Summarize the following:
Position the log horizontally in the carriage so that the blade can cut through its center. Slide the log down the carriage until one end is flush with the blade. Cut the log in half lengthwise, then turn the saw off. To maximize the amount of lumber you get from the log, you can now cut several wide boards from the bottom of one of the halves you just cut. Once you've cut the log in half, line one of the halves up along the blade. You will need to stand it up on its edge. Turn the saw back on and cut the half into 2 equal parts. Turn the saw off and remove these parts. If you haven't cut boards from the other half already, place the remaining half log back in the saw carriage, turn the saw on, and cut this log into 2 equal parts. Always double-check that the saw is turned off when removing cut logs from the carriage to minimize your risk of injury. Place a quartered section on the saw carriage. Orient the saw blade near the open face so that you can cut a board off of it of a predetermined thickness. Turn the saw on and saw off a board. For example, if you want boards that are 1in (2.5cm) thick, align the blade 1in (2.5cm) away from one side of the log. Slide the quarter back under the blade so that the blade is positioned to cut a board of the same thickness as the first, and then saw off another board. Repeat this last step until you have cut the log into as many boards as possible. Remember to turn the log 90 before sawing off each board. Use your quarter-sawn boards to build beautiful wood products! For example, you might build a cabinet or table, use long boards for flooring, or create small objects like boxes or cutting boards. Place 2 quarters next to each other. Then slide each quarter under the blade and cut the 2 quarters at the same time. Remove the 2 resulting boards. Pull the 2 quarters apart and rotate each quarter 90. Place the quarters back under the blade, then cut another 2 boards. Repeat this process until you have cut all of the boards you can from the quarters. Freshly sawn wood typically has quite a bit of moisture in it, so your boards will need to be dried before you can use them. Find a storage spot outdoors where you can stack your boards away from trees (which can drop leaf litter and twigs) or soggy soil. To create the best air flow, elevate your boards on cinder blocks and line them up side by side. If you have a lot of boards, stack them in layers separated by thin wooden slats, then weigh the whole stack down with more cinder blocks. Look for a spot where prevailing winds will blow through the side of the stack of lumber. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood periodically. The goal is to achieve a moisture level of around 15-20%. Depending on the weather conditions and the original moisture content of the boards, it may take several months for the lumber to dry.
Line the log up on the portable saw carriage and cut it in half lengthwise. Cut the log into quarters. Saw a board of the desired thickness from one of the quarters. Turn the quarter log 90 and saw off another board. Cut 2 quarters simultaneously to save time. Air-dry your cut boards before you use them.