82 LOGGING 



timber, are longer than those used for log-making. A common 

 form of metal wedge used on the Pacific Coast by fallers is made 

 from I -inch steel and is about 13 inches long and 3 inches wide. 

 In Maine the felhng wedges are shorter and may be shaped 

 somewhat like a hatchet head. They are 6 or 7 inches long, 

 3 inches wide at the base, and i| inches wide and i inch thick at 

 the top. On the Pacific Coast the buckers often employ a wedge 

 similar to the one used for felling, although the length seldom 

 exceeds 7 inches. In most regions fallers and log-makers use 

 the same type of wedge. 



Since smooth-faced metal wedges are likely to rebound, 

 shallow grooves are often made on the faces so that when driven 

 into a cut the pressure causes the wood to fill the groove and 

 prevents any backward movement. The faces are sometimes 

 roughened slightly with a cold chisel to accomplish the same 

 purpose. 



Hardwood wedges of hickory, hard maple, beech, ironwood, 

 dogwood and persimmon are frequently used in the southern 

 pine regions where timber for their manufacture is accessible. 

 They are preferred because they are inexpensive and hold well 

 in a cut. They may be made by the sawyers as needed or by 

 contract at about 2 cents each. They are ordinarily 6 or 8 inches 

 long, 2I or 3^ inches wide and i inch in thickness at the head. 



FelHng crews in the Northwest usually carry two long and 

 three short wedges; log-makers, five short ones. In other re- 

 gions where the timber is of medium size the sawyers use from 

 two to four wedges. From twenty to forty wooden wedges per 

 month are required by a saw crew of two men. 



Metal wedges are often carried by the fallers in a small canvas 

 sack slung over the shoulder, or one is fastened at each end of a 

 piece of hay wire, 3 or 4 feet long. Wooden wedges are carried 

 in the pockets of the workmen. 



MAULS AND SLEDGES 



Iron wedges are generally driven by means of a wooden maul. 

 These are made by the camp blacksmith from hard maple, yellow 

 birch or any tough wood. A common form used in Maine is 



