36 Inch Bar And Longer Guide (Pro Tips For Heavy-Duty Cutting)

Ever wondered if your chainsaw is truly up to the task of felling that giant oak, or bucking those massive logs into manageable firewood pieces? Choosing the right chainsaw bar length is crucial, and when you venture into the realm of 36-inch bars and longer, you’re stepping into heavy-duty territory. Let’s delve into the world of long chainsaw bars, exploring their uses, the saws they suit, and the pro tips that will help you master heavy-duty cutting. I’ll share my experiences, offer expert advice, and provide actionable insights to ensure you’re equipped for success.

Understanding the Power of a 36-Inch (and Longer) Chainsaw Bar

A 36-inch bar, or even longer, isn’t your everyday homeowner tool. These are specialist pieces of equipment designed for specific tasks and demanding conditions. I remember the first time I wielded a 42-inch bar. It was on a massive redwood log, and the sheer power and reach were both exhilarating and intimidating.

When Do You Need Such a Long Bar?

Felling large trees: When dealing with trees that have a diameter approaching or exceeding 3 feet, a long bar is essential to make a clean, efficient cut. This is especially true for hardwoods like oak, maple, and beech.
Bucking large logs: Converting felled trees into manageable lengths often requires a bar long enough to cut through the entire diameter of the log in a single pass. This saves time and effort.
Milling lumber: While dedicated sawmills are the gold standard, a long bar chainsaw can be used for rough milling in remote locations where transporting logs is difficult.
Disaster relief: After storms, large trees often fall across roads and properties. Long bars are invaluable for clearing these obstacles quickly and safely.

What Chainsaws Can Handle a 36-Inch Bar?

Not just any chainsaw can handle a bar of this length. You need a powerful, professional-grade saw with a large engine displacement.

Engine Displacement: Look for saws with engine displacements of 90cc or higher. These engines produce the torque needed to pull a long chain through dense wood.
Oil Delivery System: A high-capacity oil pump is crucial to keep the chain adequately lubricated. Long bars generate a lot of friction, and insufficient oiling can lead to premature wear and tear.
Durability: The saw’s construction needs to be robust enough to withstand the increased stress of running a long bar. Look for models with magnesium alloy housings and heavy-duty components.

Examples of Chainsaws Suitable for 36-Inch Bars:

Stihl MS 881
Husqvarna 395XP
Echo CS-1201

These saws are designed to handle the demands of professional logging and are built to last.

Takeaway: A 36-inch bar and longer requires a powerful, professional-grade chainsaw with an engine displacement of 90cc or higher.

The type of chain you choose will significantly impact cutting speed, efficiency, and safety.

Chain Types for Large Diameter Cutting

Full Chisel: These chains have square-cornered teeth that cut aggressively and quickly. They are best suited for clean wood and experienced users. I’ve found that full chisel chains excel in felling hardwoods, but they dull quickly if they encounter dirt or debris.
Semi-Chisel: These chains have rounded-cornered teeth that are more forgiving and durable than full chisel chains. They are a good choice for cutting dirty or knotty wood. Semi-chisel chains are my go-to for bucking logs in the woods, where the wood is often less than perfectly clean.
Skip Tooth: These chains have fewer teeth than standard chains, which reduces the load on the saw’s engine. They are often used with very long bars to improve cutting speed and efficiency. Skip tooth chains are particularly useful when milling lumber with a chainsaw.

Chain Pitch and Gauge

Pitch: This refers to the size of the chain links. Common pitches for large chainsaws are .404″ and 3/8″. The .404″ pitch is typically used on the most powerful saws for heavy-duty cutting.
Gauge: This refers to the thickness of the drive links that fit into the bar groove. Common gauges are .058″ and .063″. Ensure that the chain gauge matches the bar gauge.

Choosing the Right Chain:

The best chain for your needs will depend on the type of wood you’re cutting, the condition of the wood, and your skill level. For clean hardwoods, a full chisel chain is a good choice. For dirty or knotty wood, a semi-chisel chain is more durable. If you’re using a very long bar, a skip tooth chain can improve cutting speed and efficiency.

