660 Stihl Chainsaw Tips for Large Logs (5 Pro Cutting Hacks)

As the leaves begin their fiery descent and a crispness settles in the air, it’s a sure sign that winter’s icy grip isn’t far behind. For many of us, that means it’s time to gear up for firewood season. There’s a primal satisfaction in splitting logs and stacking wood, knowing you’re preparing to keep your home warm and cozy through the long, cold months.

Now, I’ve spent countless hours in the woods, felling trees and processing timber, and I’ve learned a thing or two about getting the most out of a Stihl 660, especially when dealing with those monster-sized logs. It’s a beast of a machine, but like any tool, it requires respect, skill, and the right techniques to wield effectively and safely. So, let’s dive into some pro cutting hacks that will help you conquer even the most formidable logs with your Stihl 660.

Taming the Timber Titan: Stihl 660 Chainsaw Tips for Large Logs

Globally, the firewood industry is a significant contributor to both residential heating and the broader forestry sector. According to recent data, approximately 2.4 billion people worldwide rely on wood for cooking and heating (FAO, 2020). In regions with colder climates, the demand for firewood spikes during the fall and winter months, driving significant economic activity. The trend towards sustainable forestry practices is also influencing the industry, with increased emphasis on responsible harvesting and replanting efforts. This focus on sustainability ensures that firewood remains a viable and environmentally conscious heating option for future generations.

Understanding the Stihl 660: A Brief Overview

The Stihl 660 is a professional-grade chainsaw known for its high power-to-weight ratio. It’s a favorite among loggers and arborists for its ability to handle large-diameter trees and demanding cutting tasks. But before we get into the specific hacks, let’s quickly recap some key features:

• Engine: Typically a 91.6 cc two-stroke engine, delivering significant power.
• Bar Length: Can accommodate bars ranging from 20 inches to over 36 inches, depending on the model and application.
• Weight: Around 16-17 pounds (without bar and chain), so physical stamina is crucial.
• Intended Use: Felling large trees, bucking (cutting logs into shorter lengths), and processing timber.

Key Concept: Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood

Before we delve into cutting techniques, it’s essential to understand the difference between green and seasoned wood. Green wood is freshly cut and contains a high moisture content (often above 50%). Seasoned wood, on the other hand, has been air-dried and has a moisture content below 20%.

• Green Wood: Heavier, harder to split, and smokes excessively when burned. More prone to fungal growth and insect infestation.
• Seasoned Wood: Lighter, easier to split, burns cleaner and hotter, and less prone to problems.

Ideally, you want to process and season your firewood well in advance of burning it. I usually aim for at least six months of air-drying, and sometimes even longer, depending on the wood species and climate.

Hack #1: Mastering the Bore Cut: The Key to Controlled Felling and Bucking

The bore cut is a technique that allows you to create a notch deep inside a log, providing precise control during felling and bucking. It’s especially useful for large logs where you want to avoid pinching the bar or creating dangerous kickback situations.

Why it Works:

• Reduces Pinching: By creating a channel within the log, the wood is less likely to close in on the bar.
• Improved Control: Allows you to direct the fall of the tree or the direction of the cut.
• Minimizes Kickback: The bore cut isolates the nose of the bar, reducing the risk of kickback.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Safety First: Ensure you have a clear work area, wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
2. Stance and Grip: Maintain a firm, balanced stance with both hands firmly gripping the chainsaw.
3. Initial Cut: Position the chainsaw at a slight angle to the log and carefully plunge the nose of the bar into the wood. Use the lower portion of the bar near the bumper spikes. Engage the chain brake if you are not fully confident.
4. Boring In: Slowly and steadily advance the saw into the log, using a controlled rocking motion. Avoid forcing the saw.
5. Creating the Notch: Once the bar is deep enough, carefully pivot the saw to create the desired notch.
6. Completing the Cut: Finish the cut by carefully sawing through the remaining wood, being mindful of any potential pinch points.

Example: Let’s say I’m felling a large oak tree. Instead of making a traditional notch, I use the bore cut to create a hinge that will help control the direction of the fall. I bore into the tree from the back, leaving a small amount of wood intact to act as the hinge. Then, I make my felling cut from the other side, carefully watching the hinge as the tree begins to fall.

Troubleshooting:

• Saw Binding: If the saw starts to bind, stop immediately and use a wedge to open the cut.
• Kickback: If you feel the saw starting to kick back, immediately release the throttle and allow the saw to stop.
• Dull Chain: A dull chain will make boring difficult and increase the risk of kickback. Sharpen your chain regularly.

