Author Topic: Wedges  (Read 3212 times)

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Offline 3000 FPS

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Re: Wedges
« Reply #10 on: January 24, 2015, 08:46:51 pm »
I have some generic plastic wedges that I use to prevent the bar from being pinched.   I also have a couple of steel wedges and those I use when I want to fell a tree in a certain direction using a wedge that is pounded in with a sledge.   If it is a real bad leaner then I will pull it down with my truck.
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Offline 660magnum

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Re: Wedges
« Reply #11 on: January 24, 2015, 08:59:00 pm »
In the old days we either had steel splitting wedges or we cut some out of Osage Orange or Northern Maple.

The wood ones held up about like today's plastic wedges. If you beat on them they would eventually split themselves.
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Offline 3000 FPS

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Re: Wedges
« Reply #12 on: January 24, 2015, 09:09:34 pm »
I have 4 steel wedges and are made for splitting but I prefer to use them for felling.   My plastic wedges last much longer that way.
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Offline 660magnum

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Re: Wedges
« Reply #13 on: January 24, 2015, 09:23:43 pm »
In more recent years I have not used my steel wedges for fear of bumping one with the chain.

One day I had a good felling need for them but couldn't remember where I put them. So I pulled the tree down with the truck.

After I got that clump of trees dropped I thought of where the steel wedges were. And they are still laying there on the shelf. I'm afraid to move them.
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Offline 3000 FPS

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Re: Wedges
« Reply #14 on: January 24, 2015, 09:41:12 pm »
Oh when I use those steel wedges all the cutting is done.  No saws.    If I have to cut some more because I did not calculate correctly I knock the wedges out before cutting.
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Offline 660magnum

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Re: Wedges
« Reply #15 on: January 24, 2015, 10:14:54 pm »
That's what I decided - that I better do it that way too.
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Offline Ducksnuff870

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Re: Wedges
« Reply #16 on: January 27, 2015, 03:51:08 pm »
I fell a tree with the help of steel splitting wedges a couple weeks ago. I ended up hitting them with my saw of course. Good thing I had extra chains with me.  I had a handful of plastic felling wedges last year. I shattered every single one.

Offline 660magnum

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Re: Wedges
« Reply #17 on: January 27, 2015, 08:36:08 pm »
You beat on the back of a plastic wedge with a big hammer in this cold weather - It is bound to shatter.

In warm weather they will mushroom and peen over.

Like has already been said . . .

I guess the plastic wedge is just for placing in a cut to keep the cut from pinching?

If you are trying to make the tree fall after your done cutting, then put the ole steel splitting wedge in there and beat your heart out?
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Offline aclarke

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Re: Wedges
« Reply #18 on: January 27, 2015, 09:33:13 pm »

Offline Reddog

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Re: Wedges
« Reply #19 on: January 27, 2015, 10:08:41 pm »

I guess the plastic wedge is just for placing in a cut to keep the cut from pinching?



Never broke a Pillar double taper or Madsens orange wedge until below zero. Then we switch to Pillar super tuff's, never broke one at any -zero temps.
Stacking 3 in the winter is a little sketchy, they like to pop back out.

Hardheads were shattering in the cold last winter for others. I don't use them.  Guess they are a summer wedge.