TREE WEDGING SCHOOL , CLASS IN SESSION

[@hippopotaman075]

Hi Buckin, I've been watching your videos recently and as I like to learn something new every day, you help me learn new things about falling, I'm 67, I'm from Australia and consider myself a good faller.i started at 12 years old going out with my grandfather falling trees and splitting fence posts the only tools we took with us were a cross cut saw an axe wedges and aold hand drill. My Grandfather taught me to select the right trees and how to fall them. He was a great faller and bushman and with those few tools taught me how to be a good faller. We used to go onto farms and turn the farmers trees into beautiful posts for him. My grandfather also taught me to have a great appreciation for the bush and the land, so it is good to see you teaching your son. My grandfather also taught me to be good, be kind, and treat everyone with respect. He has passed on now, but I still live by those words and still love my time in the bush. If I'm ever in your country I'd like to look you up and share some stories over a camp fire. And thank you for the lessons I've learnt. Stay safe .☺️🌏

[@murphy4trees]

great teaching on the back leaners... it's one thing to do that in the woods.. a whole nother game when you're standing between two houses!!!!!!!!!!

[@willhoulk9554]

Been on the stump for 22 years myself... Buckin will learn you somethin whether you’re green or a seasoned vet. Most folks won’t understand because it’s not their livelihood, but Buckin is giving out gold for free and asks for nothing in return. Be safe out there Buckdaddy flex

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

Thx Willy , appreciate ya pal

[@m80shep]

this (flixzone) site is a big scam! don't try using it and especially don't give any of your personal details (credit card etc) to them, else you may get hacked!!!

[@m80shep]

BTW your channel is awesome buckin! i've been an arborist in New Zealand for about 6 years and i'm loving all the finer tid bits of info to add to my proficiency. thanks again!

[@georgewilliamssr5230]

I've been falling since 1986. Though I have wedged thousands of trees. I will have to say. I'm allergic to this activity. And avoid it as much as possible. 😁

[@jthorpe454]

If you don’t teach your trade and pass it on, all your knowledge will die with you. You owe it to your teachers before you and the trade you practice. Thanks Buckin for being a great teacher my friend.

[@bstill7499]

Ran a tree service for years and was shocked to see this perspective shared here. Thank you for sharing this and I hope The Almighty GOD and Father blesses you for blessing His creations. How valuable to have this insight should I find myself in such a situation as this. Thank you sir!

[@davidparrish1063]

outstanding thanks bucking

[@Boost_Addict]

Excellent Teaching Buckin!

[@w2tb36]

Now I am happy to wedge the only one I left standing this absolutely stunning afternoon falling ash. I thought I just couldnt do it face cut first and then backcut-wedging, without heavier machinery to push/pull. Now I am sure I can do without. Six wedges. She'll go. Thanks a lot. Wedging is an art! It was ff'ing wise I left that one for a next run. 😊 Be sure! Cheers from Holland, great channel! Peace, be happy. 🫡🤙

[@texasyankee1013]

I'm 63 and grew up in Vermont. As a youngster at the age of 11 I first ran a little Homelite and it grew from there. I worked in the woods on and off into my 20's and enjoyed every moment. In the winter of 1975 I was one of the chosen to cut a new ski trail on Pico Peak Ski Area. four of us took the chair lift up in the early hours before skiers. In those days it was pretty much wool, down if you were fortunate and overalls. Some of those days were bitter cold, honestly well below zero. As we worked we would peel layers off and about an hour into it we worked in long sleeve long underwear. The steam rolled off our bodies. By this time skiers were coming up and I can't tell you how many photos were taken of us running saws in those cold days, what wonderful memories and smiles it brings to my face. I greatly enjoy your videos, truly educational. You'er right, there is little wedge work going on today, kind of like a loss of common sense or the inability to problem solve without a computer. The wedge is your problem solver you only need to know it's abilities and your own knowledge limitations. Study the tree and it will speak to you, you only need to listen! Thank you for being you and sharing!

[@elindio8998]

What kind of man am I having tears in my eyes watching this beautiful human share his passion with us...I am new to chainsaws and cutting wood I've never seen anything like this in my life...sir you are remarkable...you are a wonderful teacher...how lucky your son is to have a father like you....I'm speechless watching these videos...your knowledge is incredible on the subject....just want to say your a wonderful person ...your a beacon for all humanity jeeez what a teacher...you make the world a better place...thank you for the great videos....bless you...