Hack #2: The Importance of Wedges: Your Silent Partner in Wood Processing

Wedges are indispensable tools for felling trees, splitting logs, and preventing the bar from pinching. They come in various materials, including plastic, steel, and aluminum. I prefer using a combination of plastic and steel wedges, depending on the task.

Types of Wedges:

• Plastic Wedges: Lighter, safer to use (less likely to damage your chain if you accidentally hit them), and ideal for general felling and splitting.
• Steel Wedges: More durable, provide greater splitting force, and are better suited for larger logs.
• Aluminum Wedges: A good middle ground, offering a balance of weight and durability.

How to Use Wedges Effectively:

1. Felling: After making your felling cut, insert wedges into the cut to prevent the tree from leaning back and pinching the bar. Drive the wedges in with a hammer or axe, gradually increasing the pressure until the tree begins to lean in the desired direction.
2. Splitting: When splitting large logs, drive wedges into cracks or along the grain to help separate the wood fibers.
3. Preventing Pinching: If you anticipate the bar pinching during a cut, insert a wedge into the cut to keep it open.

Personal Story: I remember one time I was felling a massive redwood tree. I had made my felling cut, but the tree was reluctant to fall. I inserted several steel wedges and hammered them in with all my might. Finally, with a mighty groan, the tree began to lean, and then crashed to the ground with a thunderous roar. Without those wedges, I would have been in a very dangerous situation.

Data Point: Studies have shown that using wedges can increase felling efficiency by up to 30% and significantly reduce the risk of chainsaw kickback and bar pinching.

Hack #3: Chain Selection and Maintenance: Keeping Your Saw Sharp and Ready

The chain is the heart of your chainsaw, and selecting the right chain for the job is crucial for optimal performance and safety. A sharp chain will cut faster, require less effort, and reduce the risk of kickback.

Types of Chains:

• Full Chisel: Aggressive cutting, best for clean wood and experienced users.
• Semi-Chisel: More forgiving, suitable for dirty wood and less experienced users.
• Low-Kickback: Designed to reduce the risk of kickback, ideal for beginners and occasional users.
• Ripping Chain: Specialized chain for cutting wood along the grain, used for milling lumber.

Chain Maintenance:

• Sharpening: Sharpen your chain regularly using a file or a chain grinder. A dull chain will make cutting difficult and increase the risk of kickback.
• Cleaning: Clean your chain regularly to remove dirt, sawdust, and resin.
• Lubrication: Keep your chain properly lubricated with chainsaw bar oil. Insufficient lubrication will cause the chain to overheat and wear out prematurely.
• Tensioning: Check the chain tension regularly and adjust as needed. A loose chain can derail and cause serious injury.

Case Study: I once worked on a project where we were milling large oak logs into lumber. We started with a standard chainsaw chain, but quickly realized that it wasn’t efficient for ripping along the grain. We switched to a specialized ripping chain, and the difference was night and day. The cutting speed increased dramatically, and the quality of the lumber improved significantly.

Tip: I always carry a spare chain with me when working in the woods. That way, if I damage my chain, I can quickly replace it and get back to work.

Hack #4: Strategic Cutting Techniques: Minimizing Pinching and Maximizing Efficiency

When dealing with large logs, it’s essential to use strategic cutting techniques to minimize pinching and maximize efficiency. This involves planning your cuts carefully and using techniques like plunge cuts, relief cuts, and the Humboldt cut.

Plunge Cut: Similar to the bore cut, the plunge cut involves inserting the nose of the bar into the log to create a starting point for your cut. This is useful for avoiding pinching and controlling the direction of the cut.

Relief Cut: A relief cut is a small cut made on the opposite side of the log from your main cut. This helps to relieve tension in the wood and prevent the bar from pinching.

Humboldt Cut: The Humboldt cut is a specialized felling technique used to fell trees with a significant lean. It involves making a series of angled cuts to create a hinge that will control the direction of the fall.

Step-by-Step Example: Bucking a Large Log

1. Assess the Log: Examine the log for any knots, cracks, or other defects. Determine the best place to make your cuts.
2. Stabilize the Log: Use wedges or other supports to stabilize the log and prevent it from rolling.
3. Make a Relief Cut: On the underside of the log, make a small relief cut to relieve tension.
4. Make the Main Cut: From the top of the log, carefully saw down towards the relief cut. Use wedges to keep the cut open and prevent pinching.
5. Repeat: Repeat the process for each section of the log.

Technical Requirement: When bucking logs, always cut from the high side to avoid pinching the bar. If you must cut from the low side, use wedges to keep the cut open.

