SAW PIT

Pit-sawing is a technique that has been practiced since ancient times. The cutting process is accomplished when the saw is pulled down through the log. Only on the down-stroke does the saw blade actually cut. The "pit sawyer” (bottom man) pulls the saw down, and the "top sawyer" pulls the saw back up and keeps it aligned with the chalk lines. The sawyers do not cut completely to the end of the log, as that would weaken the log and prevent the top sawyer from standing anywhere on the log. Once all of the lenghtwise cuts are finished, individual boards are broken off from the four- or five-inch “butt end” left uncut.