Picking up a Big Silver Maple

Urban Logging Strategies: • Urban Logging Strategi...
Videos about my Log Trailer: • My Trailer with Log Lo...
What Size Winch Do I Need for Urban Logging? - • What Size Winch Do I N...
Products Used:
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78" Cant Hook: amzn.to/2Is0RY1
Hi-Lift Jack: amzn.to/2nwL9Nq
Anchor Seal: amzn.to/2rTQdAD
Thank you to Triton Tools and Horton Brasses for sponsoring my work
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Website: mattcremona.com
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#urbanlogging #bigwood

[@rjtumble]

Amazing what one guy can do with the right tools.

[@popahh615]

Yes it is amazing and Matt explains things so well that I have actually learned something.

[@xedasxedas]

Even when you screw up you still dont loose you cool. You're the best Matt

[@mcremona]

ha! thanks!

[@supersovak]

I agree. Great attitude. Love that you include all those moments that would have made some of us just want to cry

[@dalanbronnenberg]

Surprising. The silver maple here in IN is VERY soft. I don't even bother cutting it up for firewood. Love to see what this looks like and what it can be used for. But, what a smooth job of handling this big boy.

[@Mikefestiva]

Man that’s impressive what you can move with your trailer arch! Like always another great video Matt! Thanks for posting. Ps I live in Washington and there’s a lot of old photos I’ve seen from the old times back when the loggers used cables and steam donkeys, steam donkeys are basically a giant cable winch that is powered by a steam engine, that gets skidded through the woods and cabled to stumps to anchor it. The thing that is crazy is the size of trees these guys could pull out of the woods, there’s photos of these giants cut into sections 10’ high and 20 to 30 feet long getting dragged out! You do find broken cable throughout the woods in the northwest, I actually have old cable that I found on my property that’s along a old skid road, it’s split and shredded from breaking, discarded on the side of the trail, I’m sure there’s been many life’s lost in the woods of men working beside these old steam beasts. I actually found a huge steam donkey out hiking in the woods along the coast in the Olympic national park, it’s growing Moss now, it probably broke down in the middle of no where and without it able to winch it’s self out was left to rust in peace. Take care Matt :)

[@mcremona]

That's so awesome! Really cool that you live around so much history!

[@MikeGillett58]

Love to watch you work, I get tired just watching!

[@maryannrurup353]

Enjoyed the process of log moving, thanks. PLEASE keep safe.

[@gg110888]

Matt you amaze me at the huge logs you manage to move around. Just love watching your videos, thanks. :)

[@couerl]

I got a silver maple tree about 5 years ago from an arborist friend and just slabbed it out at the job site free hand chainsaw because they're so big. I took 6 pickup loads in my Tundra before the day was over and there was still another 6 to go. The crotches and spalted parts made for some lovely tabletops and bowls and whatnot.

[@daveboyt6810]

Ingenious! I'll be putting one on my trailer soon. Love the way it goes straight from the trailer onto the mill with those skids.

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@csjmoore]

This is great stuff & thanks for taking the time. My grandpa was a lumberman and had a mill so I have sawdust in my veins. I love the smell of drying wood of all types. I remember real vertical grain Douglas Fir, Spruce and White Pine on boards 20' and even 30' with no knots. Some of it came right from the boxcar I helped to unload.

[@paulgreene9997]

I always marvel at how you manage to maneuver around these huge logs that probably weigh more than your truck does, and you do it all by yourself. Good job man!

[@mcremona]

Most of them do. Thanks Paul!

[@mjarchambeau]

That trailer works amazingly well.

[@brucegoodwyn978]

Can hardly wait to see this one sliced up, Matt! Silver Maple should be quite interesting!

[@mcremona]

Thanks Bruce!

[@MikeWest_W]

2 years into milling an oak in my backyard (no access for a truck/mill, so this is all alaskan mill style). thanks for the motivation.

[@Ian_Hay]

Really looking forward to seeing this one slabbed. Looks like a lot of figuring possibilities.

[@morganandreason]

Ooohh, metric conversions! Thanks Matt!

[@mcremona]

Just realized I forgot one: 4mi = 6.4km

[@christofix]

This silver maple is a beast! nice system to load it!

[@williamellis8993]

That log is a beast! Can't wait to see you saw it.

[@davidnielsen4490]

Very interesting the way you got that on the trailer. You did a good job Matt. I am looking forward to what comes out of the log.

[@mcremona]

Thanks David!

[@phillypauly]

I miss these videos and can't explain why it is so entertaining to watch

[@arkansas1336]

I'm looking forward to the sawing!

