Cutting The First Side of The Notch

Set the depth of a Circular saw to one quarter the stack height of the log plus the thickness of the top plate of the jig. Make both a front cut and a rear cut at these settings.

For "D" shaped logs, the front cut, as viewed from the end of the log, should be at a 7 degree angle. The back cut is a standard vertical cut. For square logs, both cuts are vertical.

Hint:
You will save a great deal of time by using two separate saws, one set for the front cut and one set for the back cut.

Continuing To Kerf Out The Notch

Using the same circular saw you used for the rear cut, make a series of kerfs between the rear cut and the front cut.

Kerf The Second Side of The Notch

Rotate the log and jig 180 degrees so that the bottom of log and jig are now facing up. Repeat Steps 4 and 5.

Unscrew the temporary tacking screw. Slide the jig off the log.

Completing The Notches

Use a hammer and chisel to remove large pieces and a rasp to finish the kerfs on both sides of the notch.