How? Best safe approach

[stuckinthemud]

There is a wind blown black poplar near me with a 2 foot diameter stem. I need some slabs 4 inch thick by 12 inch wide by 1m long (sorry about mixed measurements). My little saw only has a 14 inch bar and the section I need to cut is 14 inches off the floor, the tree is pretty gnarly, this is the only clean section. Any advise welcome

[Rough Hewn]

Sawmillers.co.uk
[emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]

[muttley9050]

You won't be able to cut an accurate 12x 4 with a chainsaw with a 14" bar. You could only free hand it.
Invest in and learn how to use the right kit or as above, phone a professional.

[stuckinthemud]

There is no vehicle access, so getting a pro in is not really an option and my better half will take a dim view of a new toy, freehanding is fine by me, I'm pretty accurate with my cuts. I was thinking of separating the section I need by cross-cutting trenches a few inches wide to keep the bar from being pinched, putting a log underneath for support as the section is off the ground then once its cut through and on the deck cleaving it with some big wedges

[monkeybusiness]

Is it still attached to the root plate? If so please leave it alone and at least get someone experienced to sever it.

[drinksloe]

Was just gong to mention exactly wot monkey had said.

 

Cutting windblow is 1 off most dangerous things u can do, nowadays many forestry companies have banned hand cutting windblow, even single stems even if u have tickets.

 

I imagine popular being brittle might be a funny 1 to cut even with experience.

[stuckinthemud]

Yes, its still attached, literally wind-blown. I'm a carver not a tree surgeon, this is well outside my skill set

[Moose McAlpine]

4 minutes ago, stuckinthemud said:

I'm a carver not a tree surgeon, this is well outside my skill set

 

No offence, mate, but i reckon you've answered your own question there.

[stuckinthemud]

Yeah, you're right and I know it, that's why I'm on here asking questions.  The other thing I know is what I need (4inch thick slab of salix)  I haven't been able to source anywhere local to me in the past 3 years, so one lying in the woods 150 yards from my house is hard to walk away from

[Stubby]

Single wind blown with root plate still in the ground is ok just take rings off until it slowly stands back up again . Multiple wind blown is a different matter . Tensions and compressions that are sometimes hard to visualize . With you wanting to cut a section out of the stem could bite you if you are not very careful .  .