[@kentwarner4626]

Got one for you brother. Covid hits, country gets shut down. We'll not in my world, wife, son and I took to the woods. Cut, split, and stacked 20 cords. 10 cords for my 77 year old mother, yes she still heats her home with wood, and the other 10 for our cabin. Good sweat and better family time together.

[@brianlurten3028]

Used to like cutting wood with my dad. I learned alot from him. He didn't teach cutting a wedge on side you want it to fall. He would walk up to a big oak tree walk around it looking up. Grab his old homelite super xl 12 with 20" bar, put chain 2 or 3" above the dirt saw in a bit then sawing and backing around the tree, big tree & it went right where he wanted it to. Him &his brothers used crosscut saws when they where kids. I well better about certain things now since watching you. Thank you, you are an inspiration in more ways than one. God bless & have a great day

[@gerradanania8270]

As a rookie feller I salute you for your informative videos. Brother you are blessing all those wanting to be better at the craft. Not only are you saving us time but you're potentially saving lives! Buckin' Billy you are the Man💯💚

[@mojo_plasma]

God bless you sir for taking this much time to make these videos!! This is so full of great info!!

[@tome.joyner887]

I am making my way through all of Buckin Billy Ray's videos. I think I am over a 100 now. After the first three I realized that this man can cut a tree down like it was nobody's business and doing it like an artist. Just the way he eyeballs and calculates everything is nothing short of amazing! Now just forget about all that cutting stuff for just a moment and just begin to listen to this tree cutter's heart and his message. It has been there from the beginning and it has kept me coming back for more everyday. It sounds like Jeff has been listening too! You have a great spirit too brother Jeff. If there is one thing I have learned is that we can all be "Messengers of Kindness". It only takes a few moments of awareness each day and like Buckin says just slow down so you can see them. The people on this channel leave some wonderful uplifting comments everyday and it does my heart good every time I read them. I am nearly 70 years old and I have never seen or read anything like it. I am so glad I stumbled on to this channel just by happenstance....miracles do happen!

[@markdoyle8713]

Top notch content. BRS. You know I watch these videos and the knowledge is new content to me and who knows you may have already saved my life because after huricane Milton i bought my third pair of tree sneakers and at my age watching your channel we brought in a tree service. Because you made me see the truth about this trade. It’s for the young , fearless , and smart. I might be fearless at 60 but i am not the other two. Love you

[@VinnyMartello]

Buckin Billy is definitely what I would call a cool dude. He’s laid back, gives away his wisdom for free, and is just an all around nice guy.

[@DP-ol1wh]

no you're a cool dude. I might be. He's freaking James Brown, Dean Martin, and Charles Bronson rolled into one.

[@joeevora1674]

My Buckin story. I bought 12 acres in GA. After watching many Buckin videos, I fell my first tree ever. It was a Pine about 80’ tall and about 2’ thick. I was so damn nervous. But using all the knowledge you’ve shared and staying calm, she came down flawlessly. My confidence to execute falling Pines over half of my very dense property, came DIRECTLY from your awesome videos. Thank you so much Buckin! Seriously! Maybe I’ll even get the nerve to climb one.

[@johncurrie1789]

Been cutting since I was very young. Third generation woodsman. I learn something new every single time I watch your channel. Thanks so much for what you're doing!

[@DP-ol1wh]

As a newb of sorts, it's great to see comments like this. I already knew I was in the right place, but comments from hoards of people like you reinforce it further. Cheers.

[@pilkpulk8284]

HEY BUCKIN, you always thank us for our support for you .... I think it's really time to say thank you for YOUR SUPPORT FOR US! i don't know anyone who cares more about his people than you ... THANK YOU BROTHER, THANK YOU FROM THE BUTTOM OF MY HEART !!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

Pilk you said something the other day that hit me , about you use to be like 👍.. love you friend

[@pilkpulk8284]

@@BuckinBillyRaySmith FAMILY! love you too!

[@lukep6017]

amazing job. love the video.

[@sydrider6023]

This video shows very well the effect of the wedge on the amplitude of the resulting lateral movement of the tree top. 1/8 inch of wedge lift will push the tree top several feet forward. And this is because the lift is multiplied by the length of the tree. So a 60 feet tree lifted with a wedge by 1/16 of an inch each time the wedge gets pushed, will have its canopy move 3 to 4 feet horizontally after every hit on the wedge.

[@sassy6292]

Hi :)! I’m one of those few girls that use chainsaws. I can’t express my absolute glee in finding you. They say that when you are ready to learn the teacher appears…that is an immutable truth. I own 11 acres and about half is forest so I’ve been out there trying to get a Glossy Buckthorn invasion under control and get some trails blazed. The Glossy Buckthorn is am apex predatory character on a stand of trees! I’ve never been so shocked by a plant’s ability to conquer the competition as I have been in dealing with this one. Anyway, I got a lot done and my trails down to the salt marsh were coming along nicely until hurricane Fiona hit. She laid down most of the big trees in my forest, there are trees piled on top of trees in there. The shore of the salt marsh is all lifted up and unrecognizable. I cut my way in and when it was evident that I could go no further I stood in the well of the layers of big trees and cried. Where she couldn’t push them over she broke them off just above the ground and in some cases farther up. There’s a tree that looked like it was pushed down before it was twisted and knocked down. It’s really something. I can only imagine the hell that was going on in the woods during that storm. My whole plan has to change now and so onward I go with new ideas and skills that you have taught all of us. I am thrilled to see your enthusiasm because I thought men just took all of this kind of work with a grain or two of salt. No big deal…just pick up a saw, yawn, scratch the balls and get it done. No joy, no passion. I feel your same giddiness over this stuff. I have less of a body mass than the fellas but I compensate and I take my time. I really have to think things through. Even cleaning my saws and putting new chains on is a happy endeavour for me. I don’t sharpen chains YET. The guy from Ohio says that his axe is a sacred object. I 100% get that! These tools are sacred to us. Thank you for all you do.

[@ianunruh3687]

You are absolutely awesome I hope you're doing well. Good luck with your saw work

[@ZipKickGo]

I find it funny how often your boy goes "Yeah I was just saying that" he's sure come a long way. He's got the passion and appetite for the knowledge in his trade. Be proud there Dad.

[@imkrane]

I was noticing that too, he pays attention that's for sure, great teacher and a great student, it's awesome to watch...

[@ScrewdriverTUNING]

Jeff 💪🏻🪓💪🏻🖤💚 Buckin you inspire in more ways then cutting my friend. Changing the world on a huge scale. Congrats on 300k my friend. You know what I’m talkin bout.!!! Yea you do.!! Kindness and love leading the way. 💛🧡❤️

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

Iove ya Billy

[@zanehambln]

I’ve learned from people who have been in the industry for decades, years & sometimes even days. In the scheme of things, they & myself are always learning due to our Due diligence & in the pursuit of knowledge in the industry that we connect with. 30 years as a furniture removal man & by chance have been offered the opportunity to become a good groundsman.

[@horseshoeshandgrenades5384]

Great vid as always learn something from every one of your videos. Really enjoy watching the challenging trees

[@TheCookster64]

I love Billy, man. I'm all over this video because last year I was cutting doan an old apple tree behind the mobile home on our 2nd property. Thing was WAY too close to the home. I did not know about wedges at the time. I cut slow to see the tree movement. I noticed it was going to fall towards the home and stopped, luckily I caught it and was able to stop. The tree stayed standing. I braced it, then I wrapped a tow strap around it, along another tree to my truck and was able to pull it down safely. I will NEVER do that again! I was very lucky. Thanks to Billy I can drop a 50' tree between my pool and the dog paddock fence no problem. And it's only 20 feet between the two. Insane accuracy. I now have lots of wedges. It's amazing watching this with what wedges can do.

[@saliemi1]

Always an honour seeing the dad and son relationship working with love and care. Beautiful to see. Loves you all. Thank You Buckin'

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

so happy you are with us friend,, nice words

[@Surtac100]

Nice skills dropping a back leaner with no rope no winch no jack only wedges!!

[@sparkx251]

Thanks to BBRS many folks are coming to understand that cutting down trees is an art skill. Thanks to Buckin', the widow makers are making fewer widows! Great lessons in safety and proper felling.

