turnkey4099
Elite Member
Over the years I have tried every method of marking logs for cutting that I have heard of.
Mark the whole log and start cutting? Nope. Come to a crook, crotch, limb, etc and you have to make an adjustment - throws all subsequent marks off.
Eyeball? Nope. Doesn't work for me. On big stuff I cut short blocks, little stuff I cut long
Measure with saw bar? Not for me! I get enough workout running a saw without waving it around flipping it 90 degrees twice for each cut.
Years ago I made cut-off guids that bolted on the bar studs. The Husky 51 in the center has one on it. Not very good as it takes way to much time to mount/dismount.
Carry a measuring stick? Yep, that I do but it is a bit awkward and detracts from a proper hold on the saw. I used to use sticks or dowels painted white. Last year I spotted the white plastic 1/4" plumbing pipes - already painted white and thin enough to make it a bit easier to carry. I cut 3 of them out of one length of pipe. That is one of them at the bottom of the pic.
Commercial cut-off guide "Quick Stix" from Baileys. Good idea but pee poor design. The plastic rods are so flimsy they break just by setting the saw down. I broke 3 of them in the first few minutes of using each even being careful.
I replaced the plastic ones with 5/16 rod from Ace Hardware. Found that it is close enough to thread using a 8 x 1.5mm die. Works fine. Spins on/of the union' nut in seconds. Most times I do my limbing as I go and leave the rod on. One gets used to it rapidly.
Yes I know, "it'll get in the way" Nope, not to a noticeable degree. "it would be on when I want it off" - so do it. Remember, spins on/off in seconds.
It is not for everyone but it works for me and I wouldn't be without them.
Union nuts are, so I am told, available at McMasters.
Harry K