42 
BULLETIN" 711, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
These prices are a little high, which is due 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 
type, $0.35 per pair. 
Fig 
AXES. 
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 3J to 4J 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. 
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. 
SPKINGBOARDS. 
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 