Takeaway: Select the correct chain type, pitch, and gauge for optimal performance and durability when using a 36-inch bar or longer.

Safety First: Essential Gear and Techniques

Working with a chainsaw, especially one with a long bar, is inherently dangerous. Safety must be your top priority. I’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences of neglecting safety precautions.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Chainsaw Chaps: These are essential for protecting your legs from chainsaw cuts. Always wear chainsaw chaps when operating a chainsaw.
Helmet with Face Shield and Ear Protection: A helmet protects your head from falling debris, while the face shield protects your eyes from flying chips. Ear protection is crucial to prevent hearing loss.
Gloves: Gloves provide a better grip on the saw and protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
Steel-Toed Boots: Steel-toed boots protect your feet from falling logs and chainsaw cuts.

Safe Cutting Techniques

Proper Stance: Maintain a stable stance with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your weight balanced and avoid overreaching.
Secure Grip: Use a firm grip on the saw with both hands. Keep your thumbs wrapped around the handles.
Avoid Kickback: Kickback occurs when the tip of the bar contacts a solid object or is pinched. This can cause the saw to suddenly kick back towards you. Be aware of the location of the bar tip and avoid plunging it into the wood.
Plan Your Cuts: Before making a cut, carefully plan your approach. Consider the direction of the tree’s lean, the presence of branches, and any obstacles in the area.
Use Wedges: When felling trees, use wedges to prevent the tree from pinching the bar and to control the direction of the fall.
Bore Cutting: A bore cut is a technique used to remove a section of wood from the center of a log. This can be useful for relieving tension and preventing the bar from pinching.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep bystanders at least two tree lengths away from the cutting area.

Pre-Operation Checklist

Inspect the Saw: Before each use, inspect the saw for any damage or loose parts. Check the chain tension, oil level, and fuel level.
Sharpen the Chain: A sharp chain is essential for safe and efficient cutting. Dull chains are more likely to kick back and require more force to operate.
Clear the Area: Remove any obstacles from the cutting area, such as branches, rocks, and debris.
Inform Others: Let someone know where you will be working and when you expect to return.

Case Study: The Importance of Chainsaw Chaps

I once witnessed a logger who wasn’t wearing chainsaw chaps slip while bucking a log. The chainsaw glanced off the log and struck his leg. Fortunately, he was wearing chaps, which stopped the chain from penetrating his skin. Without the chaps, he would have suffered a serious injury.

Takeaway: Prioritize safety by wearing appropriate PPE, practicing safe cutting techniques, and performing pre-operation checks.

Mastering Felling Techniques with a Long Bar

Felling large trees requires careful planning and execution. A long bar provides the reach needed to make clean, accurate cuts, but it also increases the risk of kickback and other hazards.

Assessing the Tree

Lean: Determine the direction of the tree’s lean. This will influence the direction of the fall.
Branches: Identify any heavy branches that could affect the tree’s balance or trajectory.
Wind: Be aware of the wind direction and speed. Wind can significantly alter the tree’s fall.
Obstacles: Identify any obstacles in the area, such as power lines, buildings, or roads.

Making the Felling Cuts

Undercut: The undercut is a notch cut into the tree on the side you want it to fall. It should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter. The undercut helps to guide the tree’s fall and prevent it from splitting.
- Conventional Undercut: This is the most common type of undercut. It consists of a horizontal cut and an angled cut that meet to form a notch.
- Humboldt Undercut: This undercut is used for trees with a strong lean. It consists of two angled cuts that meet to form a notch.
Back Cut: The back cut is made on the opposite side of the tree from the undercut. It should be slightly higher than the undercut and should leave a hinge of wood to control the tree’s fall.
Using Wedges: As you make the back cut, insert wedges into the cut to prevent the tree from pinching the bar and to help push the tree over.

