes. Maybe burn your sign on the handle. I would cherish it for the rest of my lifetime. Sorry about your knee Bro. I'm gonna pray for quick recovery. It works. Thanks my friend.
A long time ago and far away in Monterey, CA, my uncle allowed me to work with him in his tree service. They didn't need me, but they let me join the ground crew and learn, and I was and still am grateful. Day after day of good hard honest work, and the vigilance of safety. Watching your videos transports me back and I see the threads of my life running through that time and those guys and that work so essentially, so importantly carried in my core. Hats off to you, sir. Such good stuff you're putting out there. Very much appreciated. You've got me swinging an axe, splitting my own firewood this year. Feels good, man. Feels real good.
This is about the only technique my dad ever used on the big trees we did when I was growing up. I use it myself from time to time. Never really considered it old school but knowing my dad it's definitely old school haha
Take care of that knee. Ask your doc about seeing a PT for strengthening the muscles in the areas of both knees. I’ve been able. to deal with related issues for 45 years through keeping up with these exercises. Great video, my friend.
I’m from a 4 generation logging family and I have seen this under cut manny times as well as water in trees especially the California white fir known for holding lots of water so much so it has a more colorful name by fallers like my father late grandfather and late great grandfather. The other tree goes by white oak or valley oak to loggers to flatlanders it’s called blue oak and it’s known to hold tons of water as well. It’s good to see the old ways are still around.
You are an inspiration and a blessing. Taking pride in your work and doing it for your family and the glory of God. Don't be too upset about your knee, growing old is a blessing not afforded to all 😂
I admit I have no idea what your talking about, but I've worked all over doing many different trades. I know this - you and your crew know what's up. Sorry about your knee... I worked with a crew 40 yrs ago now creating farm land 10 acars. Winter work to this day I've never done anything that made me feel that alive...... great to see pro's doing what they do...... May this find you well and safe 😎 Doug
Great stuff as always. Be wary of cumulative failure! I find that whenever i'm working injured that favoring the compromised limb leads me to do things in ways I normally wouldn't, which can sometimes lead to mistakes!
I’ve been watching you billy for about four or five years and you’ve taught me a lot of climbing and felling skills that no one I was around knew or even wanted to teach thank you for this and everything else you’ve told about trees and life
Thanks Rick and Ron for helping the big man out your help was invaluable. Another master class from Billy always a pleasure to sit and enjoy. Hope all the buckin army is well. Enjoy the rest of your week folks.Stay safe. Regards to you all from across the pond
It's easy to twist wrong on the uneven ground around around those big trees. Hope you're on the mend. Nice notch work, I got the the lesson, Flipping the saw and the bore cut from the opposite side, it all seems obvious once it's shown to you. but I didn't understand how to get a good meet up at the end. I'll put that one in my box for the next big one. Thanks Buckin, hope you feel better!
An exceptional demonstration of work ethic! Any customer of BBR gets all of that man, all of the time, even when he's hurting! Great lesson for young folks starting out on their own business!💪💪💪 Love you all...❤️❤️❤️ Lieutenant Bradley
Great work. Instructive and very helpful. So many of us who aren't in that line of work really appreciate watching a professional at his craft. Thanks!
Absolutely nailed it! Watching your skills is impressive as hell and to a tradesmen its greatly appreciated. Watching you hobble around the tree it is obvious your not doing it for the money lol. When you looked back at the camera just before it fell the look on your face made it obvious why your still cutting. You absolutely love doing what you do. Pace yourself stretch only long enough so you don't end up on the bench. You don't seem to be the kinda person that will be happy stuck in an armchair watching the sun rise and set. Mad skills and respect
This reminds me of the 10-10 buckin 4’ maple, besides the bum knee and wet pants. Hope the knee straightens out for you soon buddy, hobbling gets old even if it’s for a day. Love to you and the family❤️
Billy Ray, been watching your videos for months . Could tell your just not the same after the knee injury. Looked like your knee was about to give out at one point. Don't like to tell anyone what to do but Please don't do any more cutting till your knee is better. Your body needs it while your healing, have a good day friend !
Getting the job done bum knee and all 🌲!! Your such a good man Buckin…. We need more people who are going the mile….. Take care of the injury…Keep looking up..👍
You acquired the trajectory quite well and the hinge look absolutely perfect especially having to split it up because of the bar size. I miss doing the tree work ever since I've been partially disabled with a bad back but once in awhile I'll push myself a little bit harder even if if it takes me longer.
