IN THE PAST 3 YEARS OUR GRAND FIR TREES ( BALSAM) , HAVE BEEN GETTIN' ATTACKED BY A BETTLE , YOU WILL NOTICE AT 18:00 MIN AND ON THAT IT WAS TOPPED MANY YEARS AGO AND HAS 4 DEAD TOPS IN IT WHICH ARE ALL 50 FOOT FROM THE OLD WOUND, ANOTHER VICTIM OF THE BALSAM BEETLE .
Reminds me of when the city I grew up in cut every single Elm tree down in the city in the 70's, Dutch Elm disease took hold and was moving through the city, Very sad. The city replaced the Elms but it took decades for streets to look like they did before they were forced to act.
out here in the western US, Mountain pine beetles are wreaking havoc on big swathes of trees. Southern Utah is covered with standing dead and deadfall, just waiting for fires to catch and cause all sorts of devastation. Even worse, they're starting to find them in Bristlecone pines which are some of the oldest trees in North America. They grow slow in the dry mountains and poor rocky soil where nothing else wants to grow. The bristlecones are pretty tough but the thought of losing trees that started life during the early years of the Roman Empire to bugs is no bueno.
Sweet.. I am Oregonian born and bred.. the 1952 version and all of us boys worked in the lumber industry in the Start of our illustrious life.. my brother and I were choker setters.. I went on to be a carpenter and he to work for the phone company.. This is how I was taught to down a tree and still do.. or did. now a days my little saw and I cut trees that are no more than heavy brush.. But man what a great time I had watching this!!!! Brought back many great memories.. and you truly are a faller of quality and determination.. No matter what anyone else says.. I have worked and had more friends that were fallers then I care to remember.. You are right up there with some of the best.. thanks a lot brother for the share.. it was great..
End of the day, already done a full day’s work, minor injury adding to fatigue, BUT there is still ONE MORE THING TO DO, and the “warrior mentality” of “doing what it takes to get the job done” with skill, and deliberation, performs at the highest level of the art, with joy and humility. You are an inspiration!
Yeah, I'm watching the undercut and thinking "that is so big and it's such a difficult angle - how is he ever going to get that cut to come out right", then he lines it up carefully and smoothly and works through it to a perfect cut. Just perfect, great skills and planning.
Buckin, that was the prettiest humbolt I’ve seen on a tree that size with an undersized bar. And you were hurt to boot. Well done, old chap. Well done!
I love this stuff. Ain’t it awesome how the first thing we do is check our stump after a fell? It’s like our report card on how well we did. Stay safe.
I have been working in the woods since 1950, starting with my dad with crosscut saw and felling axe, eventually graduating to chain saw. I've never seen a more skillful operator. As the Germans say, ausgezeichnet!!
A long time ago and far away in Monterey, CA, my uncle allowed me to work with him in his tree service. They didn't need me, but they let me join the ground crew and learn, and I was and still am grateful. Day after day of good hard honest work, and the vigilance of safety. Watching your videos transports me back and I see the threads of my life running through that time and those guys and that work so essentially, so importantly carried in my core. Hats off to you, sir. Such good stuff you're putting out there. Very much appreciated. You've got me swinging an axe, splitting my own firewood this year. Feels good, man. Feels real good.
Great work. Instructive and very helpful. So many of us who aren't in that line of work really appreciate watching a professional at his craft. Thanks!
Wow, marvelous tutorial by example. Weekend warrior here, have cut my own smaller trees for firewood, for several decades, but never saw an undercut so masterfully illustrated.... (especially when you flipped saw over, and bored out the undercut. Genius. Learned a lot, and will apply. Timely too, as I need to deal with a dying huge white oak. Thank you! Hope your leg has healed well.
Great!! First time watching one of your videos. Never saw a tree man like you not wear glasses. Hope the knee heals up real fast, looking forward to future videos. Love the motivational comments, wish everyone would live by them.
Nicely done--the good old classic way to take out a tree accurately. Been doing this for about 40 years and can always learn another tip from a regular tree expert. Thanks for sharing.
morning buckin! this is the moment where long experience and knowlege meet.... blindly undercut with too short bar on a big tree...well done bro! (it's easy for me to speak, I'm not a professional...hahaha) have a great day my friend, luvya!
I commend you friend for toughing it out and finishing the job, I've bern through it after 30 years of riding iron and felling myself, much respect and thanks for sharing!
I love watching your videos Buckin'. I love your approach and how you apply all your "tools" you have acquired over the many years of of felling. I've learned many ways to skin a cat from you. Hope your doing good and thanks again Brother. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Rick and Ron for helping the big man out your help was invaluable. Another master class from Billy always a pleasure to sit and enjoy. Hope all the buckin army is well. Enjoy the rest of your week folks.Stay safe. Regards to you all from across the pond
Randomly wound up here and glad I did. THIS is the kind of stuff TH-cam was built for. Fascinating! And I have to admit that you all being Canadian is a bonus. As an American, have always appreciated our neighbors to the north. Stay safe out there!
I’ve been watching you billy for about four or five years and you’ve taught me a lot of climbing and felling skills that no one I was around knew or even wanted to teach thank you for this and everything else you’ve told about trees and life
Back in 1959 my folks took us on vacation to Northern California, and one of our most memorable stops was a logging camp. Evidently, they got a lot of us tourists. They had a video of the guys working, and some of them used this method. It was so scarry to watch but, until I realized for my young self, they knew what they were doin'. It was exactly the way Mr. Smith did this tree. It was exciting to watch, Thank You.
thanks rick and ron that is how my grandfather taught me how to cut down some oak and pine trees in Florida with a 16" electric craftsman chain saw when I was 12-13 years old to clear a lot for our mobile home back in 1975-76. I was a big soft city kid and had to learn some hard things and ways of doing stuff, did shed some tears on the way, when I thought I could not do any more...
just stumbled across your channel, loved watching, a lot of guys say how good they are but you have a way of showing how good you are. safe cutting and god bless
An exceptional demonstration of work ethic! Any customer of BBR gets all of that man, all of the time, even when he's hurting! Great lesson for young folks starting out on their own business!💪💪💪 Love you all...❤️❤️❤️ Lieutenant Bradley
Brother, it's painful watching "limp" around there .... ! I hate the internet ( YT in particular ) for so many reasons, but am grateful we lay people get to watch a true professional tree faller teach us all a little something about his trade. Billy Ray is at the top of his game, a true expert, and always learning. Thank you for sharing your trade and expertise with us. Godspeed
Chain saws scare the hell outta me. I can use one and I have taken down a couple of trees (30') but did not like it and I was second third and fourth guessing myself. You sir made that look easy, you knew what you wanted to do, calculated out what you wanted and did it like a professional. Which is exactly what I would pay someone for next time!
