Replies to post #9498 on I-Home improvement (IHIP)

[MSC290]

Cutting the old maple tree

This homelite saw with a 5 foot cut capacity is what you needed. Probably only requires about a quart of chain oil to get it warmed up and ready to saw. The only problem would be finding a volunteer (maybe Phil) to hold the handle on the other end of the saw!

[bagwa-john]

Be thankful it wasn't a 'Bodark' tree. Many people in Texas won't let you borrow their chainsaw if you're going to cut on one on your property. A friend had some pier and beam members under his house and he couldn't drive a nail into them. Another friend was gracious enough to cut me a brach to whittle a wooden sword out of, and to my dismay it cured before I put my best Gerber steel knives to it. Every small chip I made left a finely polished surface which looked waxed. I didn't achieve a sword out of it.
Beautiful wood though.
http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1997/10-10-1997/hedgeapple.html

Some folks have told me it throws sparks under a chainsaw like you're cutting through iron.