One of the most underutilized tools when harvesting firewood

One of the most underutilized tools when harvesting firewood - Felling Wedges

Рет қаралды 69,308

5 жыл бұрын

Felling wedges are a very important tool for staying safe and getting out of trouble. This week on wood heat Wednesday we take a look at felling wedges and a few things to think about.
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Пікірлер: 112

@pinchalog9794 5 жыл бұрын

Eric - Thanks for sharing this. Wedges are truly underappreciated. They're also great for just tapping in before the final cut to give a little more lean to be sure the tree falls in the direction its supposed to.

@ViniciusSchneiderRS 3 жыл бұрын

When you dont have somebody near of you the felling wegges are imprescidible. Or you will need to release your chainsaw from the saber to not leave all int the forest

@danielwengerd7606 4 жыл бұрын

Great channel. Been around wood since I was a kid but my dad didn’t have these handy tools you speak of. Switching to wood heat now so you’re videos are GREAT motivation. Keep it up.

@mandbhomestead 5 жыл бұрын

Great video with a lot of great ideas. I need wedges myself, I have pinched the saw many times. Thanks for sharing

@50shadesofgreen 5 жыл бұрын

good day to you Eric & Family !! thanks for sharing your adventures and update on & off the farm 🏡🏗️🛠️

@willmcculloch6907 5 жыл бұрын

Good video, thank you. Have been thinking about adding felling wedges to my logging arsenal and I think this has tipped the scale. Thanks again.

@papax4815 5 жыл бұрын

Again, another awesome video young man. I so enjoy your channel. God bless

@johnreinburg859 5 жыл бұрын

Personally, I have them in the milk crate in the back of my truck readily available. I don't usually carry them on me until I need them and then it is usually too late. Keep up the great videos! Thank you for sharing!

@lordrichard8184 5 жыл бұрын

I’ve started to carry the smaller wedges. They’ve been pretty handy. Also If you need to cut a stump - not for felling a tree - you can make a plunge cut with your saw. Go in 55-60% of the tree diameter. Then move around the tree stump cutting with the top of your saw. The saw dust/chips will fill the curf and create a pillow for the stump to sit on while you go around cutting. Saves you from having to fool with the wedges when cutting a stump down.

@tndeere 5 жыл бұрын

Needed those wedges when I got my saw stuck and had to leave it overnight.Great tips.Thanks

@richardhowe2370 5 жыл бұрын

I keep my wedges in the box on my 4 wheeler. I also have a spare chain saw back at the shop. There are so many ways to use wedges when felling a tree. I've tried 3 different ways and was wondering what you do. Thanks for the video. I learn something every time.

@garybenedict3673 5 жыл бұрын

Great advice making your work time more productive. I use an orange canvas pouch with a Velcro closure very convenient and visible when on the ground purchased at a wood show.

@dougreid2351 2 жыл бұрын

I use the hell out of my short wedge, which shouldn't have been such a surprise because I'm felling trees from 10 to 20 inches almost exclusively. Keep up the good work. DOUGout

@dedee8759 3 жыл бұрын

Such a cute reaction Brad!

@humanonearth1 4 жыл бұрын

Can tell you're a solid stand up guy by how u present yourself. Will be checking out more videos. Cheers.

@fortheearth 5 жыл бұрын

Great informative video, and well-presented. Thanks!

@winstoncutts896 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your video I've been looking for something new to hold my wedges

@eddieslittlestack7919 5 жыл бұрын

Great illustrations! You've always been great at video editing.

@edmondsonoffgridhomestead8932 5 жыл бұрын

Eric, always informative. 👍🏾

@workingclasshero7239 4 жыл бұрын

Paul Fedorisin is right some companies make pockets in the chainsaw chaps for wedges but, i like the wedge holder you demonstrated. The next time I am at the big box store. I will pick one of those up. Great video.

@danr7996 5 жыл бұрын

I need some wedges even when cutting up trees already on the ground. I am always getting my chainsaw stuck. Great video! Thanks for making them. I have learned a lot from them from cutting, storing and burning the logs in my wood burner from them!

@900stx7 4 жыл бұрын

That's what i use mine the most for. Cutting a log on the ground into splitting length. Cut deep enough to get the wedge in, then finish the cut. No more pinched bar. Just started using them a few years ago. Don't know how i did it without them.

@tjinnes 5 жыл бұрын

I am the same. Wedges in the trailer with the other gear. A pain to go and get, but very handy when you have them. I will look out for a pouch like that. Thanks.

@jasonphillips1803 3 жыл бұрын

I like the pouch you found. I ended up making one but it works pretty good

@paultanner2007 5 жыл бұрын

Hey friend. You have a great channel and I really appreciate your videos. I’m in central Texas. Great info on wedges.