Pure enjoyment watching a master at work. Leaving a stump of a limb knowing, because of the hurt knee, you would need a hand hold, and burning the chain into the log for a climbing handhold! You rock- and Love DOES win! Amen. Fighting through pain to complete a job is commendable.
It's easy to twist wrong on the uneven ground around around those big trees. Hope you're on the mend. Nice notch work, I got the the lesson, Flipping the saw and the bore cut from the opposite side, it all seems obvious once it's shown to you. but I didn't understand how to get a good meet up at the end. I'll put that one in my box for the next big one. Thanks Buckin, hope you feel better!
Absolutely nailed it! Watching your skills is impressive as hell and to a tradesmen its greatly appreciated. Watching you hobble around the tree it is obvious your not doing it for the money lol. When you looked back at the camera just before it fell the look on your face made it obvious why your still cutting. You absolutely love doing what you do. Pace yourself stretch only long enough so you don't end up on the bench. You don't seem to be the kinda person that will be happy stuck in an armchair watching the sun rise and set. Mad skills and respect
This is awesome! I could tell by the sound of the saw when that wedge released. Big saw chips (sharp saw). And that extra wide notch you created by letting the bar guide right along the previous cut was perfect. I learned something today with you turning the saw over during the wedge cut. I could tell though that it must be getting toward the end of the day by the way you were trying to straighten up. Man... my lower back hurts just watching this! One last thing... people make fun of me when I wear my chaps, steel-toes, helmet, shield, and ear protection. I'm now on my second pair of chaps. My first pair is worn out and has three minor chain cuts in it. These were three trips I DIDN'T have to make to the ER. Thank you.
Love watching someone who knows what they are doing. I do not work as you do, the cutting I do is on my property in upper Michigan. Tall trees, not as large in diameter. Watching you check where it is going to drop as you cut, that is a lesson in itself. Thanks for the videos. Anyone who has used a saw knows just how skilled you are.
Someone without visual PPE is someone I don't consider to 'know what he is doing'. I just can see him squint as he is sawing. Please people. Your eyes can't be replaced. This comment comes from someone who has had surgery done to both eyes and would be blind without.
Billy Ray, You are an artist! Buddy Rich, would have been envious of your skills. Please know when to give up this tree stuff. but & always keep Drumming !!
Great stuff as always. Be wary of cumulative failure! I find that whenever i'm working injured that favoring the compromised limb leads me to do things in ways I normally wouldn't, which can sometimes lead to mistakes!
They broke the mold after making you! They just don't make tough guys like you. Your knowledge is invaluable to people who are willing to listen. Your kindness and willingness to teach is amazing. There's no BS with you.
Good morning buckin and his army. What a tremendous job on that under cut. A learning experience as always. Rick and Ron did a fantastic job and thanks for helping the big guy out. Buckin I hope your knee heals fast. Love you buddy.
Another great video by someone who has a ton of experience and a positive attitude about his trade. He throttles up the saw higher so he can get the bar out and doesn't get it binded up, which sounds simple but people forget. Take it easy rest up the knee.
Billy Ray Smith... It is a joy to watch your Mastery of Tree Cutting... Its truly a work of art... And that's what makes you that guy... the very best 👌 👍😉🖖
Take care of that knee. Ask your doc about seeing a PT for strengthening the muscles in the areas of both knees. I’ve been able. to deal with related issues for 45 years through keeping up with these exercises. Great video, my friend.
Been doing a few trees (just over 50) myself over the past few years, and recently did a 36" tree with a 20" bar similar to the way you did this tree but not as pretty. Learned a few things watching you on this one. Thanks for posting this fell. I also have had knee problems on a cut job, and it sucks, but like you have made it a point to finish what I wanted to get done. Hope your healing fast.
Being a loger can take it's toll on the Best ov us . I've been heating with wood for Over 50 years I'm no pro but I harvest the wood of my land.Owned a construction company , Surgeon says I need both shoulders replaced , and a hip for good measure.Trying injections and Tumeric and alternatives seems to be working . Always enjoy your content Thanks Billy In my 70s and I just keep it moving . Stay strong and Stay safe brother.God Bless.
I’m from a 4 generation logging family and I have seen this under cut manny times as well as water in trees especially the California white fir known for holding lots of water so much so it has a more colorful name by fallers like my father late grandfather and late great grandfather. The other tree goes by white oak or valley oak to loggers to flatlanders it’s called blue oak and it’s known to hold tons of water as well. It’s good to see the old ways are still around.
I admit I have no idea what your talking about, but I've worked all over doing many different trades. I know this - you and your crew know what's up. Sorry about your knee... I worked with a crew 40 yrs ago now creating farm land 10 acars. Winter work to this day I've never done anything that made me feel that alive...... great to see pro's doing what they do...... May this find you well and safe 😎 Doug
Spot-on fell...Right where u called it. SKILLS. I'm new to this craft, and am truly amazed & impressed. I dont see wasted or unnecessary cuts or even movements.(even when u lost sight of your axe, you stoodfast, & head motioned for additional eyes on it, no wandering aimlessly searchin') and that speaks for good support, not bystanders. GREAT VIDEO..I'm an instant fan & more importantly a student.
It is a huge pleasure to watch a person working their craft and doing it well. I am especially fond of watching people who do more with a tool than most would ever consider, and making it all look seamless. For me it shows their experience and attention to the small things. Your spatial awareness is amazing and astounding to behold.
You never disappoint Billy Ray!!! I have been watching you for years. I have learned a lot from watching you and enjoy cutting heating with wood. I will be 70 years old July the 5th, 2022. I have 23 saws so I always have one or two that will run. I have 2 old Pro Mac 610's a friend gave me. They do not run. Maybe this winter I will try and see what they need. My saws are mostly Stihls. I like an Old MS 250 the best. It's small and cuts well enough for me. I also have two Makita's. One is a 6400 with a 24-inch bar. Hope you are not hurt too bad!!! It is no fun to cut wood injured.
