How to Adjust the Cutter of a Crosscutting Machine
Whether you have purchased a new crosscutting machine or a used one, there are some important things you must know about how to adjust the cutter for optimum performance. Using this information will ensure that you make accurate cuts on your wood. You can also avoid unnecessary trips to the shop if you follow these tips.
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Remove wedges
Using a crosscutting saw bucker to cut a log requires you to develop a high level of wedging skills. This includes removing bark from the log before you begin the cut. Loose bark can interfere with the bucker's operation and cause vertical cracks. Another hazard is fire-charred logs, which can dull your saw. If you are not sure whether the tree you are cutting is sound, you can test it by using a single-bit ax.
If you do not have a log bucker, you can use a heavy plank as a strongback. This can help to distribute pressure on the log and allow you to remove the block later. The plank should be about a foot long and have a sound limb. You can also use a metal hanging wedge of crosscutting machine to slow the opening of the kerf. These can reduce the chances of a log rolling.
The wedge is a triangular block that is rectangular on its butt end. It is used in a variety of applications, including commercial and Naval damage-control work. Hardwood wedges have a bad tendency to break, and they should be watched closely.
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Reduce distance from severed section of log to place you want it to go
Using a crosscutting machine to chop a chunk of log into manageable sections is a common activity on trails. One of the most difficult challenges is reducing the distance from the axed section of log to where you want it to go. Luckily, there are several simple methods for minimizing the distance a severed section of wood travels. These include making the most of the crosscutting machine for paper, avoiding bending and warping, and identifying and protecting any potential hazards.
The best way to reduce the distance a severed log travels is to minimize the amount of energy released while the log is being cut. This is done by employing the appropriate bucking technique, such as the offset or underbucking cut. In the context of a crosscutting machine, this is a two-step process, whereby the log is chopped in the first step, and then compressed under the blade in the second. This method is typically used on larger logs, and can be particularly challenging if the tree is in poor condition.
Make precise square cuts
Trying to make precise square cuts on a cutting machine can be very frustrating, but if you follow a few simple steps, you'll be on your way to achieving the quality cut that you desire. The first step is to make sure that the saw's blade is set on the waste side of the line you're cutting. This is usually marked on the base plate of the saw. Next, you'll want to flip the saw over and align the baseplate with the carpenter square. This will enable you to hold the carpenter square against the wood while you adjust the blade.
Another method for making accurate square cuts is to use a framing square or combination square to check the angle. You can also use digital calipers to measure the width of both sides of the wood. These tools will allow you to make precise measurements of up to two or three decimal places.
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