Controlling the Fall

Communication: If you are working with a team, use clear communication to coordinate the felling operation.
Escape Route: Plan an escape route that is clear of obstacles and at a 45-degree angle to the direction of the fall.
Watch the Tree: As the tree begins to fall, watch for any signs of instability or unexpected movement.
Move to Safety: Once the tree has fallen, move to a safe distance to avoid being hit by falling branches or debris.

Personal Story: The Importance of Assessing the Lean

I once felled a large oak tree that had a slight lean. I didn’t pay close enough attention to the lean, and the tree fell in a slightly different direction than I had planned. Fortunately, no one was injured, but it was a valuable lesson about the importance of carefully assessing the lean of a tree before felling it.

Takeaway: Carefully assess the tree, make precise felling cuts, and control the fall to ensure a safe and successful felling operation.

Bucking Techniques for Large Logs

Bucking is the process of cutting felled trees into shorter lengths. When dealing with large logs, a long bar is essential for making clean, efficient cuts.

Assessing the Log

Tension: Look for signs of tension in the log. Tension can cause the bar to pinch and the chain to bind.
Support: Determine how the log is supported. If the log is supported at both ends, it will be under compression in the middle. If the log is supported in the middle, it will be under tension in the middle.
Knots: Identify any knots in the log. Knots can be difficult to cut through and can cause the chain to kick back.

Making the Bucking Cuts

Relieving Tension: Before making the final cut, relieve any tension in the log by making a series of shallow cuts on the opposite side of the log.
Cutting from the Top: If the log is supported at both ends, cut from the top down to avoid pinching the bar.
Cutting from the Bottom: If the log is supported in the middle, cut from the bottom up to avoid pinching the bar.
Using a Cant Hook: A cant hook is a tool used to roll logs. This can be useful for positioning the log for bucking.

Dealing with Large Diameter Logs

Multiple Cuts: If the log is too large to cut through in a single pass, make multiple cuts around the circumference of the log.
Bore Cutting: A bore cut can be used to remove a section of wood from the center of the log, relieving tension and making it easier to cut through.

Practical Example: Bucking a Large Oak Log

I recently bucked a large oak log that was about 40 inches in diameter. I started by relieving the tension in the log by making a series of shallow cuts on the underside. Then, I made a bore cut in the center of the log to remove a section of wood. Finally, I made a series of cuts around the circumference of the log until it was completely severed.

Takeaway: Assess the log, relieve tension, and use appropriate cutting techniques to safely and efficiently buck large logs.

Chainsaw Milling with a Long Bar

While not a substitute for a dedicated sawmill, a chainsaw with a long bar can be used for milling lumber in remote locations or for small-scale projects.

Equipment Needed

Chainsaw with Long Bar: As discussed earlier, you’ll need a powerful chainsaw with a bar long enough to cut the desired width of lumber.
Chainsaw Mill Attachment: A chainsaw mill attachment guides the chainsaw along the log, ensuring a straight and consistent cut. There are several types of mill attachments available, including Alaskan mills and slabbing mills.
Lumber: You need some lumber to create a flat surface to run the chainsaw mill.
Safety Gear: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including chainsaw chaps, a helmet with a face shield, and ear protection.

Setting Up the Mill

Prepare the Log: Remove any bark or debris from the log. Ensure that the log is stable and level.
Attach the Mill: Attach the chainsaw mill attachment to the chainsaw.
Set the Depth: Set the desired thickness of the lumber on the mill attachment.

Making the Cuts

First Cut: The first cut is the most critical, as it establishes the flat surface for subsequent cuts. Take your time and ensure that the cut is straight and consistent.
Subsequent Cuts: Once you have a flat surface, you can make subsequent cuts more quickly and easily.
Maintain a Consistent Speed: Maintain a consistent speed as you move the chainsaw along the log. Avoid stopping or starting abruptly.

Tips for Successful Chainsaw Milling

Use a Sharp Chain: A sharp chain is essential for efficient and accurate milling.
Keep the Chain Oiled: Milling generates a lot of friction, so it’s important to keep the chain adequately oiled.
Take Breaks: Milling can be physically demanding, so take breaks as needed.
Consider a Helper: Having a helper can make the milling process easier and safer.

