vertical step cut

[elicokiz]

Hi Folks

 

could anyone please confirm what a vertical step cut is?? my understanding is that the process involves placing vertical cuts on a horizontal branch so that material is broken off by flexing the branch left and right; or is this a discription of a stepping down cut [blocking down] on a main stem which is of course vertical?. sorry to ask such a basic question but this was not made clear to me when I carried out my 39 and i want to be certain

 

regards

Dave

[alex_m]

It is when you put a bottom cut first then a top cut for the branch to free fall without swinging or tearing.

[Stephen Blair]

You've got it:)

[Paul Smith]

Its just a step cut, inboard or outboard.

[elicokiz]

It is when you put a bottom cut first then a top cut for the branch to free fall without swinging or tearing.

 

with the greatest respect surely thats just a horizontal step cut, not a vertical step cut ....this is why i feel so confused as there seems to be no defined consenus

[Paul Smith]

Do you mean when you put the cuts in either side leaving the holding wood to allow you to break it off with a left and right tension? Just another step cut but on the sides as opposed to top and bottom. Make sure you leave enough wood to hold it!

[alex_m]

The horizontal one is a notch either side surely? (as in notches in, put saw away, snap branch/log off with hands)

[Ropechucka]

You we're correct in the first instance. It's an upright step cut on a lateral branch that enables you to make the cut without the branch falling (weight dependant) so you can then switch the saw off and hold the branch with both hands and as you said snap the cut and throw safely. Hope this helps?

 

 

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[alex_m]

anyway, i thought they were called free fall step cuts and hand held step cuts...?

[Ropechucka]

To be fair as long as you know how to perform the cuts properly and there uses, that's what matters. It all comes with experience and getting to know different woods and how they snap.

 

 

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