@intothewild2345 5 жыл бұрын

Nice video. I keep my wedges in the pockets on the new pro-mark STIHL chaps. That wedge carrier you found is nice

@dennisthemenace57 Жыл бұрын

Best wishes for your recovery Eric

@bobjarrard Жыл бұрын

Gotta love when I get a random pop up from Life in Farmland. You are missed Eric. Bob in Nevada

@LifeinFarmland Жыл бұрын

Thank you, very much appreciated!

@jeffpollock7772 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing the info!

@jedidiah5131 5 жыл бұрын

There are some chaps that have pockets...can't remember what brand, and I think they were very exspensive. Great idea for the wedges...I 've tried a few pouches and I hate wearing tool belts so I will definitely look up that pouch, thanks...

@Crusherbreen 3 жыл бұрын

I use an Aussie made leather pouch which is very similar to yours - also there are some great alloy wedges avail - cool video about a tool which is vital in dropping most trees and is often not spoken about in depth 👍🇦🇺 Wedge = not stuck saw or bent bar

@mcunard31 5 жыл бұрын

Great video Eric. Just added that pouch to my Christmas list. Been in your exact situation trying to find the right wedge pouch.

@kivaswander5537 5 жыл бұрын

I like you attitude dude. Subscribed!

@Living-The-Dream 5 жыл бұрын

Nice pouch and info on wedges 👍

@oldbuzzard76 Жыл бұрын

I got the holster you spoke of , and find so handy . Thank-you so much for that great tip !

@balin160 4 ай бұрын

what is it called ?, cant seem to find it

@guns4funcajanajustin 5 жыл бұрын

Carpenters tool belts have so many options know. Great information

@miketennis3638 5 жыл бұрын

Some good ideas. Thanks

@redthunderheart5783 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome informative videos....subscribed! Thanks

@paulfedorisin2981 5 жыл бұрын

My chaps have a nice pocket to store my wedges. Never cut without them.

@rodneyhanbaum697 4 жыл бұрын

Love your videos! Thank you

@dcvariousvids8082 2 жыл бұрын

Keep all my wedges in a cut-off 1gal plastic can handy to carry and cheap. But near the trees, I tend to carry a couple in my back pocket. The HF pouch is neat.

@wwgbert 2 жыл бұрын

Grizzly Peak on the West Coast makes amazing scabbards and belts for felling trees. Highly suggest checking it out. 40 plus yers working in the field so they know what's up. Main thing is you have them with you and you use them.

@chaswarren7239 Ай бұрын

I have an old Germanleather magazine pouch which holds my scrench and one wedge. Does for most things.

@michaelangelo7511 6 ай бұрын

Great narration.👍🏻🇺🇸

@VinnyMartello 2 жыл бұрын

Yesterday I got the opportunity to practice falling a tree with a bad lean. Got it to fall in the opposite direction of the lean. Wedges baby!!!

@garywinters2282 5 жыл бұрын

I also use a milk crate, works for me. Happy cutting!

@LifeinFarmland 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks same to you!

@dougmoore7116 5 жыл бұрын

Usually just keep them in my back pocket or on the four wheeler close by. Thumbs up

@ashlandgunclub1000 5 жыл бұрын

I found a Dickies pouch, 10 bucks and it came with a decent belt, holds my wedges, scrench and will even hold a small hatchet for driving wedges.

@believeliveloveandlaugh3844 5 жыл бұрын

Cool tools

@kdscrapping4452 5 жыл бұрын

Another handy tool that I bring along is a small BOW saw,can get you out of a bind pretty quick too!!! Great vid!! Eric is your Daughter going to donate HER long locks again??

@jolkraeremeark6949 5 жыл бұрын

In a real "pinch" an extreme alternative would include removing the bar from the power head.

@Mixwell1983 2 жыл бұрын

As someone who just got a gas chainsaw and moved to an area where i have woods I dont feel soo bad my 1st bucking attempt and a fallen tree i pinched the blade on my 2nd cut. My issue which I learned now is the tree was spanning something and had the compression on top and tension on bottom.. i cut the bottom 1st and part way through the top it pinched. I half ass joked with my gf that "now i need to buy a 2nd chainsaw to saw out my stuck one not knowing people actually do this.. Eventually i got it out after 45 mins, i had my recip saw with a 12" carbide pruning blade to help and with a large limb I used it as a lever and rocked it up and down on the cut til it finally broke free.. That was a great lesson learned and now i am researching even more on how to prevent pinching and the best way to approach cuts depending on where/what the tree is on.

@Robnord1 2 жыл бұрын

A cheaper way than getting a 2nd saw is to get a spare bar and chain. Release bar from pinched saw while it's in the cut, install spare and start cutting.