[@eternalPOTATOE]

Good morn' and good day from Sweden! Life is incredible!

[@pilkpulk8284]

have a great day august!

[@eternalPOTATOE]

@@pilkpulk8284 appreciate it bud, but it's already night and I'm about to rest up for tommorrow :)

[@pilkpulk8284]

@@eternalPOTATOE it's night here too, we're on the same longitude ..

[@tommyperkinshuntingfishing8424]

I cut trees for a living and I have learned so much from these videos. Thanks Buckin

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

Welcome sir

[@iceflameproductionz]

yeah buckin is like uncle chainsaw man for us loggers young and learning

[@GR33KVIKING]

Buckin' Billy Ray Smith, just wanted to say thank you for all these videos! Joined a tree service company here in TX about 90 days ago, and I have already excelled up the ladder with all of your cutting experience! I love this stuff!! Next I'm now training to climb as well as equipment operator (claw truck, skid steer, and chainsaws duh!) SO THANK YOU!!!!

[@emeraldsprings3471]

Thank you Buckin! I wish I watched this about two weeks ago when I did exactly what you said not to do and did my undercut first with a hard leaner. I thought I'd be able to wedge it afterwards but the tree ended up sitting back and pinching the saw. I got the saw back thanks to some hard wind, but now the tree is hung up in another tree since I didn't plan for it to fall that way. Now I've got to learn to use a rope to get that tree down if the winds don't do me a favor. The knowledge you share can be a life saver.

[@KevWhitehead]

Always such great vids, thanks so much again!

[@tylermoto6772]

I just want to say a few years back a short few years ago I wanted to be a tree cutter and I came across buckins videos and now I'm a professional faller. With a small business that will be big someday but the point of it all is. I learned how to fall from his videos. Thank you buckin! Very motivationally inspirational. Such a gem to have in life what a genuine human being. Have a blessed day. Thank you for your content and knowledge.

[@jameshunt995]

Good morning y'all and much love from Paradise California

[@pilkpulk8284]

mornin james!

[@jameshunt995]

@@pilkpulk8284 morning

[@jessewintersteen4740]

Ditto to what Jeff brings when someone takes the time to teach another. It's magical it can help change this world and move the needle to the good... I started watching Buckin Billy Ray by chance. He has help me to grow as a person and to really find a hobby that helps heat my family's home. And I do it with more wisdom and knowledge because of Buckin and Ganges. I went from lifting heavy splits and busting em with a maul over and over. To just Flippin and Splittin with an AX!! Faster and safer. And I learned to take a tree down with patience and thinking instead of speed and nervousness. And tuning a carb by ear, rich or lean that is hard to identify but billy points it out with patience and KINDNESS. Thank you for making a difference!

[@bobray2583]

Just got accepted into school for arboriculture. Buckin, you're one of the main reasons I branched off from my current profession. When I found your channel on KZbin I've been following ever since. Tree work is truly amazing. Thank you for all you do and your outlook on life. Fyi your sense of humor is priceless. Love ya buddy. Cheers from Ontario.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

great news Bob

[@illestofdemall13]

Branched off, get it?

[@ghostcjw1]

Good luck for the future Bob 👍🏻

[@BigDog-wr2jm]

You are the man buckin you don’t need all the fancy equipment I love it one of the best to do it

[@customcuts1]

How can anyone not like this video? Priceless knowledge here.

[@Lifeinthe906]

Hello Buckin. I love pounding wedges I just find so much joy in it. I have learned a lot watching you and Hogan pound wedges. Thank you for teaching the wedgemanship.Love and kindness

[@stevetheriault4164]

BUCKIN AND GANGES THE A TEAM ,,AWESOME HOW FAR HOGAN HAS COME ALONG WERE ALL PROUD OF YOU HOGAN MAKE YOUR DAD PROUD ,I KNOW YOU ALREADY HAVE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

[@slimgrowden]

I am born and bred in Washington 38 years this month of the 26th. Been in the woods my whole life! Love tree work just like you and your pop’s! The Grand fir are dying even as far as Eastern Washington I cut down 2 last summer in CleElum Washington they were stone dead! And then found out later right of the property that I was Felling them trees the US forest service was going through and cutting out tons of them with the beetle in them. Wish I was making this up but sadly it’s true! Great video fellas love your channel been watching before their was 5,000 subs so cool to see this dream come true!✊🏼🤟🏻🤙🏻

[@stevenbp101]

Bubba thanks I’ve learned so much from you. Stay close to Jesus. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸

[@cariboomike99]

Education, happiness, friendship and kind messages. I love waking up to power saws!

