Blue-blade society wows and frustrations

[LeeB]

I can't be sure, but looks like a couple of blue spots in the second log, possibly indicating metal. Do you think maybe you might have hit a nail or something in the first log?

[JustinW_NZ]

That second log with the clear single check running down it basically shows you where the stress is trying to pull the log apart.

If you line up and cut through the line you will start taking the stress out, the off centre pith is a sure sign it was a leaning tree?
Notice how the check is running nearish to parallel to the tension and compression side of the log?

I've had some real shockers like this is small logs and all you can do is center the log up and rip them in half, and just hope you get to the come apart without wreaking anything  :D
Once you can get them into smaller pieces they will behave more.

Cheers
Justin

[petefrom bearswamp]

This is why I love this forum.
A problem is presented, then lots of folks chime in with opinions and possible solutions voilla presently the problem is solved.
( I have only sawed 2 Red oak logs)

[Dave Shepard]

It looks like both logs had off center pith, which means they were probably growing out of the side of a hill. That's where the stress is coming from. Saw a nice clear pine butt log to restore your confidence. 

[Magicman]

The growth rings in the top portion of the top log are horizontal and some even tending upward.   :-\  Yes, you should have encountered some serious stress in that log. 

All indicators to me (the pith being fairly equal from each side of the cant, and closer to the bottom) show that you observed the log's sweep and opened the log correctly.   

[GDinMaine]

If you line up and cut through the line you will start taking the stress out .... .... ... center the log up and rip them in half, and just hope you get to the come apart without wreaking anything  :D
Once you can get them into smaller pieces they will behave more.

Cheers
Justin

Interesting.  I was in fact doing the opposite.  I sawed parallel with the crack to keep it in as few boards as possible. Next time I will try the other way.  I did manage to box the pith on both ends.

The growth rings in the top portion of the top log are horizontal and some even tending upward.   :-\  Yes, you should have encountered some serious stress in that log. 

Do you mean where it looks like a wave with sections of the growth rings slightly curling upward?  I'm now looking at the pictures and see it present in both logs.  Interesting detail and a second visible sign of tension. 

Saw a nice clear pine butt log to restore your confidence. 

I had to cut some cedar yesterday.  It was nice to realize I still know how to run the saw.

Thanks to all who helped with suggestions.

[thecfarm]

You know how to saw. The growing the tree part you are having a hard time with.  :D

[5quarter]

Definitely a problem tree. I wonder if, as the wood was relieving stress, it wasn't trying to pinch your blade. it would not take much friction on the blade body to heat the blade just enough to lose tension in the cut. That would result in a diving blade. I had a Hickory pinch my blade about 2' into the first cut. grabbed it so tight it stopped the blade and stalled the engine. I had to hammer a pry bar into the kerf at the log end to get the blade out. I turned the log 90° and sawed it to the deck without any more trouble. That first cut had started to dive before it seized up the saw. Perhaps that tension/compression in your log is the source of the trouble. just thinking out loud.