Rip sawing oak....

[mrcaptainbob]

I have three things: the first is an oak log 30" dia and about 15' long. The second is a Stihl MS310 (20" bar). The third is a used semi chisel chain ready for donation. I'd like to cut a square center section out of it for my son. He'd like it for a mantle.  Is this too much for a 310? I am led to believe ripping chain is filed/ground to a steeper angle than cross cutting. So....maybe 10* or 15*'s? A saw mill is not nearby, nor is there a way I can transport this log without turning it into a kit. Any suggestions? (as in don't even attempt it?)

[clww]

It can be done, but you'll need to go slow and it will be a lot of work. I've ripped a bunch of big logs with my big Stihl saws (084 and 090), ripping chains and a bolt-on guide for the bar to travel on a 2X6. These ripping chains I have are at less than 10 degrees. With a 20" bar, are you going to go down both sides or cut it higher up so the bar is just barely seen on both sides once the cut is finished?

[ARKANSAWYER]

  Well you could call WoodMizer and give them your zip code and they can tell you if there is a sawyer close.  The chain saw will get it done if you take your time and got plenty of gas.  You can pop a chalk line and saw away.  It can be done.

[Magicman]

When ripping with a CS, I like to make many shallow passes taking only an inch or so with each pass.  Of course in my case, I'm just splitting the log before loading it on the sawmill.

[mikeb1079]

as the other guys have said it can be done.  but that is really pushing the limits of that saw.  heck, 30" oak will push the limits of my 075 and that's 111cc.  but, if it was easy everyone would do it, and then it would be lame.   :D   i say go for it and post some pics.   8)

[Banjo picker]

I don't know if the saw is up to it or not, as I have not run that saw...I have split some with a Ms 460 and  a 084, but even then I had a 3 ft bar....and the cuts were not very pretty, causing a good bit of waste...I could not get the logs out of the woods was the reason for splitting them...With a 20 in bar and you cutting from both sides...I will need to see it to believe it....Hate to throw water on your fire, but I don't think it will work out ...I would say at least get you a saw with a bar long enough to go through on one pass and make you some sort of guide...Tim

[Fether Hardwoods]

HI if it helps I am in the Hudson MI area, that log would push my limits but we can get it done somehow.  Thank You Nathan Fether

[ladylake]

I'd also hire a bandsaw rather than risking ruining a chainsaw, if you chainsaw it make sure you have the high set plenty rich.   steve

[kelLOGg]

I ripped a 34" red oak with a 20" Husky down the heart. Started with a new ripping and crosscut chain (couldn't tell the difference). It took 2.5 hours and it was only 9.5' long. That was 5 years ago and the saw is still fine. I looked into other ways but the CS was the cheapest even though there was a lot of waste.