Great!! First time watching one of your videos. Never saw a tree man like you not wear glasses. Hope the knee heals up real fast, looking forward to future videos. Love the motivational comments, wish everyone would live by them.
Love watching someone who knows what they are doing. I do not work as you do, the cutting I do is on my property in upper Michigan. Tall trees, not as large in diameter. Watching you check where it is going to drop as you cut, that is a lesson in itself. Thanks for the videos. Anyone who has used a saw knows just how skilled you are.
Someone without visual PPE is someone I don't consider to 'know what he is doing'. I just can see him squint as he is sawing. Please people. Your eyes can't be replaced. This comment comes from someone who has had surgery done to both eyes and would be blind without.
This is awesome! I could tell by the sound of the saw when that wedge released. Big saw chips (sharp saw). And that extra wide notch you created by letting the bar guide right along the previous cut was perfect. I learned something today with you turning the saw over during the wedge cut. I could tell though that it must be getting toward the end of the day by the way you were trying to straighten up. Man... my lower back hurts just watching this! One last thing... people make fun of me when I wear my chaps, steel-toes, helmet, shield, and ear protection. I'm now on my second pair of chaps. My first pair is worn out and has three minor chain cuts in it. These were three trips I DIDN'T have to make to the ER. Thank you.
Buckin I sure hope You heal up soon! God Bless You and the family! I say this with much respect for You Sir be careful the world is a better place because of You! We sure want you to hang around with us many more years! Much love to You Buckin!👍🙏❤️
You never disappoint Billy Ray!!! I have been watching you for years. I have learned a lot from watching you and enjoy cutting heating with wood. I will be 70 years old July the 5th, 2022. I have 23 saws so I always have one or two that will run. I have 2 old Pro Mac 610's a friend gave me. They do not run. Maybe this winter I will try and see what they need. My saws are mostly Stihls. I like an Old MS 250 the best. It's small and cuts well enough for me. I also have two Makita's. One is a 6400 with a 24-inch bar. Hope you are not hurt too bad!!! It is no fun to cut wood injured.
I love my Stihl 025 that my Grandad lets me use. I keep it cleaned with compressed air and the chain very sharp! It is all the saw I could ever need for 16 inch .325.
I have a few saws as well, but not 23...yet! I make my living with my saws. I have had some of the best and hope to again. But the 2 saws that I rely on everyday are my Sthil ms250 and my Dolmar(Makita)6400.
You sir are a master of your trade, always enjoy your content, hat's off to Rick and Ron too. Many of my friends have worked in the woods and have taught me a thing or two. Thank you for your videos and sharing knowledge with a positive attitude. All the best!
FIRST TIME VIEWER ! Wow. From the UK. Love the outdoors. That cut was unbelievable. Plus you hit your target stumb. I'm a subscriber and will hope to learn from your videos. True expert !
Hope your knee is OK and doesn't cause you a lot of pain. Just had a knee replacement about a year ago, and I can appreciate what you are going thru. "Mother's oil really helps." I really enjoyed watching you attact that tree.
I was taught an under cut is more prone to save the log due to the way it hinges and is less likely to jump out forward off the notch landing top first. Love your work brother!! Keep it up!!✌🏻
Another great video by someone who has a ton of experience and a positive attitude about his trade. He throttles up the saw higher so he can get the bar out and doesn't get it binded up, which sounds simple but people forget. Take it easy rest up the knee.
Billy, I know just how much pain you can have with your knees. I m getting ready for knee replacement with the left one first then recovery and then the right. Hope yours gets better soon. Great video and wishing you and yours a wonderful 4th of July.
Had mine done (both) in 2017. NO ISSUES! Do the exercises, go to therapy. DO NOT CHEAT OR SKIMP. The second day after the operation is the worst day you will have. After that it gets progressively better and by month 2 you will wonder why you waited so long to have it done. I had both knees done 5 months and 20 days apart, and never looked back. Good luck and keep the faith, it will be worth it.
@@sw227x6 I was pretty bad for 5 weeks. Then it started to get good and even better. December will be my 2nd year and now the swelling is finally starting to look normal. It feels so much better that my other knee is starting to be the sore one. Bucking depending on what is wrong don’t wait on the knee fix, get to the doctor ASAP. Try to find the college football or school doctor. Make sure you get a well known orthopedic doctor.
I had to use that undercut on many huge A pines in Florida. Hard hard wood. Definitely a saw beatin tree. Have to give a shoutout to whoever cut that chain. The rakers did perfect.