I love my Stihl 025 that my Grandad lets me use. I keep it cleaned with compressed air and the chain very sharp! It is all the saw I could ever need for 16 inch .325.
I have a few saws as well, but not 23...yet! I make my living with my saws. I have had some of the best and hope to again. But the 2 saws that I rely on everyday are my Sthil ms250 and my Dolmar(Makita)6400.
Great video! I certainly hope that knee feels better!!! Your cut is the only way I know - it was taught to me by my dad, and he learned from my grandfather. Proud to say we still work together to this day- 46 and 66 years old, we go hard, but get it done right. Safe, and efficient. These guys on the other channels can be a little bit too much for me to take. But it's was refreshing to see you do everything the way it should be done. Like my Dad always says, "you don't have to see where your bar is- you should be able to feel what the saw is doing and just know". That was a perfect Humboldt, especially on a 4' + cut low as it should be, with a bum knee- and a shorter bar. I do anything under 36" with my pup- Husqvarna 550xp mark II, 20 bar. 24" or 28" for 48"-60" diameter and anything bigger - rare for these parts- I use my Husqvarna 592xp (I avoid 23lb saws whenever possible - especially when that's just the dry weight of the head, add a 36" bar & chain, a litre of petrol & bar& chain oil & you get a 25lb saw) but at least that's lighter than my 3120xp- but that's for a different purpose- anyway, did I see that saw you were bucking with not have a chain brake? I noticed you do something that I do which my father thinks is unnecessary and calls me crazy for doing it -- I set the chain brake every single time I start my saw, and every single time I am done with a cut and going to be moving with the saw- even if it is just a step or 3 - i do it automatically, just in case. What would you say to my father if I said something like, "Hey Dad, ask Buckin Billy Ray Smith why he sets his chain brake between cuts" ?? Anyway Thanks for reading! And Thank you very much for the spectacular video & primo demonstration of THEE way to make an undercut on a 4 footer with a short bar... 👍🏽👍🏽
Hey Ray. I've bucked a few trees in my time and my names Ray Smith too. I've always been a big fan since I've known about you. I'm crippled up and just a few weeks post heart attack and a quadruple bypass. I watch everything you post and have seen you're a genuinely generous person. I say that because of the axes you've given your fans. I'd love to have one of your axes. Maybe burn your sign on the handle. I would cherish it for the rest of my lifetime. Sorry about your knee Bro. I'm gonna pray for quick recovery. It works. Thanks my friend.
First let me say, I am sorry about your knee Mate. Second WOW. I learned more watching this video then the hundreds I've watched on TH-cam. Thank you. I am saving this one and going to keep watching it until I feel comfortable trying this skill out. Thank you for taking the time to share this old school school with us beebee's. Hope that knee heals up. Cheers Mate
Its always fun to watch someone doing something with a high level of skill. Ive only cut down a handful of trees in my life but that was more than enough to know that its something thats hard to do well. Kudos!
You sir are a master of your trade, always enjoy your content, hat's off to Rick and Ron too. Many of my friends have worked in the woods and have taught me a thing or two. Thank you for your videos and sharing knowledge with a positive attitude. All the best!
Buckin I sure hope You heal up soon! God Bless You and the family! I say this with much respect for You Sir be careful the world is a better place because of You! We sure want you to hang around with us many more years! Much love to You Buckin!👍🙏❤️
Hey Ray, hope your knee is doing better. I had an issue with mine wearing out, some torn cartilage, and thought I was headed for a replacement, until a phys. therapist taped it for me. Within a couple weeks, the pain was nearly gone! I bought a roll of the stuff, called 'kinesiology' tape, a stretchy sports tape, and had the guy teach me how to apply it. You want to get checked out first, since you don't want any blood clots (DVT) or infection in there, since the tape might increase blood flow to the point of breaking some of that free. There are several good YT videos on applying it: Basically, make a couple of parentheses of it on either side of the kneecap, overlapping at the top and bottom, and apply each piece starting at the top, seated with your leg straight out and the tape about half stretched, and begin sticking it on, working your way down as you slowly lower your leg. By the time you're sticking on the bottom of the piece of tape, your foot is on the floor. Then repeat for the other 'parenthesis'. Lasts about 4 days, you can shower with it, and its sports tape, so sweating's not a problem. It's the same principle as weight lifters taping their wrists to increase gripping and forearm strength hanging onto the barbells. It'll really strengthen the supporting tissues surrounding the knee joint, reducing swelling, inflammation and pain, and will help you stabilize very quickly, before you unconsciously develop some bad habits with compensating from the other leg. Get that balance off between them, and you could have hip problems, sciatica, and everything else. Anyway, good luck to you! Hope it heals up fully!
I was taught an under cut is more prone to save the log due to the way it hinges and is less likely to jump out forward off the notch landing top first. Love your work brother!! Keep it up!!✌🏻
The very end of the video is the best part! I mean that in a good way, when the hinge lets go, so satisfying, and the audio is great. Great production, beautiful cut.
Absolutely love this video. I have been running my tweaked 281 and another saw with a 28in B&C on a job , 3ft plus dia. dead ash tree's. I confess to using a different technique I've use for around 30 years on those, but it doesn't matter, I will give this one a try. If for no other reason than to see how the "geometry" of this works. Concern I have is the dead ash is rather unpredictable. So try not to "hang around" those trees. Hope your knee settles and doesn't stop u from doing what you love AND sharing :)
These big ole dead ash scare me because they are so unpredictable! The hinge usually just snaps off even with a much larger than normal hinge. Be extra cautious with these! Billy, I was taught to try and use the undercut method when you can. put the "waste" on the stump instead of the log! Great job! I'm 66 years young and had my left knee done four years ago after suffering for 20+ years. I was in the woods in six weeks and walking like I was 20! But, no one can tell you when to have it done. You will know when YOU are ready!!
Billy, I know just how much pain you can have with your knees. I m getting ready for knee replacement with the left one first then recovery and then the right. Hope yours gets better soon. Great video and wishing you and yours a wonderful 4th of July.
Had mine done (both) in 2017. NO ISSUES! Do the exercises, go to therapy. DO NOT CHEAT OR SKIMP. The second day after the operation is the worst day you will have. After that it gets progressively better and by month 2 you will wonder why you waited so long to have it done. I had both knees done 5 months and 20 days apart, and never looked back. Good luck and keep the faith, it will be worth it.
