Step cutting unrigged large white willow branches

[Rich Rule]

4 hours ago, bigtreedon said:

I do a version often that I find the most efficient starting on the far side of the limb saw under it bar pointing up to sky cut with a pushing chain then in one fluid motion bring it under the cut making the under cut then pulling chain side cut infront of me then top cut saw never leaves the wood till limb falls to hard describe in writing especially me been illiterate 🙄 the wood fibers left end up looking semi box/ v cut 

That’s it mate.  If the limb is horizontal and favoured left or right, first cut always into the compression timber approx 45 deg.  Same on your side and then match the two cuts with a fast top cut and Pop.  Off it goes with a triangular shaped hinge pointing to the ground.

[hesslemount]

Some great tips guys thank you. I did kerf cuts but seems the box cut and probably a larger was than a 14” top hander for more grunt. It was quite scary how such a large branch at 45 degrees + can tear and drop from a classic undercut! I’ve done that cut 1,00’s of times but only takes that once! Luckily only a bruised foot and no idea how the steel toecap held under such pressure.
PS: a classic or humbolt hinge cut in that situation wouldn’t have worked even with kerf cuts.