[@terryfyock8889]

I have 4 girls and 1 boy and I taught all of them everything I know about cutting, I know I can ask any of them to go cut without me and I know it will be done right! I trust them like u trust Hogan! Keep up the great father son content!

[@vincentkowalski7402]

Thank you for the education. I really never used wedges very much. That was very educational. Thank you showing me new ways of doing things. Of course, when you try it, you did small steps first. Don't go big right away, baby step.

[@danmclendon8561]

I'm a saw instructor for a non-profit that works with youth corps out of the USA and I've been a fan of this channel for 2.5 years. As an instructor and a student of life (and the craft of climbing and sawing), I respect the crap out of you, Billy. Like my father- you're a old dog (as we say), and some of your methods are unconventional by US-Federal S-212 standards, but your videos remind me that a lot of the "new school" safety standards for cutting are soooo dang unproductive. Before we know it, machines will do the work for us (I rue the day). Nonetheless, I'm reminded by people like you and my father of the ways we should really approach and fell trees. Your positivity, excitement and drive to educate is inspirational. I refer your channel to my students. As we say, 'I appreciatchya' brother. Peace and love.

[@genefowler948]

I have to say Whatching this I said no way but you my friend are the best been felling trees many years but I still can learn from you. Thank you for all you do for others .you may have saved lives with your teaching .

[@wadedwyer9389]

buckin, thanks for what you teach. took down a large pine in my yard about 8 months ago that even experienced fallers would not touch. high line wires right next to it and very scary. did my face cut and then back cut and wedged it. it turn out exactly the way i have seen you do it a 100 times. asked a friend of mine who is a faller and he has never used wedges before. turned him on to your channel.

[@travissteward6522]

Great information, wedgemanship is a huge part of what we do and a very valuable tool to have. Have a great day everyone

[@ghostcjw1]

This student watched this video twice in a row!! Enthralling. I’ve never considered back cutting first. Even the simple solution of wedging your wedge. GOLD!! Thanks Brother

[@tomsommer54]

I love it. Wedge school. Billy I have 40 acres in the Arkansas Ozark’s. All hardwood. I use the trees to feed my sawmill. I also fall my own trees. I want to thank you for the lessons.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

wlcome

[@joshuaprice6882]

Hey Buckin your videos are awesome. Keep going strong and like you always say "Be Kind Friends"!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

thx

[@lonnielemaster7053]

Buckin been watching for a long time brother I’m like you grew up in the log woods will turn 53 years young this coming Monday and brother still learning like the back cut first awesome stuff love it and the filing and bar care pick up things there to helped me like my grandpa told me years ago never to old to learn if you want to thanks brother stay true and stay strong keep looking up and let’s all BEKIND and prayers that GOD RICHLY BLESS you and your family

[@clrd4tkoff]

WOW!! What an awesome video! I can't tell you how much I've learned from you!! THANK YOU!! 🤗🤗

[@patrick7635]

Hi buckin. Patrick from tassie here. I've been cutting trees down for over 40 years, never to old to learn new ways, tips etc. Thankyou for all you do and put in to our way of life. Keep cutting and stay safe 🙂👍

[@aj12271]

Pure gold. Thank you brother.

[@themanchannel8761]

I love watching you fall. It's like watching a couple of artists. You're both true masters, brothers.