@@sw227x6 I was pretty bad for 5 weeks. Then it started to get good and even better. December will be my 2nd year and now the swelling is finally starting to look normal. It feels so much better that my other knee is starting to be the sore one. Bucking depending on what is wrong don’t wait on the knee fix, get to the doctor ASAP. Try to find the college football or school doctor. Make sure you get a well known orthopedic doctor.
Hope your knee is OK and doesn't cause you a lot of pain. Just had a knee replacement about a year ago, and I can appreciate what you are going thru. "Mother's oil really helps." I really enjoyed watching you attact that tree.
This reminds me of the 10-10 buckin 4’ maple, besides the bum knee and wet pants. Hope the knee straightens out for you soon buddy, hobbling gets old even if it’s for a day. Love to you and the family❤️
Billy Ray, been watching your videos for months . Could tell your just not the same after the knee injury. Looked like your knee was about to give out at one point. Don't like to tell anyone what to do but Please don't do any more cutting till your knee is better. Your body needs it while your healing, have a good day friend !
Getting the job done bum knee and all 🌲!! Your such a good man Buckin…. We need more people who are going the mile….. Take care of the injury…Keep looking up..👍
Love your work Buckin, been plenty of times I’ve gone home busted up to point that you can’t walk properly but you keep going while you can, and in regards to the cut it is one I do all the time on big trees exactly the way you done it here. Best regards and Respect from Australia.
Your years of experience and all the tricks you have learned along the way make your work look so smooth...... not easy, just smooth. And now you are passing those tricks (skills) along to anyone who is willing to pay attention. Extremely generous of you, my good sir! BTW, the amount of work you do would drive an average man into the dirt. And the voice-overs are great.
Many people have skills in all sorts of different trades, and many call themselves professionals while they only have mediocre skills. Folks this man is a professional! Please keep educating us Buckin, your skills are appreciated!
Hope the knee's ok. I'm still recovering from a fall off a fence over a month and a half go. Hurt both knees, still working with the swelling on the left one. Not sure what I did but I say what you say Billy, "I know when I'm hurt". Hope yours heals up fast.
look up some videos on self diagnostics for torn knee . I did and have found it was super helpful as well as allowed me to start my own physio stuff to get back moving normally
Hey Buckin! Great content, you are a beast and you show piles of grit. I do have a question, and maybe you can do a video on it. How do you line up the undercut so easily. Starting on one side on a angle and having the saw cut right into the corner on the far side so easily. I cut a 20" pine down the other week and I went way deep on my far side. I had to make my 'humbolt' under cut way deeper to keep my direction, in doing so I used up alot of my good wood as the back was all rotten. I got very lucky. I undermined the center of gravity with the deep face cut and as soon as I snipped the back wood she went where I wanted it. I guess instead of trying to be fancy I could have lined up my bar better and I would have saved some of the good wood for my holding wood, used my wedges and had more control. This is probly falling 101 but it would be neat to hear you explain that process in more detail. I use a Oregon 72EXJ on a 28" bar Stihl 660 ported by Donny. I built it myself and put it on my channel. Thanks
The truth about guys and ladies who make cuts line up every time is, they have developed the skill over time with lots of repetition. The problem you had sounds like you were low on your second cut? I'm guessing because you said you had to go farther to keep the original aim. That's called chasing your undercut. Next time put your top cut in aimed where you want it, then on the undercut come up short or higher. You will end up with a "Dutchman" that you must remove, but at least your original aim cut stays the same.
Nice video Billy. Clean job done. Get well soon for your leg. You can tell good workers by something like that, they continue to work even with a small injury! 👍🏻
This is what men do. REAL work, not tapping keys on a keyboard and texting on a phone. REAL work. They don't call in sick when it looks like it may snow either. Great job!
IN THE PAST 3 YEARS OUR GRAND FIR TREES ( BALSAM) , HAVE BEEN GETTIN' ATTACKED BY A BETTLE , YOU WILL NOTICE AT 18:00 MIN AND ON THAT IT WAS TOPPED MANY YEARS AGO AND HAS 4 DEAD TOPS IN IT WHICH ARE ALL 50 FOOT FROM THE OLD WOUND, ANOTHER VICTIM OF THE BALSAM BEETLE .
Reminds me of when the city I grew up in cut every single Elm tree down in the city in the 70's,
Dutch Elm disease took hold and was moving through the city,
Very sad.
The city replaced the Elms but it took decades for streets to look like they did before they were forced to act.
out here in the western US, Mountain pine beetles are wreaking havoc on big swathes of trees. Southern Utah is covered with standing dead and deadfall, just waiting for fires to catch and cause all sorts of devastation. Even worse, they're starting to find them in Bristlecone pines which are some of the oldest trees in North America. They grow slow in the dry mountains and poor rocky soil where nothing else wants to grow. The bristlecones are pretty tough but the thought of losing trees that started life during the early years of the Roman Empire to bugs is no bueno.
Wow, what a cut! and with a gimp leg even! Kudos.
.
your balsam , is that similar to the alpine fir in the interior of bc. ?
Sweet.. I am Oregonian born and bred.. the 1952 version and all of us boys worked in the lumber industry in the Start of our illustrious life.. my brother and I were choker setters.. I went on to be a carpenter and he to work for the phone company.. This is how I was taught to down a tree and still do.. or did. now a days my little saw and I cut trees that are no more than heavy brush.. But man what a great time I had watching this!!!! Brought back many great memories.. and you truly are a faller of quality and determination.. No matter what anyone else says.. I have worked and had more friends that were fallers then I care to remember.. You are right up there with some of the best.. thanks a lot brother for the share.. it was great..
Marvellous. What a way to spend a day. Many thanks for letting us join you my friend.
End of the day, already done a full day’s work, minor injury adding to fatigue, BUT there is still ONE MORE THING TO DO, and the “warrior mentality” of “doing what it takes to get the job done” with skill, and deliberation, performs at the highest level of the art, with joy and humility. You are an inspiration!
Yeah, I'm watching the undercut and thinking "that is so big and it's such a difficult angle - how is he ever going to get that cut to come out right", then he lines it up carefully and smoothly and works through it to a perfect cut. Just perfect, great skills and planning.
