The Art of Sawpit Logging: A Traditional Technique for Specialty Cuts

A sawpit is a pit or depression in the ground where timber is cut into logs using a two-man saw. It is typically dug into the ground to provide a stable working surface for the sawyers, and to keep the logs dry and free from dirt and debris. The pit is usually about 3-4 feet deep and 6-8 feet long, depending on the size of the timber being cut.

In a sawpit, one person operates the saw while the other person assists with the log, holding it in place and guiding it through the saw. The sawyer uses a two-man saw, which is a specialized saw that requires two people to operate it. The saw is pulled back and forth through the log, cutting it into the desired length.

Sawpits were commonly used in the past for logging and timber production, but they have largely been replaced by more modern machinery and techniques. However, some sawmills and woodworking shops still use sawpits today, particularly for specialty cuts or for working with large or irregularly-shaped logs.