Barber Chair video.

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KiwiBloke

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Hey guys I was reading over some of the other threads and saw multiple mentions of the 'barber chair' which is something I have never heard of before not having any experience in that world. Intrigued I looked it up on youtube to see what exactly it was and saw this video:


Looks terrifying to say the least.

Can ya'll explain what exactly is happening here? Is it the tree that is doing that or some error by the logger? Why does this big splitting occur and where did the name barber chair come from? Thank you :)
 
Also what can you do with a tree like that once this has happened? You can't mill it, cut it into rounds and split it so is it now organic matter left to return to the soil?
 
yeah, so a barber chair usually happens when the tree being cut is under a lot of tension, and is more likely to happen when a living tree is being cut when it has its leaves and especially if the tree is leaning - so basically, and time there is tension being put on the tree in one direction. Then, if you cut into the tree, instead of the wood holding until you cut through enough of it for the tree to fall over, a section of the trunk lets loose and springs up in the air.
that video was a super extreme version I guess and not the best for illustration because the whole tree basically flew apart - that I don't think is typical of a 'regular' barber chair.
its hard to explain without an illustration.

when you cut a tree, you first cut a notch on the side of the trunk that you want the tree to fall. then you go to the opposite side of the tree and make a perfectly straight flat cut towards the notch - that's called the back cut. If there is a lot of tension in the trunk to where the tree is really leaning towards the notch side of the tree already - when you make the back cut, a piece of the trunk can let loose and spring up in the air, which is obviously super dangerous, because if you are standing back there you can get hit with an unbelievable amount of force, and fast.

certain species of trees are more likely to barber chair, and again, more likely when they are green or have leaves, or if the tree is full of snow or ice or if its windy or heavily leaning or something like that.

and again, usually the whole tree doesn't implode like in the video. usually just a strip splits and pops up from the back.

there are techniques to help reduce the chances if the tree seems like it might barber chair - like instead of a full back cut, you could do a plunge cut towards the notch - leaving a strap of wood on the back - and then the final back cut is done just above the plunge. if course you couldn't do that on a tree as big as the one in the video.
 
A good example of how things can go wrong when the tree has back pressure, the back cut was done wrong and the tree had some
internal weakening going on. He was lucky to have escaped without injury. A close call and I hope he learned something, once he cleaned out his pants. DM
 
That isn't even much good for firewood. It was a rotten tree, obviously known before by the cat face.

I would not put that obvious defect right at my corner, if it could be avoided. But I don't know the whole setup there, or the rest of the story on the leans in that tree, maybe not many options other than that.

Bore cut might have helped, but it's not always a better idea on unsound wood, it wont hold anyway.

On a tree like that, I almost always quarter out the backcut on the off side, the finish on the escape side. If it goes early I'm on the side and not behind at least.

Sometimes things just happen, you cant always blame it on anyone. Cut enough and you'll have a close call. Work careless and cut enough you might not survive it.
 
Here is another video of a barber chair. I guess this is more of your typical example then? Split happens at 4:10

 
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KiwiBloke said:
Very interesting guys. When a tree is unsafe to cut like that do the loggers mark it unsafe and leave it behind for nature to take its course?
Click to expand...

Most of the time you leave to fall naturally. But in a high traffic area it may not be safe to leave it. The U.S Forest Service has people trained to use explosives to drop these trees. Sometimes they can be pushed down with a large excavator.
 
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A lot of times you can let nature take its course.

On fires, roadsides, campgrounds, and logging sites, there are some you really shouldnt leave, if it's your job. Equipment, and explosives are two alternatives to a sawyer, if available.

There are a few that it's not hardly possible but I don't see many as a C faller for the FS I wont take with a saw.

Cutting techniques are what everyone likes to talk about, but really its reading trees right that matters in the end. A few basic techniques well learned, and a really good ability to size up trees will get you farther than tricky cuts.

In any case, if you're that unsure what to do with it, you probly shouldn't get under that one. No shame in staying within your skill and comfort level.

Besides reading trees well, the second most important thing is knowing when to walk away.
 
KiwiBloke said:
Here is another video of a barber chair. I guess this is more of your typical example then? Split happens at 4:10

Click to expand...
Funny. I was just watching this clip and was about to post it. This guy works on the west coast of Canada. He’s got a ton of videos on YouTube. He’s wacky enough to be a Kiwi!
 
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With problem trees that have to be felled and not detonated or pushed with heavy equipment, your best and safest way is with a chainsaw over the crosscut and axe combo or just the axe by it self. The chain saw gives you the ability to make changes much faster. Also, using the chainsaw allows you to do the front notch AND the back cut without ever getting your body directly behind the tree (the biggest danger zone). You need to know how to push chain as well as the usual pull chain to complete the felling all from one side without ever going behind the tree. A few more things to pay close attention to- the wind big time; the sounds the tree is making (take out your ear plugs); a change in the color of the sawdust; feed back from the saw on uneven pressure as you cut; and keep one eye on what is happening at the top of the tree at the same time you are watching what is happening with your cut, remember that every thing happens at the top first.
 
Curt Hal said:
Funny. I was just watching this clip and was about to post it. This guy works on the west coast of Canada. He’s got a ton of videos on YouTube. He’s wacky enough to be a Kiwi!
Click to expand...

Haha good one mate yeah he is very eccentric but I love his enthusiasm for axes. I'm surprised he doesn't get talked about on the forum? He is producing a tonne of axe related content frequently. His wood splitting skills are extremely impressive.
 
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KiwiBloke said:
Haha good one mate yeah he is very eccentric but I love his enthusiasm for axes. I'm surprised he doesn't get talked about on the forum? He is producing a tonne of axe related content frequently. His wood splitting skills are extremely impressive.
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Good question. He may be a bit over the top for some, but I find him entertaining. There was just a huge blow on Vancouver Island, where he lives. I suspect he’ll be posting many videos as he does some clearing work.
 
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