The Face

Basic Chain Saw Course 103

     Using the bottom of the bar, cut the selected face on the side of the tree where you “think” it will fall. There are four different “Faces” that can be used:

• Western Standard Face

• Open Face

• Humboldt Face

• Step-Cut Face

     The Western Standard and Open are the ones to begin learning with. The Humboldt and Step Cut are best left to the Professionals.

    Western Standard Face Two cuts. The first is a horizontal cut, 1/3 the diameter of the tree, deep. The second is made from above the first. You want to have an approximate 45-60 degree angle formed by the completion of these two cuts.

    These two cuts must meet evenly, leaving NO “Dutchman”. If a “Dutchman” has been made, it must be re-cut to get rid of it.

    Open Face This requires two cuts also but there is no horizontal cut. Make your bottom cut at an upwards angle, 1/3 the diameter of the tree, deep. The upper cut must be made so that a 80-90 degree angle is made when the two cuts meet. DO NOT leave a “Dutchman”. If a “Dutchman” has been made, it must be re-cut to get rid of it.

     The next step is to check the direction that the face has been cut. Check this out by using the "gunning sights" which are built into your saw. To do this, insert the bar into the face all the way, with the bottom of the bar against the wood where the two cuts come together. Sight down the "Gunning Sights" and if you cut your back cut correctly, the tree will land right where you are aiming.

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