I am a retired arborist myself, I enjoy watching great fellers.this gentleman knows his stuff!👏👏👍👍
Buckin, that was the prettiest humbolt I’ve seen on a tree that size with an undersized bar. And you were hurt to boot. Well done, old chap. Well done!
glad you are with us kev ol' boy
Extraordinary skill combined with genuine humility and kindness. What a rare and blessed combination nowadays, thank you Bill, God bless, stay save.
I love how this dude keeps a grateful attitude and calls out the saws he is using. What a champ.
good ta see ya
I love this stuff. Ain’t it awesome how the first thing we do is check our stump after a fell? It’s like our report card on how well we did. Stay safe.
I have been working in the woods since 1950, starting with my dad with crosscut saw and felling axe, eventually graduating to chain saw. I've never seen a more skillful operator. As the Germans say, ausgezeichnet!!
A long time ago and far away in Monterey, CA, my uncle allowed me to work with him in his tree service. They didn't need me, but they let me join the ground crew and learn, and I was and still am grateful. Day after day of good hard honest work, and the vigilance of safety.
Watching your videos transports me back and I see the threads of my life running through that time and those guys and that work so essentially, so importantly carried in my core.
Hats off to you, sir. Such good stuff you're putting out there. Very much appreciated. You've got me swinging an axe, splitting my own firewood this year. Feels good, man. Feels real good.
get er done aah
I can smell the two stroke and wood chip ThankYou !!
Great work. Instructive and very helpful. So many of us who aren't in that line of work really appreciate watching a professional at his craft. Thanks!
Nailed it! is absolutely right!! Very well done, Sir.
Wow, marvelous tutorial by example. Weekend warrior here, have cut my own smaller trees for firewood, for several decades, but never saw an undercut so masterfully illustrated.... (especially when you flipped saw over, and bored out the undercut. Genius. Learned a lot, and will apply. Timely too, as I need to deal with a dying huge white oak. Thank you! Hope your leg has healed well.
Great!! First time watching one of your videos. Never saw a tree man like you not wear glasses. Hope the knee heals up real fast, looking forward to future videos. Love the motivational comments, wish everyone would live by them.
Nicely done--the good old classic way to take out a tree accurately. Been doing this for about 40 years and can always learn another tip from a regular tree expert. Thanks for sharing.
morning buckin! this is the moment where long experience and knowlege meet.... blindly undercut with too short bar on a big tree...well done bro! (it's easy for me to speak, I'm not a professional...hahaha) have a great day my friend, luvya!
I commend you friend for toughing it out and finishing the job, I've bern through it after 30 years of riding iron and felling myself, much respect and thanks for sharing!
It is a privilege to watch a master at his craft. Hope your leg heals quickly, best wishes and thanks for posting.
THX FRIEND
$3❤ and then 😮 😮 with my 😮 and then I’ll get back with you when we get back to 😂❤ I 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅ëtttt😢 😂😂❤ and 😮😅😅 ❤ ❤ and
I love watching your videos Buckin'. I love your approach and how you apply all your "tools" you have acquired over the many years of of felling. I've learned many ways to skin a cat from you. Hope your doing good and thanks again Brother. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Rick and Ron for helping the big man out your help was invaluable. Another master class from Billy always a pleasure to sit and enjoy. Hope all the buckin army is well. Enjoy the rest of your week folks.Stay safe. Regards to you all from across the pond
bobby
@@BuckinBillyRaySmith even with a blown knee buckin still gets er done, good on ya
Randomly wound up here and glad I did. THIS is the kind of stuff TH-cam was built for. Fascinating! And I have to admit that you all being Canadian is a bonus. As an American, have always appreciated our neighbors to the north. Stay safe out there!
its mutual brother we are so close we could play Frisbee,, love wins
I’ve been watching you billy for about four or five years and you’ve taught me a lot of climbing and felling skills that no one I was around knew or even wanted to teach thank you for this and everything else you’ve told about trees and life
Back in 1959 my folks took us on vacation to Northern California, and one of our most memorable stops was a logging camp. Evidently, they got a lot of us tourists. They had a video of the guys working, and some of them used this method. It was so scarry to watch but, until I realized for my young self, they knew what they were doin'. It was exactly the way Mr. Smith did this tree. It was exciting to watch, Thank You.
thanks rick and ron
that is how my grandfather taught me how to cut down some oak and pine trees in Florida with a 16" electric craftsman chain saw when I was 12-13 years old to clear a lot for our mobile home back in 1975-76. I was a big soft city kid and had to learn some hard things and ways of doing stuff, did shed some tears on the way, when I thought I could not do any more...
just stumbled across your channel, loved watching, a lot of guys say how good they are but you have a way of showing how good you are. safe cutting and god bless
An exceptional demonstration of work ethic! Any customer of BBR gets all of that man, all of the time, even when he's hurting! Great lesson for young folks starting out on their own business!💪💪💪
Love you all...❤️❤️❤️
Lieutenant Bradley
Thanks!
@@MATT.MAN-PEACE-LOVE your welcome well deserved I think
Thx Bruce
You’re a good man, Rick! Thanks for your help!
Brother, it's painful watching "limp" around there .... !
I hate the internet ( YT in particular ) for so many reasons, but am grateful we lay people get to watch a true professional tree faller teach us all a little something about his trade. Billy Ray is at the top of his game, a true expert, and always learning. Thank you for sharing your trade and expertise with us. Godspeed
Chain saws scare the hell outta me. I can use one and I have taken down a couple of trees (30') but did not like it and I was second third and fourth guessing myself. You sir made that look easy, you knew what you wanted to do, calculated out what you wanted and did it like a professional. Which is exactly what I would pay someone for next time!
Pure enjoyment watching a master at work. Leaving a stump of a limb knowing, because of the hurt knee, you would need a hand hold, and burning the chain into the log for a climbing handhold! You rock- and Love DOES win! Amen. Fighting through pain to complete a job is commendable.
Glad you enjoyed it
It's easy to twist wrong on the uneven ground around around those big trees. Hope you're on the mend.
Nice notch work, I got the the lesson, Flipping the saw and the bore cut from the opposite side, it all seems obvious once it's shown to you. but I didn't understand how to get a good meet up at the end. I'll put that one in my box for the next big one. Thanks Buckin, hope you feel better!
That Pioneer sounds so much better than anything else on this vid ! You need to get the Canadian saws out more often Billy !
