Flat-cut logs and other wood cuts are a popular home project. They can be used for coasters and tabletops, supports and decorations.
You might not immediately think of a chainsaw when it comes to cutting these wooden discs.
A chainsaw makes it simple to cut wood slices. This is especially true if the wood source is a stump, log or large chunk of timber. It is important to make even and level cuts.
It is easy to learn how you can cut wood with a chainsaw, and to stay safe.
I am confident that by the end of this guide you will feel comfortable using your chainsaw for cutting perfectly proportioned wood slices.
What Youll Need
You only really need one single tool for this project:
However, some additional tools are helpful:
- Wood Jig
- Tape Measure
- Niveau
It doesn’t matter if you are using an electric or gas chainsaw, it is important that your chainsaw blade remains sharp.
Chainsaw Safety
A chainsaw is one of the most powerful and versatile woodworking tools but its also very dangerous if used incorrectly.
These are the top safety tips for chainsaws:
- Cutting with the top of the bar is most natural
- You can also remove the bottom of the bar
- Avoid the kickback zone
- Grab the saw tightly with an encircling grip
- Never carry with a hand on the back handle
The Family Handyman says it is also important to practice a few simple cuts with a small piece or wood to get used to the machine.
Wearing the proper safety equipment is equally important as correctly using your chainsaw.
Here is the safety gear youll need:
- Durable Gloves
- Eye Protection
It may be wise to have additional safety gear depending on the scope of your project.
Method I: Just Cut!
You don’t need to cut perfectly and your ends don’t have to be level. Instead, use a regular chainsaw to make your cuts.
These rough-hewn wood slices are perfect for a wide variety of home DIY projects.
Method II: Make A Chainsaw Jig
Sometimes, a rough cut is not what you want. Instead, you will need a wood slice that has smooth edges.
A chainsaw jig is the best way to achieve smooth, level cuts.
Step I: Build A Basic Square Jig
To make a basic square-shaped jig, use 2x4s and level. Use a tape measure for accurate measurements.
Step II: Prepare Log And Chainsaw
Cut the log to a few inches longer than you need it with your chainsaw.
Next, position the log inside of the square jig. This is usually done by placing the log in front and then putting the square jig on top.
If you tried to cut your wood now, the saw would slide across the square jig and cut into the wood. You need to first attach two thin strips of wood to the sides of the chainsaw blade to prevent the chainsaw from digging into the jig.
The strips enable the chainsaw to slide along the jig, while staying level, without actually cutting into the jig itself.
Step III: Make The Cut
Turn the chainsaw so that it runs parallel to the jig. For the entire cut, ensure that the two wooden pieces on the blade of the chainsaw are parallel to the rest of square jig.
Method III: Cut First, Level Later
Another way how to cut wood slices with a chainsaw is to cut the slices first and then level them out later.
You can cut the slices by looking at the stump or log with the chainsaw. You should cut them as closely to your preferred dimensions as possible. Also, you should make sure that the cuts are as straight as possible.
The next step is to use a power sander, such as an orbital sander, to even out and level the cut area of the wood slice.
Final Thoughts
It is really not difficult to cut wood with a chainsaw.
Depending upon the needs of your project, all that it takes is simply cutting the slices with the chainsaw and them sanding them down to your desired smoothness.
If its important for the cut edges to be as flat and smooth as possible, an alternative is to build a square jig to run your chainsaw across.
No matter what method you choose, you’ll find that any fears about using a saw to cut wood pieces are unfounded.
Here are some DIY woodworking projects you can try after your wood slice project is complete.