[@HotForgeChaos]

I've never once used a chainsaw. But in the couple of weeks that I've been watching your vidyas, I've learned a whole lot. What I quite enjoy is tool repairs, tool maintenance and tool sharpening, there is nothing on earth quite like using a razor sharp chisel, or a sharp hand saw, or a sharp chainsaw, and now that you've shown me how to sharpen a chain up, that's one more skill for the bag of tricks. This is awesome bud, keep up the good work

[@paulleazott2363]

Always a pleasure to watch and learn from you 67 yrs on the stump and never to old to learn Hogan you have a special gift being given to you God Bless and bve safe Paul from NH

[@salvadornunez9609]

Beautiful work Billy Ray thank you for sharing

[@theoldbigmoose]

Buckin' you taught me so much too! As a landowner, I am lucky I am still here from my mistakes with trees when I was young. I wish I had your mentoring 50 years ago!... but all is good now. Pushing 70 I can't afford any mistakes, and your lessons are keeping me safe. Always know you have touched the hearts of people like me!

[@chuckuu9294]

Great teaching video on using wedges. Good job brothers

[@boydblanchard3326]

The joy of cutting wood - just WOW - belong to a group (non profit) of retired guys (most of us retired wood folks) that cuts , splits and deliver wood for those who need wood , mostly elderly folks or city folks - if they can buy the wood good, if not we give it to them, & perfectly OK...at Christmas time all $$ we've raised during wood cutting year is donated to local charity - message is same as Billy's above message - WOW what a joy to run chain saws and work with wood - Be kind and safe cutting to you

[@kevinmccoy269]

Back in the day my brothers and I were taking trees down for people (mostly friends and family) just for the fire wood. We were taking down 8 or 10 Douglas firs for our sister, nothing leaning as hard as these trees but one did lean a bit more than the others. We were using wedges, and because we already had the angle cut in the tree we had apparently not left enough hinge to withstand the final hits to the wedge because that sucker popped, went right about 70 degrees from the target zone and took out a section of a wooden fence. (lucky it was just a fence) I didn't know about this back cut 1st technique, it would have saved us a section of fence, and a lot of embarrassment. Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

[@suptketcham]

Hi bucking like you I growled up in the woods living in country I was surrounded by woods with a small river right behind our house hunting fishing trapping was away of life my dad was quite old when I was born we buzzed wood split wood cut wood and I loved it all . I started actually logging about 50 years ago I wish I could have gleaned from you then but I learnt the hard way by mistakes and as financial pressure increased I began to move faster I love it when you tell the folks to settle down don’t hurry keep it fun from my hurrying I was busted with broke shoulder then as I slowed down I had a freak thing happen I cut a large hemlock it was standing by itself and I looked everything around and up all was clear there was a dead popple tree with some dead limbs but not close enough to worry about this was a good size woods I was cutting so a lot of timber I had 2 skidders skidding was a long ways in from landing and then a long ways from landing to road about 2 miles in as I walked away from hemlock was quite a ways away when bang I’m on ground hard hat off my glasses off my right thumb hanging and bleeding I’m trying to figure out what just happened I see this dead 3-4 inch popple branch about 8’ long laying by me . My youngest son come over helped get me up and I said let’s start walking out my oldest son come in turned skidder around and they got me in and we headed out to my truck on way to ER I said to my son my neck feels funny I think I will have them check it out but my real concern was my thumb I didn’t want to lose it at er they did X-ray said don’t even breath you are being transferred to trauma center with broke neck after talking with doctor he said my c1 and c2 vertebra was broke I said wow I could have been paralyzed he said NO if it had of moved even a hair I would have been dead he began to tell me not many who ever have that c1 most die instantly or from a slight movement I KNOW THERE IS A GOD AND HE SAID NOT YET after a 11/2year I went back to cutting glad to be alive and at 76 I’m just moving in to a nice stand of Ash pine and red oak still love my chainsaws axes and the rest of tools. I figure what happened that day was this and I would love your option I think the back draft from that hemlock falling sucked the limb or the vibe from the wind pulled it off for there was nothing connected to the hemlock and I was a good way always I would love to hear from you or others on it and my advice to anyone who gets hurt if you been hit hard on hard hat or neck back let the medic come don’t move love your videos--- lone timber wolf Larry the logger

[@colincrafford]

Great video, i am currently clearing out about 600 tall blue gums that have overgrown my farm and view. what keeps me having fun is when a tree falls back instead of forward and lies up against other trees, i then drop trees close by to hit that stuck hanger out of the supporting tree, makes for good fun and entertainment. i suppose i could use wedges and drop them in the right direction, but this keeps it interesting.