Absolutely love this video. I have been running my tweaked 281 and another saw with a 28in B&C on a job , 3ft plus dia. dead ash tree's. I confess to using a different technique I've use for around 30 years on those, but it doesn't matter, I will give this one a try. If for no other reason than to see how the "geometry" of this works. Concern I have is the dead ash is rather unpredictable. So try not to "hang around" those trees. Hope your knee settles and doesn't stop u from doing what you love AND sharing :)
These big ole dead ash scare me because they are so unpredictable! The hinge usually just snaps off even with a much larger than normal hinge. Be extra cautious with these! Billy, I was taught to try and use the undercut method when you can. put the "waste" on the stump instead of the log! Great job! I'm 66 years young and had my left knee done four years ago after suffering for 20+ years. I was in the woods in six weeks and walking like I was 20! But, no one can tell you when to have it done. You will know when YOU are ready!!
Good morning buckin and his army. What a tremendous job on that under cut. A learning experience as always. Rick and Ron did a fantastic job and thanks for helping the big guy out. Buckin I hope your knee heals fast. Love you buddy.
it's like your saws are trusted old friends. extensions of your arm 'here's what we are gonna do' (saw) 'okay buddy, gotcha'. been a pleasure to watch.
I'm a pipefitter and it reminds me of a miter cut on a piece of pipe, actually that it is the same thing when he's meeting that undercut together. But I have only cut a few big trees down, oaks in texas, but this method is awesome if you can follow your line and see it in your head.
Its always fun to watch someone doing something with a high level of skill. Ive only cut down a handful of trees in my life but that was more than enough to know that its something thats hard to do well. Kudos!
It is a huge pleasure to watch a person working their craft and doing it well. I am especially fond of watching people who do more with a tool than most would ever consider, and making it all look seamless. For me it shows their experience and attention to the small things. Your spatial awareness is amazing and astounding to behold.
Something I have noticed that I believe separates the pros from someone that owns a saw but seldom uses it is the pros like Billy here take their time, stop occasionally to check notch development, if tree is leaning and in safe , preferred direction and what if any modifications need to be done to correct or keep fall in order. Just like socks on a rooster Billy. Perfect.
Been doing a few trees (just over 50) myself over the past few years, and recently did a 36" tree with a 20" bar similar to the way you did this tree but not as pretty. Learned a few things watching you on this one. Thanks for posting this fell. I also have had knee problems on a cut job, and it sucks, but like you have made it a point to finish what I wanted to get done. Hope your healing fast.
Hey Ray, hope your knee is doing better. I had an issue with mine wearing out, some torn cartilage, and thought I was headed for a replacement, until a phys. therapist taped it for me. Within a couple weeks, the pain was nearly gone! I bought a roll of the stuff, called 'kinesiology' tape, a stretchy sports tape, and had the guy teach me how to apply it. You want to get checked out first, since you don't want any blood clots (DVT) or infection in there, since the tape might increase blood flow to the point of breaking some of that free. There are several good YT videos on applying it: Basically, make a couple of parentheses of it on either side of the kneecap, overlapping at the top and bottom, and apply each piece starting at the top, seated with your leg straight out and the tape about half stretched, and begin sticking it on, working your way down as you slowly lower your leg. By the time you're sticking on the bottom of the piece of tape, your foot is on the floor. Then repeat for the other 'parenthesis'. Lasts about 4 days, you can shower with it, and its sports tape, so sweating's not a problem. It's the same principle as weight lifters taping their wrists to increase gripping and forearm strength hanging onto the barbells. It'll really strengthen the supporting tissues surrounding the knee joint, reducing swelling, inflammation and pain, and will help you stabilize very quickly, before you unconsciously develop some bad habits with compensating from the other leg. Get that balance off between them, and you could have hip problems, sciatica, and everything else. Anyway, good luck to you! Hope it heals up fully!
Take care of that knee Buckin. I went through this with my knees. Both locked up on me. Got some x rays and they gave me some shots to the knees and they started to heal. I was good in three days ready to go, brother. See ya on the wood soon Buckin get well. soon.
Your years of experience and all the tricks you have learned along the way make your work look so smooth...... not easy, just smooth. And now you are passing those tricks (skills) along to anyone who is willing to pay attention. Extremely generous of you, my good sir! BTW, the amount of work you do would drive an average man into the dirt. And the voice-overs are great.
Back in 1959 my folks took us on vacation to Northern California, and one of our most memorable stops was a logging camp. Evidently, they got a lot of us tourists. They had a video of the guys working, and some of them used this method. It was so scarry to watch but, until I realized for my young self, they knew what they were doin'. It was exactly the way Mr. Smith did this tree. It was exciting to watch, Thank You.