@timberray9572 5 жыл бұрын

On my falling belt I have a pouch that is just the right size for two eight inch wedges and a hammer loop that holds my three pound hammer, also I keep a trauma kit on the same belt with a compression bandage. Ninety five percent of the time this is my kit, for the few really big trees I fall I will carry a third wedge in my back pocket and my four and half pound axe.

@bobbyolo9367 4 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the video. Gearing up for a little cutting myself and wedges are on my list . and I've just added a pouch of some type. Thanks for the tips. ::SUBBED:: *TN*

@akunboxing6825 2 жыл бұрын

Great make a river video on best quality wedges

@SunsetValleyRanch 5 жыл бұрын

I have wedges nearby all the time...My chaps have a pocket for them. I do, however, wish the pocket was in a different place. When I crouch down, the wedges are right on my knee.

@littlewhitedory1 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Eric. I'm sure that you've said it previous videos, but at the risk of asking a question that you've already answered....what do you do for a living other than working on your homestead?

@LifeinFarmland 5 жыл бұрын

I do IT stuff. :)

@brianwalker1933 5 жыл бұрын

Handy tips, thankyou. I’m new to you’re channel and have recently subscribed. Brian. Australia.🦘👍

@reecevazey4278 5 жыл бұрын

I always wear my belt with a deadblow hammer 2 6 inch wedges 2 8 inch wedges and a few bandagesin a pouch also a pouch for my smokes and phone and i wear it everyday so i dont notice the weight when im doing firewood cause its usually easy wood to get to compared to steep rocky mountain side i usually practice different cutting and wedging techniques while doing firewood aswell so when im in the forrest on the job im more efficient and not wasting time thinking through the steps of a particular method

@grasscutter1963 5 жыл бұрын

That was another awesome video Eric 👍👍

@RedPetrol76 3 жыл бұрын

I always have wedges with me. Sooner or later there will be trees you need to force against the natural lean. With trees not near buildings or other structures, a wedge or two is all you need.

@tedwilcox817 5 жыл бұрын

Where did you find that holder for your wedges I never have my wedges when I need them

@digbyodell2924 5 жыл бұрын

I have wedges with but usually not on me so they're as needed. Most of the time I use them for felling and I can't tell you the number of times where one wedge is just not quite enough and those hard plastic wedges do not stack well at all, so I often will get one in, come up short and have to look around and cut a custom wedge out of a nearby branch or log, which works great when there's already a larger gap to get started in; still need the plastic wedges to get started well in just the saw kerf.

@thechronicgeneralist 5 жыл бұрын

If you work with 3 or 4 wedges you'll find that it's easier to drive them in because one is always loose. It's a bit more annoying to carry all of these but it'll save you in a pinch. For smaller diameter trees, consider getting a felling lever instead (see my other reply).

@suehall4651 2 жыл бұрын

@@thechronicgeneralist .

@dickyoda2275 3 жыл бұрын

Pinch prevention : Reading the tension of the tree is a main thing to do most ppl don't understand but it's ok to ask if you don't know the answer safety first lol

@thechronicgeneralist 5 жыл бұрын

Good tip for sure! For smaller diameter trees, a felling lever with a cant hook is more efficient and less dicey than wedges (plus it doubles as a cant hook which is helpful to roll the 🌲 as smaller diameter trees often get stuck in younger/denser forests). The shorter wedges have a tendency to kick out because of the steeper angle, or they don't provide enough lift IMHO. You're easily good with trees up to about 2 feet wide with a lever setup. For larger stuff, I have a felling belt on as well so I'll have a few wedges on hand (and you can use your felling lever to whack the wedges in so you don't need to also carry a hammer). Happy felling! :)

@thechronicgeneralist 5 жыл бұрын

Oh and if on the market for a lever, get the type made from square stock; they're pretty much indestructible. The round ones'll break on ya.

@wyohorseman9948 4 жыл бұрын

I use a woodland pro pouch from Bailey's and k&h wedges a grizzly peak enterprises axe scabbard been just got the wedges today used to use stihl wedges but they kept snapping on me as the plastic is too hard and brittle

@almosthomesteading9734 5 жыл бұрын

That pouch looks pretty handy, Eric. What store? Thanks.

@msgtdan60 4 жыл бұрын

Back when I only had one chainsaw I'd always have a spare blade and chain in case I got pinched. Unbolt the power head put on the spare blade and chain and free up the pinched blade. I use seasoned oak wedges from old oak 2x4s. So hard you'll bend nails trying to drive into them, they need to be pre-drilled to actually use. In a pinch I'll cut a wedge from the log I'm cutting up.