Absolutely nailed it! Watching your skills is impressive as hell and to a tradesmen its greatly appreciated. Watching you hobble around the tree it is obvious your not doing it for the money lol. When you looked back at the camera just before it fell the look on your face made it obvious why your still cutting. You absolutely love doing what you do. Pace yourself stretch only long enough so you don't end up on the bench. You don't seem to be the kinda person that will be happy stuck in an armchair watching the sun rise and set. Mad skills and respect
right on mike
Thanks for another great "Notes" and sharing your expertise. Anxious to get past my broken thumb and back to turning.
Even wth a bum leg. You're still the best 😂 hello from Ireland 🇮🇪
This is awesome! I could tell by the sound of the saw when that wedge released. Big saw chips (sharp saw). And that extra wide notch you created by letting the bar guide right along the previous cut was perfect. I learned something today with you turning the saw over during the wedge cut. I could tell though that it must be getting toward the end of the day by the way you were trying to straighten up. Man... my lower back hurts just watching this! One last thing... people make fun of me when I wear my chaps, steel-toes, helmet, shield, and ear protection. I'm now on my second pair of chaps. My first pair is worn out and has three minor chain cuts in it. These were three trips I DIDN'T have to make to the ER. Thank you.
Love watching someone who knows what they are doing. I do not work as you do, the cutting I do is on my property in upper Michigan. Tall trees, not as large in diameter. Watching you check where it is going to drop as you cut, that is a lesson in itself. Thanks for the videos. Anyone who has used a saw knows just how skilled you are.
Eh der from da Big Bay Road.
Someone without visual PPE is someone I don't consider to 'know what he is doing'. I just can see him squint as he is sawing. Please people. Your eyes can't be replaced. This comment comes from someone who has had surgery done to both eyes and would be blind without.
"...knows how skilled you are." For sure!! I'm cutting and still learning... Love this channel.
I don't know , sometimes watching someone who don't have a clue what theyre doin is pretty fun too
Tough old man good work billy
Billy Ray, You are an artist! Buddy Rich, would have been envious of your skills. Please know when to give up this tree stuff. but & always keep Drumming !!
Great stuff as always. Be wary of cumulative failure! I find that whenever i'm working injured that favoring the compromised limb leads me to do things in ways I normally wouldn't, which can sometimes lead to mistakes!
100% correct. Especially with a live saw in your hands. This video was reckless in that regard.
They broke the mold after making you! They just don't make tough guys like you. Your knowledge is invaluable to people who are willing to listen. Your kindness and willingness to teach is amazing. There's no BS with you.
I think it’s the first time I have seen you struggling physically, Buckin’. Keep up the great work.
Good evening from Auckland, New Zealand ...like to say hi to Rick and Ron ...
Good morning buckin and his army. What a tremendous job on that under cut. A learning experience as always. Rick and Ron did a fantastic job and thanks for helping the big guy out. Buckin I hope your knee heals fast. Love you buddy.
Mornin
Man I just don't know how you can do that cut and make it look so easy.
Nice job Mr Buckin Billy Ray! I pray the Lord Jesus heal your knee. Way to hang in there and get the job done Great cuts on that big oak.
Watching people that really know what they're doing with this is a treat.
thx pal
Nice job, be safe, our body's aren't what they used to be. No safety, know pain. Know safety, no pain.
@@deekay6411 sounds like little man syndrome or small dick syndrome... When you realize your own inadequacies and have to put other people down....
Makes my back hurt just watching
Hi Rick hi billy hi Ron another fantastic job done. Steve in U.K. 🇬🇧🏴
Another great video by someone who has a ton of experience and a positive attitude about his trade. He throttles up the saw higher so he can get the bar out and doesn't get it binded up, which sounds simple but people forget. Take it easy rest up the knee.
Billy Ray Smith...
It is a joy to watch your
Mastery of Tree Cutting...
Its truly a work of art...
And that's what makes you that guy... the very best 👌
👍😉🖖
Always a pleasure to watch a skilled and competent tree feller. Hope your leg is better soon.
Haven't seen anyone use that technique in quite a few years. Nice to see someone that takes pride in their work.
Take care of that knee. Ask your doc about seeing a PT for strengthening the muscles in the areas of both knees. I’ve been able. to deal with related issues for 45 years through keeping up with these exercises.
Great video, my friend.
"Do good things and justify to no-one."
I like that. Thanks!
Love the hinge wood party mix at the end!! That’s Canadian disco…
Sweet black saw, your videos help me relax thank you very much. greetings from North Dakota 👍🏼
Been doing a few trees (just over 50) myself over the past few years, and recently did a 36" tree with a 20" bar similar to the way you did this tree but not as pretty. Learned a few things watching you on this one. Thanks for posting this fell. I also have had knee problems on a cut job, and it sucks, but like you have made it a point to finish what I wanted to get done. Hope your healing fast.
Being a loger can take it's toll on the Best ov us . I've been heating with wood for Over 50 years I'm no pro but I harvest the wood of my land.Owned a construction company , Surgeon says I need both shoulders replaced , and a hip for good measure.Trying injections and Tumeric and alternatives seems to be working . Always enjoy your content Thanks Billy In my 70s and I just keep it moving . Stay strong and Stay safe brother.God Bless.
I’m from a 4 generation logging family and I have seen this under cut manny times as well as water in trees especially the California white fir known for holding lots of water so much so it has a more colorful name by fallers like my father late grandfather and late great grandfather. The other tree goes by white oak or valley oak to loggers to flatlanders it’s called blue oak and it’s known to hold tons of water as well. It’s good to see the old ways are still around.
Piss Fir? Lol
I admit I have no idea what your talking about, but I've worked all over doing many different trades. I know this - you and your crew know what's up. Sorry about your knee... I worked with a crew 40 yrs ago now creating farm land 10 acars. Winter work to this day I've never done anything that made me feel that alive...... great to see pro's doing what they do......
May this find you well and safe 😎
Doug
Spot-on fell...Right where u called it. SKILLS. I'm new to this craft, and am truly amazed & impressed. I dont see wasted or unnecessary cuts or even movements.(even when u lost sight of your axe, you stoodfast, & head motioned for additional eyes on it, no wandering aimlessly searchin') and that speaks for good support, not bystanders. GREAT VIDEO..I'm an instant fan & more importantly a student.
It is a huge pleasure to watch a person working their craft and doing it well. I am especially fond of watching people who do more with a tool than most would ever consider, and making it all look seamless. For me it shows their experience and attention to the small things.