[@carlpboyer]

Can't thank you enough for all you've shared about how to fell trees safely. About four years back we lost about 30 oaks in our woods due to gypsy moth caterpillar damage and two years ago we started harvesting them for firewood. The first ones we dropped were all easy - straight with plenty of clear area to drop into. The ones we are currently dropping are all leaning toward live trees and away from the clearer areas we would prefer to drop them in. We play it extra safe and always use ropes or pull chains to ensure the trees don't get away from me (I cut, my wife is the safety observer), but not once have we actually had to rely on them ropes yet (knock on wood!). Thanks to your postings on wedging and being PATIENT, we've pushed every tree thus far out of its lean to fall in the right direction. Yesterday was our best yet. It was a 75 footer, 16 inch diameter red oak that was leaning back in a direction about 120 degrees away from our drop line. What was left of the crown was primarily in that direction as well. I used a plunge cut to start and put in a wedge on either side to provide support once I made the notch cut so I could finish the back cut without fear of binding. Once the notch cut was done, I did the back cut to the plunge cut and then put short wedges into the back cut allowing me to remove the wedges from the bore cut. Then I went back inside the wedges, to finish the back cut that left a decent hinge at a point short of having the tree start to fall. My intent as you recommend was to take it slow as I wanted to ensure I could control the fall with the wedges. Then I started working the wedges around the cut to ensure I was driving the tree in the right direction. Each time the tree showed movement, my wife would alert me and I would reassess my progress. In a few minutes, that tree ever so slowly started its fall precisely where I wanted it. Your reinforcing the need to take it slow and use wedges has taught me a lot. Thanks so much!!!

[@sting1111]

Same here! Buckin gave my 20 year old Husky new life. The thing cuts like butter with your sharpening lesson. These saws will give back if you show them care. Now I will learn the wedging.. thanks!

[@cashtree9317]

Plunge cut directly toward the fall. Make your back cut. Now you can double wedge without worrying about bottoming out the wedge. Great videos Billy

[@allanwells4886]

You blokes are as game as Ned Kelly. I was holding my breath hoping that tree would fall forward despite the back lean. Good job fellas.

[@georgeantonaros5580]

Buckin, this is absolutely one of your best instructional videos that I have viewed to date, the lessons of wedgemanship in this video are unreal !! To watch you and Hogan absolutely lift these trees up with the wedges like they are jacks is incredible and greatly appreciated, it is very inspiring to watch these trees fall in such a controlled manner !! Great job men !! 😊

[@joejkd82]

A trick I often do is do your front cut, then start the back cut with a plunge behind the hinge, pick whichever side has a lean if any. Stop 1/3 to a little more of the way before exiting the back of the tree, pull your saw half-way out and finish the cut out the back, which leaves a pie shaped piece on the back. Smack a small wedge parallel to the hinge or at a diagonal just like you did, then finish off the pie slice from the other side. Instead of pulling the saw out you can also stop going straight back and instead sweep the tip of the saw, which tends to leave a thinner piece and more space for the first wedge if that's what you want. Either way, hard back-leaners always up the pucker factor! Love your work man and I always learn watching ya, especially that last tree here! You, sir, are a wedge wizard.

[@tin-man5687]

And that last big back-leaner next to the dog pen had my pucker-factor high just watching you guys. Amazing job. Learned a great deal about wedging from just this one video. Thank you.

[@ianmacgillivray2740]

...more lessons from the Master! 👍🏻

[@louisroy9348]

Hi Billy, a professional homeowner here. While it's not fun for me yet it's not a scary as it was before I found your channel. Shine on

[@jackcarroll4251]

Buckin you're the man. The tree leaning back and dropping it against the lean..thank you sir for making this vidya

[@christophergainey9395]

Buckin Billy Ray I can't thank you enough for making that in depth hand filing video. Thank you so much because from that point on, I never had to rely on a hardware store to sharpen my chains or wait to to come and pick them up

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

good man ,, praise youtube

[@elizabethreed2945]

That was one of my top 10 fav videos . It had it all! Suspense! Danger! LOVE & KINDNESS. And super sweet sounding power saws and stupids axes :) . It’s only Tuesday . It’s a long week and I can’t wait to see the next BBR experience video. Awesome job.

