Bushler
ArboristSite Operative
A dutchman is used to swing a tree perpendicular to its lean. There's variations, but basically what you're doing is cutting off a corner of the hinge wood to allow the tree to swing toward the uncut part of the hinge. Here's how.
In this example the tree you're cutting is on a moderately steep slope, and leans straight down hill. You want to swing it 90 degrees so it will land in lead, sidehill.
NOTE: 1. This is advanced cutting proceedure, and 2. Never use a dutchman on a snag or defective tree.
Start by cutting the top face cut, but extend the cut beyond the normal point, keep cutting until the tree just starts to sag, (tricky) and quickly remove the saw so you don't get hung up. (you'll hate me if the tree sets down on the saw).
Next, cut the bottom part of the face in the normal manner, using the saw gun sight to accurately face the tree where you want it to fall.
Next start the back cut and cut the far wood first, cutting around until you meet the extended part of the top face cut.
Once the lower corner is cut off, bring the saw back around to the uphill side (same kerf), and leave a good amount of holding wood (4-6").
As you cut the back part of the holding wood stick a wedge in the kerf and continue to cut, leaving the 4-6" holding wood on the high side.
As the tree starts to fall it will swing on the holding wood and land perfectly. (well, sometimes they will break off and go down the hill like a freight train).
Clear as mud?
In this example the tree you're cutting is on a moderately steep slope, and leans straight down hill. You want to swing it 90 degrees so it will land in lead, sidehill.
NOTE: 1. This is advanced cutting proceedure, and 2. Never use a dutchman on a snag or defective tree.
Start by cutting the top face cut, but extend the cut beyond the normal point, keep cutting until the tree just starts to sag, (tricky) and quickly remove the saw so you don't get hung up. (you'll hate me if the tree sets down on the saw).
Next, cut the bottom part of the face in the normal manner, using the saw gun sight to accurately face the tree where you want it to fall.
Next start the back cut and cut the far wood first, cutting around until you meet the extended part of the top face cut.
Once the lower corner is cut off, bring the saw back around to the uphill side (same kerf), and leave a good amount of holding wood (4-6").
As you cut the back part of the holding wood stick a wedge in the kerf and continue to cut, leaving the 4-6" holding wood on the high side.
As the tree starts to fall it will swing on the holding wood and land perfectly. (well, sometimes they will break off and go down the hill like a freight train).
Clear as mud?