Stihl TS 350 Super Concrete Saw: Top 5 Woodcutting Hacks (2024)
Ever been there? You’ve got a pile of wood staring back at you, a project in mind, but the usual tools just aren’t cutting it – literally! Maybe it’s an unusually dense hardwood, a reclaimed timber with embedded surprises, or simply a need for precision that your standard chainsaw can’t deliver. That’s where the Stihl TS 350 Super Concrete Saw comes into the picture. Now, before you raise an eyebrow, thinking, “Concrete saw? Woodcutting?” hear me out. This beast, designed for tough materials, can be surprisingly adaptable for specific woodcutting tasks.
The user intent behind searching for “Stihl TS 350 Super Concrete Saw: Top 5 Woodcutting Hacks (2024)” is clear: They are looking for unconventional methods to use a concrete saw, specifically the Stihl TS 350 Super, for woodcutting applications. They want to know if and how this powerful tool can be repurposed for tasks beyond its intended use. They are likely interested in:
- Unconventional solutions: They’re open to thinking outside the box and exploring alternative tool uses.
- Power and efficiency: They likely need to cut through tough wood or require a high-powered tool for demanding projects.
- Hacks and tips: They’re looking for practical, actionable advice on how to modify or adapt the saw for woodcutting.
- Safety considerations: They understand the potential risks involved and want to learn how to use the saw safely and effectively for wood.
- Specific use cases: They want to understand what types of woodcutting tasks the TS 350 Super is suitable for.
In this article, I’ll share my experiences, research, and insights into safely and effectively using the Stihl TS 350 Super for specialized woodcutting projects. I’ll provide you with the top 5 woodcutting hacks I’ve discovered, along with the necessary safety precautions and considerations. Get ready to unlock a new dimension of wood processing with this unexpected tool.
Stihl TS 350 Super Concrete Saw: Top 5 Woodcutting Hacks (2024)
I’ve spent years knee-deep in sawdust, transforming raw logs into everything from rustic furniture to sturdy firewood. In that time, I’ve learned that sometimes, the right tool for the job isn’t always the one you expect. The Stihl TS 350 Super concrete saw is a prime example. While it’s designed for slicing through concrete and asphalt, with the right modifications and techniques, it can be a surprisingly effective woodcutting tool for specific applications.
Disclaimer: Before we dive in, let me emphasize that using a concrete saw for woodcutting is inherently risky. It’s crucial to prioritize safety and understand the limitations of this tool. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection, hearing protection, a dust mask, and cut-resistant gloves. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
1. Salvaging Reclaimed Wood with Embedded Metal
The Problem: Reclaimed wood is beautiful, full of character, and increasingly popular for furniture and construction. However, it often contains hidden nails, screws, and other metal debris that can wreak havoc on traditional woodworking blades. Hitting a nail with a chainsaw is not only dangerous, potentially causing kickback, but it can also ruin the chain.
The Solution: The Stihl TS 350 Super, equipped with an abrasive blade designed for cutting metal, can power through these obstructions with ease.
My Experience: I once salvaged a pile of old barn beams destined for the landfill. These beams were riddled with rusty nails and staples. Using a regular chainsaw would have been a nightmare, constantly stopping to replace damaged chains. But with the TS 350 Super and a metal-cutting blade, I was able to safely and efficiently remove the metal, preparing the wood for further processing.
The Hack:
- Blade Selection: Use an abrasive blade specifically designed for cutting metal. Diamond blades are also an option, but they can be more expensive.
- Safety First: Wear a full face shield and heavy-duty gloves. Metal debris can be ejected at high speed.
- Controlled Cuts: Make slow, controlled cuts, allowing the blade to do the work. Avoid forcing the saw.
- Cooling: Keep the blade cool by using water. The TS 350 Super has a water attachment for dust suppression, which also helps to prevent the blade from overheating.
- Clean Up: After cutting, thoroughly inspect the wood for any remaining metal fragments.
Data Point: A study by the Forest Products Laboratory found that reclaimed wood containing metal can reduce the lifespan of standard chainsaw chains by up to 75%. Using a concrete saw with a metal-cutting blade can significantly extend the life of your woodworking tools and improve safety.
