starting splits w/powersaws

[Justin Snyder]

Just for the record, when we talk about a kerf we are referring to a shallow cut in a log that will be a weak place that the split will follow as you break it open with maul and wedges.  We usually aren't talking about cutting a log in half with a saw.

The mulberry I did the kerf didn't go through the sapwood.  That allowed the heartwood to follow the grain but be encouraged which grain to follow.  Justin

[tom sawyer]

Yes it was pretty amazing to me that you could cut a kerf an inch deep in a 10" osage log and you'd get a nice straight split, with a lot less tearout on the sides, even when it was fighting the grain.  Really, if I wasn't so lazy I'd be kerfing more.

[whatareyadoin]

I tried cutting out my limbs with a skill saw,  does not work well especially when the saw jumps, no thanks not for me, no powertoll accidents in my 45 years, gonna keep it that way.