Hot Saw is an individual sport where participants use a chainsaw to cut three pieces off the end of a log. The person with the quickest time of completion is the winner.

Hot saw is one of many games featured in lumberjack competitions. It challenges competitors to use a chainsaw to cut three slices off the end of a block. Slices are cut with a down cut, an up cut, then another down cut. Hands must be touching the block and the saw must be off prior to starting. At the end of competition, the competitor with the quickest cutting time is the winner.

Cut three slices off the end of a block in the quickest amount of time possible.

Each competitor is timed individually. A competitor's saw must be "off" and on the ground at the beginning of competition, and hands must be resting on top of the block. When the judge signals, the competitor grabs the saw and begins cutting. Three pieces must be cut from the end of the block. The pieces must be cut with a down cut, an up cut, then another down cut. Timing begins with the judge's signal and ends when the third cut is finished. The competitor that completes the cuts in the quickest amount of time is the winner.

The popular image of the lumberjack began in the 18th and 19th centuries in heavily forested areas of the United States and Canada. Lumberjacks would live in lumber camps, and follow timber harvesting jobs as they became available. Competitions were often held in lumber camps that would test lumberjacks on common skills used in the job. These competitions eventually evolved into organized annual championships. The largest event, the Lumberjack World Championship, was first held in 1960. Hot saw is one of the many different events featured at these championships. The sport has evolved over time, evidenced in the switch from manual swing saws to chain saws.

Block
Chainsaw
Ear Plugs

Hot saw is an extremely dangerous sport due to the use of a chain saw. Competitors should be extremely experienced with a chain saw before participating.

Success at hot saw hinges upon a competitor's skills with a chain saw. These skills can be developed and improved solely through practice. Competitors must also possess knowledge of the texture and tendencies of different types of wood. This knowledge can be attained through studying and hands-on experience.

Block - a large solid piece of wood used in competition

Chain Saw - a mechanical power-driven cutting tool with teeth set on a chain that moves around the edge of a blade

Lumberjack - a person who traditionally fells trees, cuts them into logs and/or transports them to a sawmill

http://www.usaxemen.com/usaa/hotsaw.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumberjack