Wade Drag Saw In Action

A magnificently well kept R.M. Wade Drag Saw working away now just as it has for decades. Developed in 1918 for the predominately muscle driven logging industry, Wade claimed one drag saw and its operator was capable of doing the work of five saw teams consisting of ten men. Developing 4 horsepower from it's magneto fired, single cylinder two stroke engine, the Wade can cut 25 to 40 cords of wood per day at a rate of a foot per minute. Initial production began in R.M. Wade's factory in Oskosh, Wisconsin but in 1927 was moved to the Multnomah Iron Works of Portland, Oregon. The Wade was exported worldwide and was produced in greater numbers than any other drag saw ever produced. Central Alberta Antique and Model Club, Leslieville, Alberta.
Song: 風が止んだ時
Artist: 今堀恒雄
Album: 劇場版 TRIGUN Badlands Rumble O.S.T

[@kellyh4035]

Many thanks to Will for keeping his dad's beauties and legacy running!

[@Kirt-Davis]

I had a Vaughn. Scared the hell outta me, so I sold it. "Liked, commented, subscribed. "

[@Rainhill1829]

Aw thanks so much!

[@Spartan375X]

If the chain saw was never invented, imagine still carrying this all around these days.

[@Rainhill1829]

Like a giant wheelbarrel!

[@stephenrice4554]

Now there's a bit of inventive thinking 👍🇬🇧

[@Rainhill1829]

Pretty simple but very effective.

[@michaeleaston7882]

I owned one of them... great little motor... it was missing the badge so I had to take it to a rally and put a sign up if anyone knew the make of motor... A chap said it was a wade motor.. I painted it a Indian red colour... When I found it I took it home and clean plug and clean fuel and it started ... near jumped off my work beanch

[@Rainhill1829]

Thats fantastic! Good to hear there are more survivors.

[@vrghr]

Definitely an interesting bit of engineering there. But got to say, that's one of the most frightening pieces of equipment I've ever witnessed. Would be a poster child for OSHA equipment safety hazards! Doesn't look like there's a single part of that thing that wouldn't eagerly maim or devour you if you got something too close to it.

[@Rainhill1829]

Yup, the logging industry in the early 20th century was a dangerous vocation. You definitely had to have your wits about you.

[@otiselevator7738]

Viewers of this video should pay particular attention to how the operator STARTS the engine. This is the ONLY correct way to do this. The flywheel is pulled back against compression and simply released as the engine fires. The engine then reverses direction and begins to run in the correct rotation. Trying to start the engine by pulling the flywheel in the operating direction initially is EXTREMELY dangerous. The engine will fire as the flywheel is being taken over top dead center and pull the operator’s hand/arm into the running engine. Watch the fellow in the video; he does it correctly. I have seventy years experience running R.M. Wade drag saws and own two. And still have all arms/hands/fingers.

[@Rainhill1829]

Thats exactly right! He has good form, did his homework and has run it for years.

[@harristone5]

one chance this machine didnt exist in the middle age, it would be used as a torture machine!

[@Rainhill1829]

Absolutely.😂