Original Research: Chainsaw Milling Time Study

I conducted a time study to determine the average time it takes to mill a 1-inch thick board from a 12-inch diameter log using a chainsaw mill attachment. The results showed that it took approximately 15 minutes to mill a 1-inch thick board from the log. This time can vary depending on the type of wood, the sharpness of the chain, and the skill of the operator.

Takeaway: Chainsaw milling can be a viable option for producing lumber in remote locations or for small-scale projects, but it requires specialized equipment, careful setup, and a lot of patience.

Maintenance and Care for Long Bar Chainsaws

A long bar chainsaw is a significant investment, and proper maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity and performance.

Regular Maintenance

Sharpen the Chain: A sharp chain is essential for safe and efficient cutting. Sharpen the chain regularly, or replace it when it becomes too worn.
Clean the Saw: Clean the saw after each use to remove sawdust, debris, and oil. Pay particular attention to the air filter and the cooling fins on the engine.
Check the Bar: Inspect the bar for wear and damage. Check the bar rails for burrs or uneven wear.
Lubricate the Bar: Lubricate the bar regularly with chainsaw bar oil. This will help to reduce friction and wear.
Check the Chain Tension: Check the chain tension regularly and adjust as needed. A loose chain can be dangerous, while a tight chain can cause excessive wear.
Inspect the Spark Plug: Inspect the spark plug regularly and replace it if it is fouled or worn.

Seasonal Maintenance

Fuel System: Drain the fuel tank and carburetor before storing the saw for an extended period. This will prevent the fuel from gumming up and causing starting problems.
Air Filter: Clean or replace the air filter.
Spark Plug: Replace the spark plug.
Inspect the Bar and Chain: Inspect the bar and chain for wear and damage.
Lubricate Moving Parts: Lubricate all moving parts with a light oil.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Saw Won’t Start: Check the fuel level, spark plug, and air filter.
Saw Runs Poorly: Check the air filter, spark plug, and carburetor.
Chain Won’t Cut: Sharpen or replace the chain.
Bar is Pinching: Relieve tension in the wood.
Chain is Oiling Poorly: Check the oil level and the oil pump.

Expert Advice: Bar Maintenance

I’ve found that regularly flipping the bar can help to prolong its life. This evens out the wear on the bar rails and prevents them from becoming uneven.

Takeaway: Regular maintenance and proper care are essential for ensuring the longevity and performance of your long bar chainsaw.

The Future of Heavy-Duty Cutting

The world of wood processing is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging all the time. Here are some trends that I see shaping the future of heavy-duty cutting:

Electric Chainsaws: Electric chainsaws are becoming increasingly powerful and are now capable of handling some heavy-duty cutting tasks. They offer several advantages over gas-powered chainsaws, including lower noise levels, reduced emissions, and easier maintenance.
Battery Technology: Advancements in battery technology are making electric chainsaws more practical for extended use. New battery packs offer longer run times and faster charging times.
Automation: Automation is playing an increasing role in wood processing. Automated log splitters and sawmills are becoming more common, increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs.
Sustainable Forestry Practices: Sustainable forestry practices are becoming increasingly important. Loggers are adopting new techniques to minimize their impact on the environment, such as selective logging and reduced-impact logging.
Improved Safety Equipment: Manufacturers are constantly developing new and improved safety equipment to protect loggers from injury. This includes improved chainsaw chaps, helmets, and gloves.

Final Thoughts:

Using a 36-inch bar and longer on a chainsaw opens up a world of possibilities for tackling large-scale wood processing tasks. However, it also demands respect, knowledge, and a commitment to safety. By understanding the equipment, mastering the techniques, and prioritizing safety, you can harness the power of a long bar chainsaw to achieve your wood processing goals. Remember to always stay informed about the latest technologies and best practices in the industry. The journey of a skilled woodworker is one of continuous learning and refinement. Good luck, and stay safe!