42 



BULLETIN 711, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGEICULTUEE. 



These prices are a little high, which is clue to present economic 

 conditions. The falling saws are 13 gauge on teeth, 17 gauge on 

 back; the bucking saws are 13 gauge on teeth, 

 18 gauge on back. Detachable wooden handles 

 (fig. 8) are used. The reversible Pacific coast 

 type costs about $0.65 per pair; the common 

 t3^pe, $0.35 per pair. 



One falling ax is required for each faller; 

 one swamping ax (fig. 6) for each bucker. The 

 head of the axe used in the region is double- 

 bitted; that is, has two cutting edges. Falling- 

 ax heads vary in weight from 3^ to 4^ pounds ; 

 swamping-ax heads from 4 to 5 pounds, accord- 

 ing to the character of work and the personal 

 ideas of the workmen. The handles, which are 

 made of straight-grained second-growth hickory, 

 are straight and from 38 to 42 inches in length. 

 The net price of the best quality of falling ax 

 ranges from $11 to $12 per dozen ; of the swamp- 

 ing ax, from $10 to $11 per dozen. The handles cost from $2.50 to 

 $3.50 per dozen. 



Fig. 8. — Saw handle. 



STEEL SLEDGES. 



A steel sledge is used by each faller and bucker for driving wedges. 

 The heads of those used by the fallers weigh about 10 pounds; those 

 used by the buckers, 8 pounds. The cost of the heads ranges from 

 $0.25 to $0.30 per pound; of the handles, from $2 to $2.50 per dozen. 



STEEL WEDGES. 



In well-equipped camps, each set of fallers has 4 or 5 steel falling 

 wedges, and each bucker 4 or 5 bucking wedges, weighing from 6 

 to 8 pounds each. The cost of the best steel wedges is about $0.25 

 per pound. 



SPRINGBOARDS. 



In other than small second-growth timber and good ground each 

 set of fallers is equipped with two spring, or chopping, boards which 

 serve as platforms for them to stand on when undercutting and 

 sawing. These boards are 4 or 5 feet long and 8 inches wide, taper- 

 ing from 1 inch in thickness to 2 inches at the end, which is fitted 



