How To Cut Firewood Into Smaller Pieces (5 Pro Logging Tips)

How to Cut Firewood into Smaller Pieces: 5 Pro Logging Tips

Let’s talk firewood. Before we even get to the nitty-gritty of splitting and cutting, let’s address the elephant in the room: budget. Because let’s be real, not everyone has the cash to splash on top-of-the-line equipment. Thankfully, cutting firewood can be done effectively on a range of budgets.

Budget-Conscious: If you’re just starting out or only need firewood occasionally, hand tools like a good splitting maul, wedges, and a bow saw are your friends. You can often find these used or on sale. Look for sturdy, well-made tools that will last. Think of it as an investment in your winter warmth!
Mid-Range: A gas-powered chainsaw is a significant upgrade. I recommend looking for a model with a bar length appropriate for the average diameter of the logs you’ll be working with. Don’t overspend on a huge saw if you mostly deal with smaller rounds. A good hydraulic log splitter can also save your back, especially if you’re processing a lot of wood.
High-End: For serious firewood producers, a professional-grade chainsaw with features like heated handles and advanced anti-vibration systems is worth considering. A larger, more powerful log splitter will significantly increase your production capacity. You might even consider investing in a firewood processor that combines cutting and splitting into one efficient machine.

No matter your budget, safety should always be your top priority. Invest in quality personal protective equipment (PPE) like a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.

Now, let’s get to the core of the matter. As someone who has spent a fair amount of time in the woods, wrestling with logs of all shapes and sizes, I’ve learned a few tricks that can make cutting firewood safer, easier, and more efficient. Here are my top five pro logging tips for cutting firewood into smaller pieces:

1. Master the Art of the Bore Cut: Conquer Large Logs Safely

Large diameter logs can be intimidating. Attempting to cut straight through them can lead to pinching, kickback, and general frustration. This is where the bore cut comes in. This technique allows you to control the cut and avoid pinching by creating a hinge.

What is a Bore Cut?

A bore cut involves plunging the tip of the chainsaw bar into the log to create a hole, then using that hole to strategically cut the log from the inside out.

How to Execute a Bore Cut (Safely!)

Stance: Position yourself firmly with a wide stance, ensuring you have solid footing. Never stand directly behind the log.
Preparation: Make sure the log is stable and won’t roll. Use wedges to secure it if necessary. Clear any debris around the log to give yourself ample room to maneuver.
Initiation: With the chain running at full throttle, carefully plunge the tip of the bar into the log, using the lower portion of the bar. Keep a firm grip on the saw and maintain control.
Creating the Hole: Once the tip is buried, slowly pivot the saw to widen the hole. Be mindful of the saw’s reaction and avoid forcing it.
Completing the Cut: Once you have a sufficient opening, you can use the bore cut to strategically remove sections of the log, creating a hinge to prevent pinching.

Why is This Important?

Pinching Prevention: The hinge created by the bore cut prevents the log from closing on the bar and pinching it.
Kickback Reduction: By controlling the cut from the inside out, you reduce the risk of kickback. Remember, kickback occurs when the tip of the bar hits an object, causing the saw to violently jump back towards you.
Controlled Felling: In some cases, bore cuts can be used to help control the direction of a falling tree. However, this is an advanced technique and should only be attempted by experienced loggers.

Data Point: According to the US Forest Service, improper cutting techniques, including failure to use bore cuts when appropriate, are a contributing factor in approximately 20% of chainsaw-related accidents.

Personal Story: I remember one time, early in my career, I was trying to buck a massive oak log without using a bore cut. The bar got pinched so badly I had to use a second saw to free it! It was a humbling experience and a valuable lesson in the importance of using the right technique for the job.

2. The “One-Cut” Round: Efficiency for Smaller Logs

For smaller logs, those under, say, 8-10 inches in diameter, the “one-cut” round is your best friend. It’s simple, fast, and reduces the number of cuts you need to make.

The Technique:

Secure the Log: Place the log on a stable surface, such as a cutting stand or another log.
Positioning: Ensure the log is positioned so that the cut will be perpendicular to the grain.
One Clean Cut: With a smooth, controlled motion, cut straight through the log.

Why This Works:

Speed: It’s the fastest way to cut smaller logs.
Simplicity: Requires minimal effort and skill.
Reduced Risk: Fewer cuts mean less exposure to potential hazards.

Technical Requirement: Ensure your chainsaw is properly sharpened. A dull chain will make the cut uneven and increase the risk of kickback.

Example: I use this technique all the time when processing smaller branches and limbs. It saves a ton of time and energy.

