Timberati » forestry slang

Timber’s Term of the Week: Choker

Timberati — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:01:06 +0000

Choker

n

A 3/4 to 1-1/2 inch diameter steel wire rope used pull a log to landing. A choker is normally 15 to 35 feet long with a knob at both ends and sliding hook for either knob.

Synonyms: Steel necktie

The greenhorn in this video (at just over a minute in) is setting chokers:

As with all of logging, the job of choker setter is dirty and dangerous work. Putting the ferrule knob end under the log to attach to an eyed socket requires scrambling around unstable logs, digging out dirt and branches, and putting yourself in hazardous situations.

References:
CDC NIOSH Fatality Assessment - Logger Killed by Swinging Tree in Yarding Operation
Mondofacto dictionary – log choker
Esco choker setting
Washington State Cooperative Extension – Forestry Hand & Power Tools

Timber’s Term of the Week: Bucking

Timberati — Sun, 17 May 2009 07:00:07 +0000

Bucking

V

The process of cutting a felled tree into logs.

A bucker measures the downed tree while limbing and then cuts the tree into logs for transport. He will try to maximize the log’s net volume since, as a busheler, he’s paid by what the scaler says in it.

References:

University of Missouri Extension, Falling,Bucking and Limbing Trees.
Alabama Cooperative Extension, Safe Operation of Chainsaws
About.com: Forestry, Definition: Bucking
USDA Forest Service, Bucking logs to cable yarder capacity can decrease yarding costs and minimize wood wastage

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Timber’s Term of the Week: Barber Chair

Timberati — Sun, 03 May 2009 21:00:33 +0000

Barber Chair

n

A tree that, while in the process of receiving the back cut, splits lengthwise and leaves a vertical piece of wood on top of the stump. The remaining piece sticking up in the air is reminiscent of a chair.
The splitting of the butt of the log during the latter part of the fall. The tree may remain attached to the stump, creating a danger zone, and resulting in a large deduction in the net volume in the log. (Source - Occupational Safety & Health Administration)

Synonyms: tomb-stone

Each tree gives a lesson—not necessarily free of charge—in physics and magic. So many things can go wrong during a falling operation and the barber chair is just one of those events. I wasn’t able to find a definitve etymology of the term. It may be just the appearance of the end result. The term barber chair may be so named because (this is complete conjecture on my part) it takes “a little off the top,” like the timber faller’s head, perhaps.

References:

US Dept of Labor page, Dangerous Results of Incorrect Felling.
Tree World website: Barber Chair explanation and Powerpoint slideshow.
Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries Powerpoint slideshow on treefelling.
Barber Chair, The Timber Buyer’s Network, Basic Chain Saw Course 103.
Dictionary of Wisconsin History, Barber Chair
Jargon Database.com – Barber Chair
Long Forestry Consultation

Timber’s Term of the Week: Deadhead

Timberati — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:00:49 +0000

Deadhead

n

A log in the water, either completely submerged or primarily submerged.
A sinker log

Before railroads and trucking, most goods came by water. Trees felled, would be cut into log lengths, lashed into log rafts, and floated down river. Some logs would sink. Some logs would only reveal a small portion of itself, resembling a head. The log’s ultimate destination could be a mill for sawing into dimension lumber or a port where they might be shipped elsewhere.

Timber’s Term of the Week: Widowmaker

Timberati — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 07:01:57 +0000

Widowmaker

n

Something that looks innocuous that is, in fact, dangerous.
A loose limb or top hanging in a tree that can be dislodged by wind or when struck by a falling tree; the impact of which can cause serious injury or death.