Quartering Old Growth Douglas Fir.... with a Backhoe!

[kgbond]

This weekend I thought I would share a challenge that I overcame with use of my backhoe. The utility company felled an old-grown douglas fir and left me a 12ft section. I didn't have the equipment large enough to haul the log, so I sectioned it into rounds and left this larger 6ft section to mill. The log was too big for the mill so I attempted to quarter the 6ft section. I started with the largest wedge I had and then had to go larger... Next weekend I will spit the wood once more, to quarter the log, and then mill the lumber. The wood is completely clear and will be used for interior flooring.

   

[bandmiller2]

Good show mate,theirs a tremendous force in the bucket curl,this is a good trick to remember. Frank C.

[clww]

+1
That's some good thinking, using the hydraulics to help split it. I've not seen that before, but I won't forget it! ;)

[WDH]

Necessity is the Mother of Invention  ;D.

[coastlogger]

nice piece of wood.Looks like you cut from one side with chainsaw? Did you consider cutting thru from other side with chainsaw to avoid having to use splitting force? Looks like it turned out great,particularly because the grain is so straight.

[Chuck White]

Very resourseful!  +1

[bandmiller2]

What the old timers would[no backhoe] do is start the crack like you did then make bigger wedges out of hardwood to open further,then chase the crack down the log. Frank C.