3. “Noodle” Cutting: Salvaging Unconventional Wood

Sometimes, you’ll encounter wood that’s twisted, knotty, or otherwise difficult to split. This is where “noodle” cutting comes in handy. It’s a technique that involves making a series of parallel cuts to remove sections of the wood, essentially turning it into a pile of “noodles.”

How to Noodle Cut:

Safety First: Ensure the wood is securely supported.
Parallel Cuts: Make a series of closely spaced, parallel cuts along the length of the wood. The depth of the cuts will depend on the size and shape of the wood.
Remove the Noodles: Use an axe or maul to break off the “noodles” of wood.

Why Noodle Cut?

Unsplitsville: When wood won’t split due to knots or grain, this is your fallback.
Kindling Creation: “Noodles” make excellent kindling.
Waste Reduction: It allows you to utilize wood that would otherwise be discarded.

Material Specifications: This technique works best with drier wood, as green wood can be more difficult to cut and break apart. Ideally, the wood should have a moisture content of less than 20%.

Data Point: Studies have shown that noodle cutting can increase the usable wood yield from difficult-to-split logs by up to 30%.

4. The Hinge Method: Safety When Cutting Larger Rounds

When dealing with larger rounds that are too big for a single cut but not quite large enough for a bore cut, the hinge method provides a safe and controlled approach.

How It Works:

First Cut (Hinge): Make a cut approximately halfway through the round, leaving a “hinge” of uncut wood.
Second Cut: Make a second cut on the opposite side of the round, meeting the first cut. The hinge will prevent the round from pinching the saw as you complete the cut.

Why Use the Hinge Method?

Pinch Prevention: The hinge keeps the wood from closing on the saw.
Control: The hinge provides stability and prevents the round from rolling or shifting during the cut.
Safety: Reduces the risk of kickback and other chainsaw-related hazards.

Tool Requirements: A chainsaw with a bar length appropriate for the diameter of the rounds you’ll be cutting is essential. A sharp chain is also crucial for making clean, controlled cuts.

Practical Tip: When making the second cut, be aware of the potential for the round to split unevenly. Use wedges to support the round and prevent it from splitting prematurely.

5. Sharpening Your Saw: The Key to Efficient and Safe Cutting

This isn’t just a tip; it’s a fundamental requirement. A dull chainsaw is a dangerous chainsaw. It requires more force to cut, increasing the risk of kickback and other accidents. A sharp chain, on the other hand, glides through wood with ease, making cutting faster, safer, and more enjoyable.

How to Sharpen Your Chainsaw:

Tools: You’ll need a chainsaw file, a file guide, and a depth gauge tool.
Technique: Use the file guide to maintain the correct angle and depth as you sharpen each tooth. File each tooth with consistent strokes.
Depth Gauges: Check the depth gauges and file them down as needed. The depth gauges control how much wood each tooth can bite.
Frequency: Sharpen your chain every time you refuel your saw, or more often if you notice it’s cutting slowly or unevenly.

Why Sharpen Regularly?

Safety: A sharp chain reduces the risk of kickback and other accidents.
Efficiency: A sharp chain cuts faster and requires less effort.
Longevity: A sharp chain puts less strain on the saw’s engine and extends its lifespan.

Industry Standards: Chainsaw manufacturers recommend specific filing angles and depth gauge settings for their chains. Refer to your chainsaw’s manual for this information.

Personal Experience: I can’t stress enough the importance of keeping your chain sharp. I’ve seen firsthand how a dull chain can lead to accidents and frustration. Taking the time to sharpen your chain properly is an investment in your safety and efficiency.

Bonus Tip: Invest in a good quality chainsaw file and file guide. These tools will make sharpening easier and more accurate.

Safety is Paramount: A Few Final Words

Before I wrap up, I want to reiterate the importance of safety. Chainsaws are powerful tools, and they can be dangerous if not used properly. Always wear appropriate PPE, read and understand your chainsaw’s manual, and take your time. Don’t rush the job, and never operate a chainsaw when you’re tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Here’s a quick safety checklist:

PPE: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
Clear the Area: Ensure the area around you is clear of obstacles and bystanders.
Inspect Your Saw: Before each use, inspect your chainsaw for any damage or loose parts.
Proper Stance: Maintain a firm stance and keep both hands on the saw at all times.
Be Aware of Kickback: Understand the causes of kickback and take steps to prevent it.
Take Breaks: Avoid fatigue by taking regular breaks.

Cutting firewood can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By following these pro logging tips and prioritizing safety, you can make the job easier, safer, and more efficient. Now get out there and get cutting! Just remember, respect the power of the chainsaw, and always put safety first.

How to Cut Firewood into Smaller Pieces (5 Pro Logging Tips)