[@mrb5491]

Matt, thank you for sharing this. I really appreciate the efforts you make and it is so cool to see how it all turns out. This is so cool. Please keep sharing! Mark

[@davidgagnon2849]

I'm sorry, but at 2:44 I LOLed. But props to you for thinking to at least try to roll it that way! Great video Matt. I love the way you do all of your videos. always informative and entertaining.

[@mcremona]

worth a try, right? hahaha

[@davidgagnon2849]

@@mcremona Sure! I only laughed because it looked like something I would have tried when I was your age. Not so much, now.

[@jimmyjeep96]

WOW! Amazing Matthew! You have the best trailer. Also, before this I watched you cut it up! Unbelievable. Great saw too.

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@gregormiller4037]

Nother great post Mr Matt....still can't get over that clock of wood you showed us on a trip of yours while back, that's a beaut! Hope you frequently check the bearings with those size loads.

[@knothead6436]

I have cut a lot of wood in my life time, it’s amazing how easy you moved that log. Great job !

[@mcremona]

Thanks David!

[@Cradley684]

Did a good job Matt !!!.

[@latherookie]

Amazing work Matt! It is always amazing to watch you try to move a 5000 lb log before you hook up the winch. Awesome job.

[@Leffe192]

Maybe he's just checking if it is stable, or if it wobbles. I would want to know that before starting to pull with the winch :)

[@mcremona]

@@Leffe192 That's part of it and I figured it was worth a shot :D

[@IronOakSawmill]

Looking to build a similar trailer. I'll be watching the trailer build series again. Expecting good things from that silver maple, after seeing some of the others you've done.

[@richardmadsen115]

Great video as always, I really enjoy your ingenuity and talent. Thank you

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@davecalvo1939]

Gotta love Matt's cheerful happy go lucky personality...who could ever get upset at this guy?

[@TheWoodguru63]

Awesome work! I use synthetic winch rope, No blanket needed, When it breaks there is zero Recoil, and it's easy on the hands. You won't believe the difference.

[@ChuckD59]

Great video, and high marks for including the blanket escapade. Btw, I've got two of those Silver Maples in my yard just like that one. They're yours if you want 'em. Love the Summer shade, but twice a year they're a nightmare: in the Fall it's leaves and now in Spring it's billions of helicopters.

[@markarmstrong2592]

Your laugh is hilarious keep us entertained for years to come you make Northern Ireland smile cheers Matt

[@mcremona]

Thanks Mark!

[@ErnieNoa3]

Very cool how you move something so large and heavy!

[@royramey5659]

Can't wait to see all those crouches. We'll be watching.

[@BradsWorkbench]

That thing is hugggge! I’d love to be able to try to build one of your mills and try to turn it into a business so I don’t have to keep working away from home so much

[@reforzar]

I can’t imagine picking up a log that size in my current state. This is where the arch trailer shines!

[@troymeredith521]

That was a lot of work. Can't wait to see what kind of slabs you get out of that. Also like April's shirt.

[@mcremona]

thanks Troy!

[@ypop417]

If you have ever seen a cable snap you will appreciate that blanket taking up the energy!

[@w.harb2022]

Such a great idea moving the log from your trailer to the Mel👍👍👍 I like it so much and I would like to share or suggest an idea with you my friend✌️ I think if you connect those two steel bars together with a chain One at the front and one at the back, it will be more safe and convenient I think 👌👌👌👌👋🌷🌹 I am looking forward to see more videos good job thank you very much for what you’re doing and keep it coming please

[@mattpeterson7074]

Sounds like a snap ring pliers should become part of the logging trip checklist. 😃 That's a big log. Can't wait to see it chopped up.

[@jeffnotti9932]

WOW now THAT is man's work.. it is so awesome you get huge logs and go from log to amazing projects.. keep it up.. love it man love it ... J

[@WalkersWoodworks]

What is the point of the blanket? In case the cable breaks?

[@SattvaWoodworks]

Excellent video Matt. Love that you include mistakes and learning. Great way to share as always.💪

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@PatriciaSamHouston]

Can’t wait to see you mill this one!

[@pigroper5]

Impressive work. You've got some skills.

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@greatitbroke]

Awesome table size slab log. Nice pick Matt!

[@mcremona]

thanks Greg!

[@evanwalker8924]

Matt , can you do a video on your truck just was curious if you had done anything to boost hp on your truck to have the ability to tow all the wood around as well as how its held up over the time you have been doing the milling.

[@tjacksonwoodworker3726]

Matt, Enjoyed your video. About the blanket, I have those kind of events on almost all my projects! So I know what your were thinking..but got to admit you handled better than I do..

[@mcremona]

hahaha glad I'm not alone!

[@bobleeswoodshop7919]

Hey Matt I always enjoy your videos ! Ever since I have seen you I enjoy my own urban logging! Regards Bob Lee

[@mcremona]

Thanks bob!

