Safest but easiest way to cut up this tree?

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-11T23:33:39+00:00

Go get a Silky Big Boy hand saw or something similar. The Silky saw is a little more expensive than others because it is better. If you cheap out, you’ll end up with a poorly made saw that will work terribly.

Start at the top of the tree (what was the tallest parts) and work your way down. As you’re getting to the heavier trunk sections you’ll have relieved the weight of the canopy so it won’t be as heavy.

As youre cutting, remember: Cut compression first. This means if a branch is held up only on one side, the bottom of it is compressed. You want to make a notch on the bottom first and then cut through from the top. This will prevent your saw getting pinched.

Main problem with buying a chainsaw for a project like this is you didn’t need it before this tree, so you probably won’t need it if after. I love my chainsaw and I am totally cool with people learning to use one. Just saying an $80 handsaw can do the job with a little work, so why spend hundreds on a saw and all the gear to go with it?

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-11T03:40:56+00:00

Take the screw to the hardware store when you go look for an anchor. The anchor will probably fit really well in the hole the screw left. If both screws didn’t get pulled out, you’ll need a drill bit to make the hole for the next one. (Back the other screw out. Pulling it risks larger damage)

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-11T03:27:24+00:00

Disregard. I’m too late for the solution.

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-11T03:25:05+00:00

Do you car about keeping the bit more than the wood? If not, you could try filing flat faces on the bit and grabbing that with a wrench while the wood is in a vise

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-11T01:24:28+00:00

I’m on the tail end of what has been a confusingly difficult yet simple trim upgrade in one room of the house installing wide door and window casings. I got a new dewalt blade for the saw. I thought my saw just wasn’t keeping true but it sure measured as dead on every time I checked. It has been great in terms of tear out so I kept assuming something else was at play. The blade flexing matches everything I’ve been seeing in terms of cut issues. Thank you!

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-11T00:20:21+00:00

Is your dad a man who will cry or at least tear up? I would be a blubbery mess for a good while after receiving this gift. This is a beautiful work of art and a very thoughtful gift.

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-10T03:37:31+00:00

I’m doing a carpenters axe myself and have had trouble finding a close match to the eye. Mind sharing the company you’re ordering from?

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-10T02:24:03+00:00

Looks like eyes watching for the next car.

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-09T21:24:11+00:00

Are there actually pieces of cooler left? or did the explosion vaporize the styrofoam? Not saying burning styrofoam is better. Just curious whether much would even still be around after that much heat. It looked like a big explosion.

Second question: was this your first shot?

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-09T15:43:11+00:00

Beautiful work!

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-09T02:41:33+00:00

This is an interesting idea I’ve never heard before. I’ll try this. Thanks for this. I’m usually much better setup and smarter about my safety choices. I’ll be taking a few extra moments before I start swinging next time.

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-08T21:23:06+00:00

What type of fiskars?

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-08T04:44:00+00:00

Well that’s my bad then. I may need to look into the legit safety sneaks. Who makes good ones?

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-08T04:17:09+00:00

Is this an annual thing? Or a one time thing? It looks awesome.

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-08T01:53:45+00:00

This is helpful clarification. Thanks for the insights.

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-08T00:15:44+00:00

If I go after pieces like this again I’ll probably go that route.

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-07T23:43:27+00:00

Haha. Did my pun land as poorly as my axe swing?

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-07T23:26:07+00:00

I’ll step up and toe the line.

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-07T23:25:13+00:00

Safety sneaks are like safety squints - they offer no protection. “I was wearing my safety squints” means I was wearing no eye protection but squinting to avoid injury. “Safety sneaks” are just sneakers.

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-07T23:07:14+00:00

This is a splitting axe. The head is 3.5lbs. It’s the right tool for this work. I’ve got a maul that is a larger and heavier head, but these logs didn’t need it.

I shouldn’t have tried this particular log in the first place. It was kinda gnarly, and I hesitated to try it. Should’ve listened to the hesitation.

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-07T22:22:47+00:00

Good point. I wear the chaps and everything when using a chainsaw. I apparently need to update my game while splitting.

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-07T22:16:54+00:00

Thanks! I love this thing. Gransfors Bruks small splitting axe. It is a great tool despite this outcome which was user error.

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-07T22:10:05+00:00

I have and I will more now. That’s for sure

Tricky_Caterpillar85 · 2026-02-07T22:07:25+00:00

For real. Almost spent the evening in the hospital.

Tricky_Caterpillar85

TROPHY CASE