Your spatial awareness is amazing and astounding to behold.
Billy,
Every time I watch you take down a tree like this, I am humbled eh! I hope your knee is doing a lot better!
Best Wishes,
Tom
You never disappoint Billy Ray!!! I have been watching you for years. I have learned a lot from watching you and enjoy cutting heating with wood. I will be 70 years old July the 5th, 2022. I have 23 saws so I always have one or two that will run. I have 2 old Pro Mac 610's a friend gave me. They do not run. Maybe this winter I will try and see what they need. My saws are mostly Stihls. I like an Old MS 250 the best. It's small and cuts well enough for me. I also have two Makita's. One is a 6400 with a 24-inch bar. Hope you are not hurt too bad!!! It is no fun to cut wood injured.
I love my Stihl 025 that my Grandad lets me use. I keep it cleaned with compressed air and the chain very sharp! It is all the saw I could ever need for 16 inch .325.
I have a few saws as well, but not 23...yet!
I make my living with my saws. I have had some of the best and hope to again. But the 2 saws that I rely on everyday are my
Sthil ms250
and my
Dolmar(Makita)6400.
Great video! I certainly hope that knee feels better!!! Your cut is the only way I know - it was taught to me by my dad, and he learned from my grandfather. Proud to say we still work together to this day- 46 and 66 years old, we go hard, but get it done right. Safe, and efficient. These guys on the other channels can be a little bit too much for me to take. But it's was refreshing to see you do everything the way it should be done. Like my Dad always says, "you don't have to see where your bar is- you should be able to feel what the saw is doing and just know". That was a perfect Humboldt, especially on a 4' + cut low as it should be, with a bum knee- and a shorter bar. I do anything under 36" with my pup- Husqvarna 550xp mark II, 20 bar. 24" or 28" for 48"-60" diameter and anything bigger - rare for these parts- I use my Husqvarna 592xp (I avoid 23lb saws whenever possible - especially when that's just the dry weight of the head, add a 36" bar & chain, a litre of petrol & bar& chain oil & you get a 25lb saw) but at least that's lighter than my 3120xp- but that's for a different purpose- anyway, did I see that saw you were bucking with not have a chain brake? I noticed you do something that I do which my father thinks is unnecessary and calls me crazy for doing it -- I set the chain brake every single time I start my saw, and every single time I am done with a cut and going to be moving with the saw- even if it is just a step or 3 - i do it automatically, just in case. What would you say to my father if I said something like, "Hey Dad, ask Buckin Billy Ray Smith why he sets his chain brake between cuts" ?? Anyway Thanks for reading! And Thank you very much for the spectacular video & primo demonstration of THEE way to make an undercut on a 4 footer with a short bar... 👍🏽👍🏽
Hey Ray. I've bucked a few trees in my time and my names Ray Smith too. I've always been a big fan since I've known about you. I'm crippled up and just a few weeks post heart attack and a quadruple bypass. I watch everything you post and have seen you're a genuinely generous person. I say that because of the axes you've given your fans. I'd love to have one of your axes. Maybe burn your sign on the handle. I would cherish it for the rest of my lifetime. Sorry about your knee Bro. I'm gonna pray for quick recovery. It works. Thanks my friend.
He'll get you one brother. It just takes a while because he's so busy.
Amen!
First let me say, I am sorry about your knee Mate. Second WOW. I learned more watching this video then the hundreds I've watched on TH-cam. Thank you. I am saving this one and going to keep watching it until I feel comfortable trying this skill out. Thank you for taking the time to share this old school school with us beebee's. Hope that knee heals up. Cheers Mate
Its always fun to watch someone doing something with a high level of skill. Ive only cut down a handful of trees in my life but that was more than enough to know that its something thats hard to do well. Kudos!
Kk×q
I love how the tree slid off the stump and pulled away with that undercut. Perfect job!
You sir are a master of your trade, always enjoy your content, hat's off to Rick and Ron too. Many of my friends have worked in the woods and have taught me a thing or two. Thank you for your videos and sharing knowledge with a positive attitude. All the best!
thx paul
Such a joy to watch your skill. I always like your approach, nice and easy and let your long experience help you, and treat it all with respect.
Buckin I sure hope You heal up soon! God Bless You and the family! I say this with much respect for You Sir be careful the world is a better place because of You!
We sure want you to hang around with us many more years! Much love to You Buckin!👍🙏❤️
Think I’ve watched this three times now. Some of your best work, and with a busted knee no less. Cheers
Hey Ray, hope your knee is doing better. I had an issue with mine wearing out, some torn cartilage, and thought I was headed for a replacement, until a phys. therapist taped it for me. Within a couple weeks, the pain was nearly gone! I bought a roll of the stuff, called 'kinesiology' tape, a stretchy sports tape, and had the guy teach me how to apply it.
You want to get checked out first, since you don't want any blood clots (DVT) or infection in there, since the tape might increase blood flow to the point of breaking some of that free.
There are several good YT videos on applying it: Basically, make a couple of parentheses of it on either side of the kneecap, overlapping at the top and bottom, and apply each piece starting at the top, seated with your leg straight out and the tape about half stretched, and begin sticking it on, working your way down as you slowly lower your leg. By the time you're sticking on the bottom of the piece of tape, your foot is on the floor. Then repeat for the other 'parenthesis'. Lasts about 4 days, you can shower with it, and its sports tape, so sweating's not a problem.
It's the same principle as weight lifters taping their wrists to increase gripping and forearm strength hanging onto the barbells. It'll really strengthen the supporting tissues surrounding the knee joint, reducing swelling, inflammation and pain, and will help you stabilize very quickly, before you unconsciously develop some bad habits with compensating from the other leg. Get that balance off between them, and you could have hip problems, sciatica, and everything else.
Anyway, good luck to you! Hope it heals up fully!
That saw you're using for limbing is wicked !! Sounds fantastic
I was taught an under cut is more prone to save the log due to the way it hinges and is less likely to jump out forward off the notch landing top first. Love your work brother!! Keep it up!!✌🏻
Awesome job on that large tree Sir . . . thanks for sharing this !!! All the best & stay well !!!
Wishing you a speedy recovery Billy. God bless 🙏 Stay safe
The very end of the video is the best part! I mean that in a good way, when the hinge lets go, so satisfying, and the audio is great.
Great production, beautiful cut.
