lOO LOGGING 



Wedges are used to keep the saw from binding and kerosene 

 is applied to the saw blade when necessary to free it from 

 pitch. 



The equipment used for felling and log-making in medium- 

 sized timber consists of a cross-cut saw, 6^ feet long, with two 

 detachable handles; a double-bitted or single-bitted ax; two or 

 more wooden or iron wedges; a measuring stick; a bottle of 

 kerosene; and possibly a wooden maul or a sledge for driving 

 wedges. 



Similar equipment is used for large timber but the saws range 

 in length from 8 to i8 feet. Spring boards are also required 

 where high stumps are cut. 



Power Bucking. — In the sugar pine forests of California hand 

 bucking is sometimes supplemented by the use of the power- 

 driven "steam dago."^ The engine is moved under its own 

 power to the vicinity of the felled trees which are to be cut into 

 logs. A saw frame and saw are adjusted at the cutting point 

 on the bole, the saw is then started and left to work automati- 

 cally while two other frames are being adjusted at other cuts. 

 Saws are run at about 150 strokes per minute. 



A swamping crew precedes the saw crew and trims the felled 

 trees, throwing the brush to one side to give room for the ma- 

 chines. There is a decided economy both of time and labor in 

 the use of the compressed-air machine. Nine men are required 

 to operate it and the daily capacity is from 125,000 to 140,000 

 board feet, with a maximum output under favorable circum- 

 stances of 160,000 feet. From fifteen to seventeen men would 

 be required to secure the same output with hand labor, and the 

 labor charge would considerably exceed the cost of operation and 

 maintenance of the machine. Some difficulty is experienced in 

 operating during cold weather because the moisture freezes on 

 the cylinder and piston and interferes with the action of the 

 latter. 



The endless chain saw^ is used to cut logs into shingle-bolt 

 lengths in the redwood forest region and also to cross-cut logs 

 at the mill. It is especially adapted for the former work, 



1 See page 79. 