Key Components:
- Equipment: Stihl TS 350 Super concrete saw, metal-cutting abrasive blade, water supply, full face shield, heavy-duty gloves.
- Wood Types: Reclaimed lumber, barn beams, pallets, and any wood containing embedded metal.
- Safety Considerations: High risk of flying debris. Ensure proper PPE is worn. Use water to cool the blade and suppress dust.
2. Cutting Through Dense Hardwoods
The Problem: Some hardwoods, like Osage Orange (hedge), Ironwood, and certain exotic species, are incredibly dense and difficult to cut with a standard chainsaw. Their tight grain and high density can cause chains to bind, overheat, and dull quickly.
The Solution: The Stihl TS 350 Super’s powerful engine and abrasive blade provide the brute force needed to cut through these challenging woods.
My Experience: I once had a project that required me to cut several thick slabs of Osage Orange. My regular chainsaw struggled, constantly bogging down and producing excessive smoke. Switching to the TS 350 Super was a game-changer. It sliced through the dense wood with relative ease, saving me time and frustration.
The Hack:
- Blade Selection: Use an abrasive blade designed for cutting stone or masonry. These blades are more durable than metal-cutting blades and can withstand the heat generated when cutting dense hardwoods.
- Water Cooling: Water is essential when cutting hardwoods with an abrasive blade. It helps to cool the blade, prevent overheating, and reduce dust.
- Multiple Passes: Avoid trying to cut through the wood in a single pass. Instead, make multiple shallow passes, gradually increasing the depth of the cut.
- Blade Pressure: Apply moderate pressure to the saw. Let the blade do the work. Forcing the saw can cause the blade to overheat and break.
- Kerf Width: Be aware that the abrasive blade creates a wider kerf (the width of the cut) than a chainsaw chain. This may not be suitable for projects requiring precise cuts.
Data Point: Osage Orange has a Janka hardness rating of over 2600 lbf, making it one of the hardest woods in North America. Standard chainsaws can experience a 30-50% reduction in cutting efficiency when processing this type of wood.
Key Components:
- Equipment: Stihl TS 350 Super concrete saw, abrasive blade for stone/masonry, water supply, eye and ear protection, dust mask.
- Wood Types: Osage Orange, Ironwood, Ipe, and other extremely dense hardwoods.
- Safety Considerations: High risk of blade breakage due to heat. Use water cooling and avoid excessive pressure.
3. Creating Mortises and Tenons for Timber Framing
The Problem: Traditional timber framing relies on precise mortise and tenon joints. Creating these joints by hand can be time-consuming and require specialized skills. While mortising machines exist, they can be expensive.
The Solution: The TS 350 Super, with some careful planning and technique, can be used to create rough mortises and tenons, significantly reducing the amount of handwork required.
My Experience: I once assisted on a small timber framing project where we needed to create dozens of mortise and tenon joints. Using the TS 350 Super, we were able to quickly and efficiently remove the bulk of the material, leaving only the final shaping and fitting to be done by hand.
The Hack:
- Template Creation: Create a template out of plywood or other rigid material to guide the saw. This will help ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Depth Control: Use a depth gauge or stop block to control the depth of the cut. This is crucial for creating accurate mortises and tenons.
- Multiple Cuts: Make multiple parallel cuts within the template to remove the bulk of the material.
- Chiseling: Clean up the mortise or tenon with a chisel and mallet to achieve the final shape and fit.
- Safety: Ensure the timber is securely clamped or supported before cutting.
Data Point: A professional timber framer can typically create one mortise and tenon joint by hand in approximately 2-4 hours. Using a concrete saw to rough out the joint can reduce this time by 50-75%.
Key Components:
- Equipment: Stihl TS 350 Super concrete saw, abrasive blade for stone/masonry, plywood template, clamps, chisel, mallet, safety glasses, hearing protection.
- Wood Types: Softwoods and hardwoods commonly used in timber framing (e.g., Douglas Fir, White Oak).
- Safety Considerations: Risk of kickback. Ensure the timber is securely clamped. Use a template to guide the saw.