Absolutely love this video. I have been running my tweaked 281 and another saw with a 28in B&C on a job , 3ft plus dia. dead ash tree's. I confess to using a different technique I've use for around 30 years on those, but it doesn't matter, I will give this one a try. If for no other reason than to see how the "geometry" of this works. Concern I have is the dead ash is rather unpredictable. So try not to "hang around" those trees. Hope your knee settles and doesn't stop u from doing what you love AND sharing :)
yer a good man Walt great ta see ya , wood like to come cut with ya one day
@@BuckinBillyRaySmith Always welcome :)
These big ole dead ash scare me because they are so unpredictable! The hinge usually just snaps off even with a much larger than normal hinge. Be extra cautious with these!
Billy, I was taught to try and use the undercut method when you can. put the "waste" on the stump instead of the log! Great job! I'm 66 years young and had my left knee done four years ago after suffering for 20+ years. I was in the woods in six weeks and walking like I was 20! But, no one can tell you when to have it done. You will know when YOU are ready!!
Dang!! That Poulan is cutting!! Never owned one, but, it looks good
Billy, I know just how much pain you can have with your knees. I m getting ready for knee replacement with the left one first then recovery and then the right. Hope yours gets better soon. Great video and wishing you and yours a wonderful 4th of July.
Dimetilsulfoxido DMSO.
Had mine done (both) in 2017. NO ISSUES! Do the exercises, go to therapy. DO NOT CHEAT OR SKIMP. The second day after the operation is the worst day you will have. After that it gets progressively better and by month 2 you will wonder why you waited so long to have it done. I had both knees done 5 months and 20 days apart, and never looked back. Good luck and keep the faith, it will be worth it.
@@sw227x6 I was pretty bad for 5 weeks. Then it started to get good and even better. December will be my 2nd year and now the swelling is finally starting to look normal. It feels so much better that my other knee is starting to be the sore one.
Bucking depending on what is wrong don’t wait on the knee fix, get to the doctor ASAP. Try to find the college football or school doctor. Make sure you get a well known orthopedic doctor.
You are a master!!! More than a little surprised to see you finishing with no gloves or eye protection.
GLAD YER HERE FRIEND
Hope your knee is OK and doesn't cause you a lot of pain. Just had a knee replacement about a year ago, and I can appreciate what you are going thru. "Mother's oil really helps." I really enjoyed watching you attact that tree.
Brother Billy Ray, you are AMAZING. What I wouldn't give to be able to work with you for a year or two and learn YOUR skills
oh my! thats awfully kind words , thank you
This reminds me of the 10-10 buckin 4’ maple, besides the bum knee and wet pants. Hope the knee straightens out for you soon buddy, hobbling gets old even if it’s for a day. Love to you and the family❤️
Billy Ray, been watching your videos for months . Could tell your just not the same after the knee injury. Looked like your knee was about to give out at one point. Don't like to tell anyone what to do but Please don't do any more cutting till your knee is better. Your body needs it while your healing, have a good day friend !
Lol love ya Spencer
Getting the job done bum knee and all 🌲!!
Your such a good man Buckin…. We need more people who are going the mile….. Take care of the injury…Keep looking up..👍
Love your work Buckin, been plenty of times I’ve gone home busted up to point that you can’t walk properly but you keep going while you can, and in regards to the cut it is one I do all the time on big trees exactly the way you done it here.
Best regards and Respect from Australia.
Your years of experience and all the tricks you have learned along the way make your work look so smooth...... not easy, just smooth. And now you are passing those tricks (skills) along to anyone who is willing to pay attention. Extremely generous of you, my good sir!
BTW, the amount of work you do would drive an average man into the dirt. And the voice-overs are great.
Agree and GRATEFUL!!
Many people have skills in all sorts of different trades, and many call themselves professionals while they only have mediocre skills. Folks this man is a professional! Please keep educating us Buckin, your skills are appreciated!
Hope the knee's ok. I'm still recovering from a fall off a fence over a month and a half go. Hurt both knees, still working with the swelling on the left one. Not sure what I did but I say what you say Billy, "I know when I'm hurt". Hope yours heals up fast.
look up some videos on self diagnostics for torn knee . I did and have found it was super helpful as well as allowed me to start my own physio stuff to get back moving normally
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the skills you have I hope your able to teach others the young don't have what it takes to be great some do
THERE ARE SOME GOOD ONES OUT THERE AND WE CAN ONLY BE EXAMPLES
Mighty impressive, Billy Ray.
Hope your knee is coming along fine.
Mate your camera is clear as on this video 😱🤩👌🤙🌲👀
Fair dues that's old school gotta Know what your doing great to watch thank you kind regards Mr D⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hey Buckin! Great content, you are a beast and you show piles of grit. I do have a question, and maybe you can do a video on it. How do you line up the undercut so easily. Starting on one side on a angle and having the saw cut right into the corner on the far side so easily. I cut a 20" pine down the other week and I went way deep on my far side. I had to make my 'humbolt' under cut way deeper to keep my direction, in doing so I used up alot of my good wood as the back was all rotten. I got very lucky. I undermined the center of gravity with the deep face cut and as soon as I snipped the back wood she went where I wanted it. I guess instead of trying to be fancy I could have lined up my bar better and I would have saved some of the good wood for my holding wood, used my wedges and had more control. This is probly falling 101 but it would be neat to hear you explain that process in more detail. I use a Oregon 72EXJ on a 28" bar Stihl 660 ported by Donny. I built it myself and put it on my channel. Thanks
The truth about guys and ladies who make cuts line up every time is, they have developed the skill over time with lots of repetition.
The problem you had sounds like you were low on your second cut? I'm guessing because you said you had to go farther to keep the original aim. That's called chasing your undercut. Next time put your top cut in aimed where you want it, then on the undercut come up short or higher. You will end up with a "Dutchman" that you must remove, but at least your original aim cut stays the same.
Nice video Billy.
Clean job done.
Get well soon for your leg.
You can tell good workers by something like that, they continue to work even with a small injury! 👍🏻
Hi Rick !!!
This is my first time watching your videos. Great job with that little tree, my favorite part is that Ford Truck! LOL
This is what men do. REAL work, not tapping keys on a keyboard and texting on a phone. REAL work. They don't call in sick when it looks like it may snow either. Great job!
I'm a tree feller, believe me, all the crew get their hopes up when there is rain that it will come down hard enough that the boss sends us home 😂