Lumberjack skills
A favorite demonstration is a collection of lumberjack skills. Big logs were set up in various
positions to showcase the work of lumberjacks. A horizontal log would be sliced across its diameter
to demonstrate just how fast a person can cut through a log. Some of the chainsaws used in this
event are like none a person can buy in a local home improvement center. One of the most powerful
saws was powered by a snow mobile engine. The sound of that engine was amazing with the three
cuts of the log going faster than seemed possible. It was also apparent that the huge chainsaw
was very heavy.
I was surprised to see a setup for a log rolling challenge that didn’t require any
water. The competition wasn’t as much fun to watch without anyone getting wet. With that
said, it took every bit as much effort and skill to be the last person standing on the rolling
log.
The log rolling compitition took a lot of skill even without water
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Among the many specialized saw designs was a small chainsaw used for making wood sculptures.
The sculpting-saw chain had finer teeth as well as a shorter and narrower chain bar. This made
it possible to cut fine details into a log to produce nice looking wooden statues, wood carvings
and utilitarian items like a small chair for children.
It took 3 chops on one side and 3 chops on the other side to cut through
this log
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Some of the largest axes I’ve ever seen were used in a competition to see who could
cut through a vertical log the quickest. It usually took only a few chops to cut through a log
that was probably 12 inches in diameter. The blades on the axes where razor sharp with the owners
continually sharpening the blades in between each competition.
One competition uses axes, however, not to cut wood. There were two cross-sections of a tree
trunk that were mounted on edge with targets painted on the circular surface. Axes were thrown
at the targets to see who can get closest to the bulls-eye.
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