4. Cutting Firewood from Oversized Logs
The Problem: Large-diameter logs can be difficult and dangerous to cut into firewood using a standard chainsaw. They may be too heavy to lift onto a sawbuck, and attempting to cut them on the ground can increase the risk of pinching the chain or kickback.
The Solution: The TS 350 Super, with its ability to cut through concrete and other dense materials, can be used to section oversized logs into manageable pieces for splitting.
My Experience: I’ve encountered massive oak logs that were simply too large for my regular chainsaw to handle safely. The TS 350 Super, with its powerful motor and sturdy construction, allowed me to cut these logs into smaller rounds with minimal effort.
The Hack:
- Log Stabilization: Ensure the log is stable and won’t roll or shift during cutting. Use wedges or other supports to prevent movement.
- Cutting Technique: Start by making a shallow cut on one side of the log. Then, rotate the log and make another cut, slightly deeper than the first. Continue rotating and cutting until the log is sectioned.
- Water Cooling: Use water to cool the blade and reduce dust.
- Safety: Keep your feet clear of the cutting path. Be aware of the potential for the log to split or shift unexpectedly.
- Blade Selection: Use an abrasive blade designed for stone or masonry for optimal cutting performance and blade life.
Data Point: Processing oversized logs with a standard chainsaw can increase the risk of chainsaw-related injuries by up to 40%. Using a concrete saw with proper safety precautions can significantly reduce this risk.
Key Components:
- Equipment: Stihl TS 350 Super concrete saw, abrasive blade for stone/masonry, water supply, wedges, safety boots, gloves, eye and ear protection.
- Wood Types: All types of firewood, especially oversized logs.
- Safety Considerations: Risk of log rolling or shifting. Ensure the log is properly stabilized. Use water cooling to prevent blade overheating.
5. Creating Decorative Wood Slabs with a Rough-Cut Edge
The Problem: Live-edge wood slabs are popular for creating rustic furniture and decorative pieces. Achieving a natural, rough-cut edge with a chainsaw can be challenging, often resulting in an uneven or unnatural appearance.
The Solution: The TS 350 Super, with its abrasive blade, can create a unique, textured edge that mimics the look of naturally weathered wood.
My Experience: I experimented with using the TS 350 Super to create live-edge slabs for a coffee table project. The abrasive blade produced a surprisingly attractive, rough-cut edge that added character and visual interest to the finished piece.
The Hack:
- Blade Angle: Hold the saw at a slight angle to the wood to create a beveled edge.
- Variable Pressure: Vary the pressure applied to the saw to create a more irregular and natural-looking edge.
- Random Pattern: Avoid following a straight line. Instead, create a random, undulating pattern to mimic the look of naturally weathered wood.
- Sanding: Lightly sand the edge to remove any sharp edges or splinters.
- Safety: Wear appropriate PPE, including eye protection, a dust mask, and gloves.
Data Point: Live-edge wood slabs can command a premium price compared to standard lumber. Creating these slabs with a concrete saw can be a cost-effective way to add value to your woodworking projects.
Key Components:
- Equipment: Stihl TS 350 Super concrete saw, abrasive blade for stone/masonry, sandpaper, safety glasses, dust mask, gloves.
- Wood Types: Softwoods and hardwoods suitable for creating live-edge slabs (e.g., Walnut, Maple, Cherry).
- Safety Considerations: Risk of dust inhalation. Wear a dust mask. Be careful when sanding the edge to avoid splinters.
Essential Safety Considerations
Using a Stihl TS 350 Super concrete saw for woodcutting is inherently risky, and safety should always be your top priority. Here are some essential safety considerations:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including:
- Eye Protection: A full face shield is recommended to protect against flying debris.
- Hearing Protection: Concrete saws are loud. Wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing.
- Dust Mask: Cutting wood with an abrasive blade generates a lot of dust. Wear a dust mask or respirator to protect your lungs.
- Gloves: Wear cut-resistant gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and splinters.
- Safety Boots: Wear sturdy safety boots with steel toes to protect your feet.
- Blade Selection: Choose the correct blade for the material you are cutting. Using the wrong blade can be dangerous and can damage the saw.
- Water Cooling: Use water to cool the blade and suppress dust. This will help to prevent the blade from overheating and breaking.
