how to cut out the middle or center of a log

[Dragonkort]

ok guys in our last big storm spike let me keep a few of the larger trunk pieces from the the trees that fell.  Now what i want to do is cut the logs in half length wise and hollow out the centers to make planters out of them.  I have a little ax i can try to use to cut out the middle to make the planter but im woundering if theres  another or better way to it. iv lost a lot of my upper body strength so not sure if i can do that...but i'll give it a good try even if it takes me months to get it hollowed out that way! lol i know the logs have to dry first but i have 2 trunks that have been sitting for about 3-4 years that i want to start working with.. we have 2 brand new chain saws so cutting the logs in half wont be a proublem....im going to ask spike to let me use the chain saw to split the log...because im TRYING to learn how to do these things myself, because there will proubly come a time when spike wont be able to do it for me.....but im not going to hold my breath...he still hasnt let me use my table saw yet!! which he gave me for valinties days....lol   id really rather use them the first time while hes here just in case something happens but if he dosnt let me use them soon while hes here  im just going to use them when hes off galavanting around in the outside world....i can do that with the table saw...but i need to watch him use the chain saw befor i try to  use it myself.. i do love that man SO MUCH!!1 and yes i know im not as healthy as i used to be BUT i'll be darned if im going to become an invallid !! He just wants to make life easer for me in my old age lol sometimes i wounder if he REMEMBERS hes 73!! lol   any way if any of you have a better idea or methed of hollowing out the inside of the log please let me know.

[Terry Jay]

There is a chain saw attachment to do what you want.  Don't know the name, but if you know a chainsaw carver they might even have one or know where to get one.

Or, make a V cut with the chain saw to the desired depth, where the top of the V is the width you want and the bottom of the V is near the depth you want.    Then plunge cut the ends and the large piece should come out.  Finish by taking slices off the sides to get the profile and shape you want.  Don't forget to put in a drain hole.

[Bill WIlson]

IMHO, a chainsaw is far more dangerous than a table saw.  The operation you describe is also one that isn't typical with a standard chainsaw bar, so I wouldn't recommend it.  You mention that you've lost a lot of upper body strength.  Well, running a chainsaw requires a fair amount of upper body strength. 

If you have lots of time, might I suggest using hand tools, like a bowl adze.  It looks something like this.

Keep a sharp edge on it to make cutting easier.  This particular type looks like it can be driven with a hammer or mallet, like a chisel or gouge.  You could rough out the area first by using a large spade bit and drilling a bunch of holes, to remove material quickly, then clean it up with the adze.  Not sure how deep you need to go, so it could be a lot of work.  Better than severing a limb with the chainsaw though. 

[amazingkevin]

Super idea to make pots out of them!!! What a great idea!!! Myself would secure the tree trunk down and then use the chain saw to hollow it out . Real good chance of the saw kicking back so strength and experience go along way doing this. I would not be happy about doing it because it is very dangerous. with the saw cutting two directions at once.while it is possible I suggest another way machine less!

[Wichman]

How big are the logs? Diameter.

[Dragonkort]

spike says about 6 inches in diameter maybe a little smaller but not much and im going to google bowl adze and see how much they are...we wont try hollowing it out with the chain saw....iv been woodworking for decaides and still have all my fingers and limbs and intend to keep it that!! lol for me and spike...and if nothing else i'll just dig out my old big chisels and a hammer and hollow it out that way. lt would defently take a  long time but i have more time then money anyway. lol and thanks for mentioning the drain hole!! i hadnt thought about that!!  now assumeing i get them hollowed out sometime before i die do i coat the inside of the logs before i use them??  is there anything else i need to do with them?  the pictures iv seen of this kind of planter there usuly resting between 2 v shaped legs and spike can help me make those...he dosnt always need a pattern lol

[Terry Jay]

Keep them off  the dirt so they don't rot from the outside.  Take the bark off if possible and let them weather to grey.  At 6", Spike could make a few passes with the saw a few inches deep and help your hollowing a lot.  From your original post I thought they may be a couple feet in diameter.  Empty them and take them out of the weather in the off season, including any support members.

[Wichman]

Are you familiar with a "cove" cut on a tablesaw? Think of a reverse cove cut using a skillsaw (and a jig to guide it).

[Rolf]

Google Bowl carving tools.

here is one https://www.rockler.com/arbortech-ball-gouge?country=US&sid=V91040&promo=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=PL&tid=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpNr4BRDYARIsAADIx9z5zLBc-_ONnAVKlKv_IDUqFlSwV9LZffU3szLN_OV6pDJWk5YFjWkaAr_LEALw_wcB

 

[tomsteve]

think id be breaking out my angle grinder with this on it

.https://www.amazon.com/King-Arthurs-Tools-45814-Attachment/dp/B0000224SK

ive made quite a few over the years out of larger diameter logs- cut the center out with a chainsaw. they dont last many years.

[amazingkevin]

Since you posted this i have a customer that wants coconuts in the husks hollowed out for plant holders. Another great idea!!!