[@HeavyboxesDIYMaster]

You tested those rear stability jacks on this one. I wonder if you’re lifting such heavy logs you might be better off using something solid to fill the space between the trailer frame and ground. Those logs “pull” on the trailer shifting it out of position. Keep up the amazing work!!! Oh...that happened to me once with the blanket and a hand winch. But because it was a hand one, it only got caught a little.

[@mcremona]

The problem with things that are solid is once the load is up there and the suspension squats, it's pretty hard to remove the blocking.

[@anthonygasparini1734]

Nice video Matt, can't wait to see you mill it up!

[@JosephPSiepert]

I've dealt with logs that size, you amaze me!!

[@mcremona]

Thanks!!

[@arthuralzamora7331]

Nice Matt, I was looking for the plans you used for your mill, & not much luck in finding them. OK thanks for the video’s!

[@pileofstuff]

www.mattcremona.com/shop/plans/wide-cut-bandsaw-mill-plans

[@benrudman3917]

Can’t wait to see you cut into this one! I did a Cremona thing this week. I’ll shoot you some pictures. I love the trailer. Definitely need one. How’s the baby doing? Thanks for the video! -Ben

[@mcremona]

Awesome! Baby is great. She's growing so quickly!

[@gandalfcoigny9013]

Very cool! Thanks Matt

[@Z-Bart]

That's going to be some really cool figure. Can't wait!

[@mcremona]

Thanks Ray!

[@lutemule]

I have an old oak tree that is bigger than that with a lot of crotch. Some day I may have to email you and let you take it when it is time to cut it down. That silver maple should produce some nice slabs!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome work Matt! 😃👍🏻👊🏻 .... hopefully that blanket isn't too mangled! 🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@mcremona]

Thanks Fred! Looks like it will live on

[@danfraser7479]

Hope to see you saw this soon it is gonna be great figure.

[@lylestatzer7112]

Cant wait to see this milled. I wonder if you have a number of the tonnage this trailer has pulled. I kinda agree with others it maybe time for a upgrade, but I also work with if it ain't broke dont fix it. Have fun sir, watch ya later

[@nordyfamily]

Great stuff Matt!

[@jackreeves3001]

You're amazing! I really enjoy watching your videos. You are a wonderful craftsman. Thanks for sharing your talent!

[@iainf6]

Great job Matt👌 no matter how much you prepare there is always something unexpected that happens. Great recovery and take off buddy...... Fun to see pictures of the lads with you on the log too. Bye from the UK ♿😉

[@mcremona]

Thanks Iain!

[@iainf6]

@@mcremona it's a pleasure watching you

[@mikethompson5966]

nice cant wait to see whats inside!!

[@idkimnew11111]

Whoa, had no idea you were located in Minnesota as well!

[@mcremona]

surprise!

[@sr9dub102]

Hello Matt, two question for you, how do you maintain your inventory? As many logs that you have milled you can't rely on memory. How do you know what you have and how long you have it drying? Can you show how you those big slap into workable material? Congrats on the latest member of the family.

[@mcremona]

I do it mostly by memory. I've never had much issues remembering that stuff. I do have a bit of a fall back now though: I can always go back and look at the video. Here's a couple videos where I broke down slabs into project parts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGfbYYtnYseKobM kzbin.info/www/bejne/an-5fqVph9J1npY

[@goneshootin6401]

that is one strong arch .. if ya wanta call it that .. im impressed

[@goneshootin6401]

had to sub after watching that .. great job!!

[@mcremona]

@@goneshootin6401 thanks!

[@ga5743]

I hit the like button, I'm already subscribed, and I already clicked the bell........what more do you want 😊😊😊 You may be a bit rusty today but doing lots more than I ever could. Stay safe Matt, and I'm sure April will appreciate you wearing (advertising) her T-shirt.

[@mcremona]

haha thanks!

[@MillerWoodcraft]

wow what a log, incredible

[@peternicholsonu6090]

Blanket is a brilliant concept. Possible to tether it to back of trailer with a light rope to cause it to slide up the cable as it draws through?

[@twagner6155]

Matt, I have a stock hitch similar if not exactly like yours as I have an '03 Dodge 1/2 ton. I also had an '01 Dodge 1/2 ton with the same kind of hitch. I don't trust the rings for the safety chains and would weld additional material on those rings if I were you.

[@mcremona]

I’ve always wondered about that. Doesn’t seem like there’s much meat there to hold a trailer that breaks away

[@dananelson479]

Thanks for sharing. That log dwarfs the trailer. At forty dollars a ton, it can get costly to put it in the landfill. I'd rather see it milled. Look forward to the video. I counted five crotches on that log. Now that the sun is shining, there's not enough hours in the day.