[@donaldcobb6194]

Thank you for sharing tips from a pro. Been cutting my own firewood for 30 years and never thought about cutting the corner off a wedge. Love your videos brother!

[@lanliemalcolm4230]

I wish I could be your son and learn directly from you I am a first generation everything and believe me it is a huge learning curve. How hope son truly appreciate you and your knowledge.

[@craigstaley1760]

Thank you for the videos and always being positive. It's inspiring and I need that sometimes.

[@kellyhamel4302]

I love watching you two working the wedges, I find my self sitting at the edge of my seat and saying out loud its going its going get outa there.

[@fomoco300k]

That wedge trick- nipping the corner off to get by the hinge wood. I’ve done that many times in carpentry. It’s cool to see it used in another craft. Thanks for expanding my bag of tricks as usual. Great job BBR! Keep the lessons coming and we’ll keep soaking ‘em up.

[@r0ckworthy]

This is an INCREDIBLY helpful video. Thank you! I have this exact type of scenario in my back yard, and I need to cut this huge tree down in a way that it won't fall the wrong direction right onto my mobile home!!! This is exactly how I'm going to do it. This video is a lifesaver. I also love how you stopped to explain how it works with a little diagram and some more in-depth info about not cutting the holding wood... Wow great video.

[@r0ckworthy]

@@williamwallace9620 Wow yep, sounds like the same type of issue. I'll report back here when I've got mine chopped down.

[@davewash50]

Another great video Billy, the lad is really coming on. Look forward to your videos all the time now, thank you Bill

[@thereanitnofishinthere]

Thanks bucking for explaining the back cut first and stacking wedges to get the tree to fall away from a hard lean into a fence

[@craigjones1115]

Thanks for the Buckin felling lessons. I'm learning everyday. Got much more to learn. Spread the kindness.

[@buckwheat3129]

Excellent walk through Buckin very well explained love that saw

[@treemeister1513]

I was always the guy that climbed it before felling it.Had a large dead spruce with no option but to fell it. Buckin your voice was in my head all the way through the process. Thank you sir, that giant tree went right were I said it would. I was so pumped and so was my customer. Best moment in tree felling ever for me.✌️peace everyone and thanks for your inspiration sir billy😊❤️

[@divesight1]

A legend. Makes falling fun

[@hunterburgess4121]

Great video Buckin !! I live in south central Alaska and have been cutting firewood since i was a kid but now im grown with a wife and kids , we purchased 32 acres of heavy treed land and i am clearing and develooing it myself , your tutorials have helped me with my sharpening skills and how to properly fall trees , i am very greatfull for the info .. thank you very much!!!

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Awesome Seeing The Timber Laying On The Ground, Great Job Fellas, Prayers For Bo Bo & Family, ATB T God Bless

[@michaelbedell6523]

Blew my Mind 🤯 on utilizing wedges to redirect a tree’s lean. I could have used that years ago when felling 3’ wide, 30’ high swamp maples 20’ from my house in addition to tying heavy duty nylon rope. Each one sat back to the house, so went well in leaning on the rope and running for it.

[@jaykincell1379]

He's absolutely right on about that Buckin you have given me way more confidence my filing and my wedge cuts and now driving wedges to get the tree to do what I need!!! Thank you buddy!!!!

[@KiethGardner-dm3zj]

Just started watching your channel A lot of different methods and a lot of good tricks of the trade . Different ways to do different tasks ! I personally use more rope than wedges ! All just tools to use ! Be safe I’ll keep watching ! LOVE WHAT YOU DO & DO WHAT YOU LOVE !!!

[@daniellocatelli3567]

Hi Billy i like your videos. Wanted to tell u that when stacking wedges if u put a hand full of wood shavings fro.m face cut the wedges wont slip off each other so easy i learned this from some old timer logger friend hope it is useful to you. Thanks for posting daniel

[@VinnyMartello]

We learn something new every day don’t we?

[@daniellocatelli3567]

Sorry about the typo you put the shavings between your wedges and it helps them from slipping off each other good day to you all

[@johnsuch5914]

The blacksmith shop will be awesome and def well deserved. I missed the life show d/t being on our anniversary camping trip. Thx for the lesson on the wedges !!!

[@mikecook2714]

Buckin, Thank you for sharing you trade!!!