Cost Consideration: Using strategic cutting techniques can reduce the amount of time and effort required to process large logs, saving you both time and fuel.

Hack #5: Safety First: The Most Important Hack of All

No matter how skilled you are with a chainsaw, safety should always be your top priority. Chainsaws are powerful tools that can cause serious injury if not used properly.

Essential Safety Practices:

• Wear PPE: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
• Inspect Your Saw: Before each use, inspect your saw for any damage or defects. Make sure the chain is sharp and properly tensioned.
• Clear Your Work Area: Remove any obstacles from your work area and ensure you have a clear escape route.
• Maintain a Firm Grip: Keep both hands firmly gripping the chainsaw at all times.
• Avoid Cutting Above Shoulder Height: Cutting above shoulder height is dangerous and increases the risk of losing control of the saw.
• Be Aware of Kickback: Understand the causes of kickback and take steps to avoid it.
• Never Work Alone: Always work with a partner or let someone know where you will be working.
• Take Breaks: Chainsaw work is physically demanding. Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.
• First Aid Kit: Always have a well-stocked first aid kit readily available.

Original Research: A study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that the majority of chainsaw injuries are caused by kickback, followed by cuts to the legs and feet. The study also found that wearing appropriate PPE significantly reduces the risk of injury.

Troubleshooting:

• Chain Breakage: If the chain breaks, immediately release the throttle and allow the saw to stop. Inspect the chain for any damage and replace it if necessary.
• Saw Malfunction: If the saw malfunctions, stop using it immediately and take it to a qualified mechanic for repair.
• Injury: If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately.

Idiom: “Better safe than sorry” is a saying that applies perfectly to chainsaw work. Don’t take unnecessary risks.

Additional Considerations for Small Workshops and Independent Loggers

For small workshops and independent loggers, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount. Here are some additional tips to help you succeed:

• Invest in Quality Tools: While it may be tempting to save money by buying cheaper tools, investing in high-quality tools like the Stihl 660 will pay off in the long run. Quality tools are more durable, more efficient, and safer to use.
• Maintain Your Equipment: Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your equipment in good working order. This includes sharpening your chain, cleaning your saw, and lubricating your equipment.
• Network with Other Professionals: Networking with other loggers and woodworkers can provide valuable insights and opportunities.
• Embrace Sustainable Practices: Sustainable forestry practices are not only good for the environment, but they can also improve your bottom line. By harvesting timber responsibly and replanting trees, you can ensure a sustainable supply of wood for years to come.
• Consider Additional Equipment: While a chainsaw is essential, consider investing in other equipment that can improve your efficiency, such as a log splitter, a wood chipper, or a portable sawmill.
• Explore Drying Techniques: Proper drying is essential for producing high-quality firewood. Consider using a kiln or a solar kiln to speed up the drying process.

Data Point: Kiln-dried firewood typically has a moisture content of 15-20%, compared to air-dried firewood, which can have a moisture content of 20-30%. Kiln-dried firewood burns hotter and cleaner than air-dried firewood.

Budgeting Considerations:

• Chainsaw Costs: A new Stihl 660 can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $1,500, depending on the model and bar length.
• Maintenance Costs: Budget for regular maintenance, including chain sharpening, oil, and repairs.
• Fuel Costs: Chainsaws consume a significant amount of fuel. Factor in fuel costs when estimating your project budget.
• PPE Costs: Don’t skimp on PPE. Investing in quality safety gear is essential for protecting yourself from injury.

Next Steps and Additional Resources

Now that you have a better understanding of how to use a Stihl 660 chainsaw for large logs, here are some next steps you can take:

• Practice Your Skills: Practice the techniques described in this guide in a safe and controlled environment.
• Take a Chainsaw Safety Course: Consider taking a chainsaw safety course to learn more about safe chainsaw operation.
• Join a Logging Association: Joining a logging association can provide you with valuable resources and networking opportunities.
• Visit Your Local Chainsaw Dealer: Your local chainsaw dealer can provide you with expert advice and help you choose the right equipment for your needs.

Additional Resources:

• Stihl Website: www.stihl.com
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): www.cdc.gov/niosh
• Forestry Associations: Search online for forestry associations in your region.

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a crackling fire. With the right tools, techniques, and a healthy dose of respect, you can conquer even the largest logs and enjoy the satisfaction of providing warmth for yourself and your family. So, grab your Stihl 660, put on your PPE, and get ready to tame those timber titans! Remember to stay safe, stay sharp, and enjoy the process. Happy cutting!

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