[@mcremona]

Never is enough hours that for sure. thanks Dana!

[@nick4leader]

Whereabouts in Minnesota are you? You are making me really leaning towards using live edge for my camper countertop

[@MOUNTAINEAGLES]

You do amazing work!!!

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@davidcrandell1172]

Just found your channel and have hit the subscribe button. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the log when you slab it up.

[@mcremona]

thanks David!

[@johnburens3395]

I'm already salivating!

[@rushedscheduledfun3963]

New subscriber here. Thanks for the great video. Always like to see how you're moving lumber.

[@mcremona]

Welcome; thanks!

[@Mutant_11]

Having seen cables snap and whip up might want to think about a bigger, heavier blanket. Good concept, just need to upgrade a bit.

[@jeffreyfriesen7007]

the fairlead and blanket combo should take most of the whip out of it!

[@mcremona]

Yes, I've been meaning to get one of those weighted blanket things for it. thanks!

[@billunderwood3392]

What if you ran a loose chain, say 10 or 12 feet, from one side of the trailer to the other? Pass your cable under it, so that if the cable ever broke it would only be able to whiplash a foot or two before being restrained beneath the chain.

[@notatechie]

That first try with the cant hook @ about 2:44 was pretty funny.

[@gordbaker896]

I think your GVW 5000# plus 1,500# trailer is more than your truck is rated for. Good job loading and unloading. Your blankie will survive! Attach it to the log next time.

[@infoanorexic]

A lot of things you are doing with that trailer are similar to what a tow operator does with a rollback truck. You might look in to some of Ron Pratt's videos and glean some ideas from there. He's a tow operator in SE MO, and he's pretty generous with the how-to's and why's. Mostly with the rotator, but there's plenty done with a rollback, showing how to get what you need from just the winch.

[@mcremona]

Thanks for the suggestion. I watched several of Ron's videos last night.

[@guypatts494]

Cool trailer

[@TerGar1000]

How long do you have to let the wood dry before you can use the wood? Is there a recommended time or is it based on how dry the wood is?

[@jlsinchina]

Well done!

[@blevit4354]

Can’t wait to see what’s inside!

[@jlf1430]

Really informative video. I learn something new every time. What about rollers of some kind on the rear of your trailer? just a thought.

[@mcremona]

I've been going back and forth with the idea. I'm currently against it because not having one there provides a bit of certainly as in the log isn't going to move when it's sitting on my trailer. A little bit of friction is a safety margin so to speak.

[@jlf1430]

@@mcremona There are "directional" rollers that possibly would work. I'll find them and send you a link. Your work is awesome I would like to get more involved doing the urban wood...

[@jiminycricket2230]

Very impressive work!! This obviously wasn't your first rodeo. Vigorous two thumbs up!!

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@cwgreen1938]

Mathew, I really enjoy your videos. How and where did you learn how to load and unload a five thousand pound log by yourself?

[@mcremona]

Just by practicing. Thanks!

[@richardreynolds9389]

That is a very big log! I can see why you are so careful, if a 5000 lb log starts an uncontrolled roll it would be very bad. I do like to see how you move them from pickup to mill.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Richard!

[@markconger8049]

Great effort! Maybe it's time to add a winch service kit to the trailer somewhere.

[@mcremona]

Probably even a small tool kit

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

I used to do Chainsaw carvings before I got swamped in the shop. That looks like a good candidate for a bear (although I prefer Poplar, cheap and they grow like weeds)

[@mcremona]

Chainsaw carving is a whole thing in itself!

[@Tourguidebernie1]

Yeah a waste of wood......it's always bears.

[@anthonyhawk7484]

I have about 50-60 poplar tree 75 feet or taller

[@jamesrosso1223]

Do you ever cut off about 3 ft at base and then make biscuits? That would still leave 7 ft for slabs. Love your videos thanks for not quitting KZbin. Lol

[@dmalea4779]

Nice job with a very heavy log.

[@scottweber8807]

Not that it was very hard to move the log from trailer to mill, but I was wondering if you have ever considered adding a lot arch to the mill?

[@awldune]

This seems like a great idea

[@mcremona]

People have suggested it. I think it's unnecessary

[@kaycox5555]

Awesome job

[@gslope1]

Matt, I have just a couple of Ash trees I need to take down. I'd like to get them cut up into boards/slabs but have no idea when that would happen. Can I use latex paint on the ends instead of buying anchor seal? Thanks. Another great video.

[@awldune]

Latex is better than nothing, fwiw

[@stevefromlondon9175]

Love the way you work the chain to do the work for you with the weight on the back is it hard to back down to your yard Regards Steve UK London

[@mcremona]

Luckily those trailer brakes work really well. Thanks Steve!