MS 261, MS 261 C
English
19
Making Sapwood Cuts
N For medium sized or larger trees 
make cuts at both sides of the trunk, 
at same height as subsequent 
felling cut.
N Cut to no more than width of guide 
bar.
This is especially important in softwood 
in summer – it helps prevent sapwood 
splintering when the tree falls.
D =Felling Cut 
Conventional and open-face technique:
N Begin 1 to 2 inches (2,5 to 5 cm) 
higher than center of felling notch.
N Cut horizontally towards the felling 
notch.
N Leave approx.1/10 of diameter 
uncut. This is the hinge.
N Do not cut through the hinge – you 
could lose control of the direction of 
the fall.
Drive wedges into the felling cut where 
necessary to control the fall.
E = Hinge
N Helps control the falling tree.
N Do not cut through the hinge – you 
could lose control of the direction of 
the fall.
Warning!
If the tip of the bar contacts a wedge, it 
may cause kickback. Wedges should be 
of wood or plastic – never steel, which 
can damage the chain.