Handtools for Trail Work - Part 1

[@siouxhart393]

Fascinating! I don't know why I looked at this video except that the title drew me in. I was curious. I live in the city, but one never knows when hurricanes, earthquakes or tornados might leave you in a position to need this knowledge. I was so impressed with Dolly's flawless speaking that I looked for her name at the end of the video. She must be a Toastmaster. I was also impressed with the professionalism of the video. Well done to all of you.

[@shinrainc00]

I'm from Australia and i love this!

[@mulatuu]

I've just watched the whole film.. Brilliant! Love from France

[@outdoormusings7688]

I love doing trail work.

[@TheErikM]

The title says axe to grind, but the video is handtools for trailwork. I think the uploader has accidentally switched the two, as the video that show up as handtools for trailwork videos are actually the axe to grind series.

[@ShakespeareCafe]

The Mcleod is heavy...your arms really get a workout. I prefer a rake in soft soil.

[@Slick519]

this is true, this is handtools for trail work. "an axe to grind" is a different video, but this video uses portions from "an axe to grind." very confusing, really :)

[@shinrainc00]

Thumbs up if you think she would make a good ventriloquist!

[@BlakeaTube]

absolutely awesome video. Can I bother you for a copy so I can put it on a DVD for my father in Law? He lives in the bush and has no internet access but we cut all the time for multiple out door furnaces and I'm sure he would love this video. Thanks again, I really enjoyed it!

[@TheLoobis]

9:10 Look at that. Talking about paracord before anyone knew about it.

[@MartyInTheWoods]

quite informative!

[@manoleTL]

SUPER , FELICITARI !!!

[@4714audirs6]

where I cen buy this one (croosscut saw)? Here in Czech rep I wasnt be abel found crosscut saw enywhere.

[@rowanfernsler9725]

You gotta look at old barns, ask around and check online 24/7

[@youngbp04]

Does anyone know where you can buy the standard issue Forest Service leather gloves?

[@Slick519]

+youngbp04 don't bother. i have been issued countless pairs of these over the past 8 years and they are a pain (literally) to wear. most folks flip them inside out to decrease the seams from causing blisters. the "USFS standard issue gloves" are meant for firefighting, and are usually made out of pigskin or goat skin and use kevlar stitching so the thread doesnt melt. If you are just wanting to do trail work, I haven't found a glove i like better than this style: www.amazon.com/Wells-Lamont-3214M-Leather-Comfort/dp/B000BZ8JJS if you really are hell bent on wearing USFS issue gloves, you can find them here: www.supplycache.com/Forest-Worker-Glove-Leather-Pull-Strap/productinfo/100-80001/

[@thegreenbastard42011]

an axe is a hand tool lmao they used one to prop the saw up in the very first scene.

[@tedmartin5402]

Chainsaws are useless without fuel ,not even a good anchor.

[@TimberTramp]

A waste of tax money....PRIME EXAMPLE! While I have a healthy appreciation of all these hand tools, the FS prime directive of using hand tools in the wilderness vs simply using chainsaws is ludicrous!

[@ableprepper]

Timber Tramp - The Forest Service does have a prohibition for any powered equipment in designated wilderness areas (exceptions include fighting wildfires). In other areas powered equipment such as chain saws are acceptable. It's the intent to preserve wilderness areas to the maximum extent possible and that means no powered equipment. I am a USFS certified Sawyer in both crosscut and chain saw, a volunteer in one of the 31 Appalachian Trail Conservancy Trail Clubs that partnership with all the different federal and state agencies along the 2180 miles of the AT. It is far easier to hump in a crosscut than a chainsaw with all the required PPE or a longer saw bar for a large diameter log/tree. I couldn't tell if you think it is a waste of taxpayer money for crosscut saws or chainsaws or for the videos. Regardless, if you think it's a "waste of money" that's your opinion and your entitled to it. BTW I'm 66 years old, retired civil service 26 years and a retired US Army officer with 41+ years of active and reserve service.

[@TimberTramp]

dahat001 sir I am quite versed In the FS and thier idiotic policies...a logger & woodsmen who lives where most of this was filmed. When you get out West here and see the devistation that the FS has caused the land because of their stupid policies...well, then I’ll be more inclined to weigh your opinion and experience. My original statements stand! You are only partially right about the provision for a “fire waiver” btw

[@yakamarezlife]

Timber Tramp.. i would rather use hand tools. Harder work yes more time yes. But the craftsmanship a person can achieve is unparalleled.

[@PowderMonkey4Life]

who would use a x-cut saw vs chainsaw, unless it's wilderness? get real

[@donnajustin1193]

One reason would be cost of operation, another would be trying not to contaminate the area with bar oil although you can use canola oil you just go through a lot of it, and last would be the reason you cited, use in a wilderness area so you don't have to carry in fuel and bar oil.

[@PowderMonkey4Life]

cost? a chainsaw or a good x cut saw cost about the same. Contaminate w/ bar oil? jez how much oil are you using? Canola? Is that your attempt at being 'green'? Canola is in no way viscous enough to lube chain & bar. Kerosene is used to lube xcut while cutting or do you canola for that too? Wilderness, not so you don't have to carry gas/ oil, it's cuz it's ILLEGAL to operate mechanical devices there.

[@donnajustin1193]

What doe's it cost run that saw after initial purchase? You only need kerosene if you are cutting wood that has pitch in it otherwise you shouldn't need it.And as far as the kerosene is concerned there are biodegradable solvents you can use too if contamination is a possible issue. I use regular bar oil and I need to fill it every time I fill the gas so yes you can go through a lot and yes canola oil is a green alternative if you are working in a area where you might want to think about contamination, but you go through a lot more of it. If you are far enough back in the woods you might appreciate not having to pack fuel and oil regardless if it is designated a wilderness area or not. Last but not least the hand tools are less likely to have a mechanical issue that you can't fix in the field.

[@PowderMonkey4Life]

Cost vs time. Even gas, premix & bar oil plus the occasional chain, is not that much. If you can't afford that, you probably can't afford the car to get to the trail. 20+yrs of trailbuilding/ maintaining cotamtb.com/ have taught me a chainsaw is an awesome time saving device vs xcut and it allows more options to the cut ie, maybe you want to flatten the top of a log, to ride. Maintain it & never have a mechanical. While you're still x-cutting, I'll be riding my bike.

[@donnajustin1193]

i still use a chainsaw, your question was why would anyone use a cross cut saw so i gave you an answer. In Honduras I actually saw two guys using one to cut railroad ties by hand. they make a little lean to on two trees, fell trees above it, roll them down then one guy stands on top and one guy underneath and cut away. Here in the US there are areas that take a few days to walk into so how much fuel for the chainsaw do you want to haul vs food and water for yourself. In the boundary waters you aren't allowed to use motorized equipment so guessing a chainsaw spitting bar oil would be frowned upon. Just because it is easier to use a chainsaw doesn't mean it always the right tool for the job. Plus the opening of the video talks about how they are trying to keep old hand tool knowledge alive, you never know when it might be the only tools available.