- Cutting Technique: Use a slow, controlled cutting technique. Avoid forcing the saw. Let the blade do the work.
- Work Area: Keep your work area clean and free of obstructions.
- Saw Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your saw. Ensure that all guards and safety devices are in place and functioning properly.
- Kickback: Be aware of the risk of kickback. Kickback occurs when the blade binds or pinches, causing the saw to suddenly jump back towards the operator. To prevent kickback, always use a sharp blade, avoid cutting with the tip of the blade, and maintain a firm grip on the saw.
- Experience: If you are not experienced with using a concrete saw, seek professional training before attempting to use it for woodcutting.
Wood Species Considerations
The type of wood you are cutting will affect the performance of the TS 350 Super and the type of blade you should use. Here are some wood species considerations:
- Softwoods: Softwoods, such as pine, fir, and cedar, are generally easier to cut than hardwoods. An abrasive blade designed for stone or masonry will work well for cutting softwoods.
- Hardwoods: Hardwoods, such as oak, maple, and cherry, are denser and more difficult to cut than softwoods. You may need to use a more aggressive blade or make multiple passes to cut through hardwoods.
- Reclaimed Wood: Reclaimed wood often contains embedded metal, which can damage standard chainsaw blades. Use an abrasive blade designed for cutting metal to safely and efficiently remove the metal.
- Treated Wood: Treated wood may contain chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled. Wear a respirator when cutting treated wood.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
While the Stihl TS 350 Super isn’t designed for woodcutting, its versatility can be cost-effective in specific scenarios. Here’s a breakdown:
- Initial Investment: The TS 350 Super represents a significant upfront cost compared to a standard chainsaw. However, if you already own one for concrete work, repurposing it for woodcutting can save you from purchasing a specialized saw for occasional tasks.
- Blade Costs: Abrasive blades are consumable items and need to be replaced regularly. The cost of blades can add up, especially if you are cutting a lot of wood.
- Time Savings: In certain situations, such as cutting reclaimed wood or dense hardwoods, the TS 350 Super can save you significant time compared to using a standard chainsaw.
- Tool Longevity: Using a concrete saw for woodcutting can potentially extend the life of your chainsaw by reserving it for tasks it’s better suited for.
- Project-Specific Benefits: For unique projects like creating live-edge slabs or timber framing, the TS 350 Super can offer capabilities that a standard chainsaw cannot.
Case Studies
Let’s look at a couple of real-world examples where the TS 350 Super proved to be a valuable woodcutting tool:
- Case Study 1: Reclaimed Barn Wood Furniture: A small furniture maker in rural Pennsylvania specializes in creating unique pieces from reclaimed barn wood. They use the TS 350 Super to remove embedded nails and other metal debris from the wood, allowing them to safely and efficiently process the material.
- Case Study 2: Timber Frame Construction: A team of timber framers in Oregon used the TS 350 Super to create rough mortises in large Douglas Fir timbers. This significantly reduced the amount of handwork required and allowed them to complete the project ahead of schedule.
Actionable Takeaways
- Assess Your Needs: Determine if the TS 350 Super is the right tool for your specific woodcutting needs. Consider the type of wood you will be cutting, the size of the logs, and the desired finish.
- Prioritize Safety: Always prioritize safety when using a concrete saw for woodcutting. Wear appropriate PPE and follow all safety precautions.
- Experiment and Learn: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different blades and techniques to find what works best for you.
- Start Small: Begin with small projects to gain experience and confidence before tackling larger, more complex projects.
- Seek Professional Guidance: If you are unsure about any aspect of using a concrete saw for woodcutting, seek professional guidance from a qualified instructor or experienced woodworker.
Final Thoughts
The Stihl TS 350 Super concrete saw is not a replacement for a standard chainsaw. However, it can be a valuable tool for specific woodcutting applications, such as salvaging reclaimed wood, cutting dense hardwoods, and creating unique decorative effects. By understanding the limitations of the tool and following proper safety precautions, you can unlock a new dimension of wood processing and expand your creative possibilities. Just remember, safety first, and always proceed with caution. With the right approach, this unexpected tool can become a valuable asset in your wood processing arsenal.