@danamiller9080 3 жыл бұрын

Don't use wedges, tried some many years ago, didn't work. So I been using ropes and come alongs... But recently I've taken an interest in how to use wedges... to learn and see why they didn't work on that tree many years ago, before you tube..lol TY

@fiveacrehaven 5 жыл бұрын

Finally got a chance to finish watching this video. Great video! By chance where did you pick that holder up at? Ive been looking for one myself.

@LifeinFarmland 5 жыл бұрын

Got that one at Menards.

@fiveacrehaven 5 жыл бұрын

@@LifeinFarmland thanks bud!

@Farfromhere001 4 жыл бұрын

Check out Grizzly Peak Enterprises! They have great wedge holders!

@stevenaram31 3 жыл бұрын

If you think about tension and compression in wood you don't pinch the saw and hardly ever need wedges

@bctruck 5 жыл бұрын

“I know a guy”,,,, that got his saw pinched so bad that I, I mean he, had to put a hydraulic jack under the log to unpinch it.

@thechronicgeneralist 5 жыл бұрын

"I know a guy" who didn't have a second saw or an axe on hand so he had to chip away at the log with a knife for a good 5 minutes ;-)

@LifeinFarmland 5 жыл бұрын

wow, I can just hear myself mumbling under my breath if that happen to me.

@jackfrost3596 3 жыл бұрын

get the redhead wedge the does the job

@user-lo8xc8im4h Ай бұрын

WERE YOU BUY YOUR PLASTIC WEGES FOR BUCKING FIREWOOD LOGS

@jackfrost3596 3 жыл бұрын

use a redhead wedge its thicker it does the job

@FeguerFineArt 4 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking your buddy might think the best tool would be a muzzle for his kid! lol just kidding, kids say the darndest things. I have never had that happen, bull maybe I need a muzzle.

@steveww1507 Жыл бұрын

mostly cut fire wood but I always have one on me .

@ZsaZsaUmbra 3 жыл бұрын

Do the teeth go up or down?

@jacquesblaque7728 5 жыл бұрын

FWIW, there's no such thing as a "huskavarna" saw- lose the first "a" and you're close. In the spirit of KISS, anyone felling trees or bucking wood without a pouch full of wedges is an unscheduled incident. In the NE US, with very rare exception, 5" wedges will cover it. A wedge is a very powerful, and cheap, tool. You learn this the first time a tree sits back on your backcut, or when bucking you get a straight-back kickback. Totally avoidable.

@Mrcatmanjr 3 жыл бұрын

iam an axe guy and i never knew they were used for this. I always used them for spliting wood. >:|

@brandonsettgast5177 5 жыл бұрын

My chaps have a pocket for them

@LifeinFarmland 5 жыл бұрын

Can I ask what chaps you are using? I have a pocket on my Stihl but just not in a good place.

@brandonsettgast5177 5 жыл бұрын

Life in Farmland Husqvarna ten ply. Pocket is above my right knee

@larrykluckoutdoors8227 5 жыл бұрын

Mine from Menards has a pocket on them

@brandonsettgast5177 5 жыл бұрын

@@LifeinFarmland I should mention watching your recent videos, your chaps offer a lot more movement than mine. My chaps offer great protection, but constrict my movement quite a bit.

@perrinayebarra 5 жыл бұрын

If you’re going to be bending down to get the rest of the stump why not just cut it down there in the first place? Safer to fall the tree up higher?

@msgtdan60 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, to take the stump to the ground I'm usually on my knees. Get the tree on the ground while standing so you can move away as it falls.

@mikecox3659 5 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the video ... don't cut wood any more ... central Arkansas .. rub Diesel for me ... all the best!

@spammehere67601 5 жыл бұрын

Curious. Do you know the difference between hardwood and softwood? Clue: it's not how hard the wood is.

@LifeinFarmland 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, technically poplar is not a softwood. Most trees lumped in the softwood category usually have needles and cones. I should do a better job using the right terms.

@spammehere67601 5 жыл бұрын

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardwood?wprov=sfla1 it's all about the seed is what differentiates hardwood and softwood to my understanding. Blew my mind.

@larrykluckoutdoors8227 5 жыл бұрын

I hate when the wedges pop out when your cutting frozen oak

@sun9912 Жыл бұрын

Guess I didn't win

@przemyslawkacprzyk3822 6 ай бұрын

Little Timmy must've been without pocket money for a while...

@lxmzhg 4 жыл бұрын

the teeth on a wedge are useless & cause more problems

@lanelassiter4083 5 жыл бұрын

Never stack wedges!

@dnash57 5 жыл бұрын

Why?

@pontiac411 4 жыл бұрын

Why would you buy shims when you or around wood with a saw where you could make them for nothing? I guess since you are advertising and promoting products anything you can promote helps your business.

@danielwengerd7606 4 жыл бұрын

Not everyone wants or can make one.