I have a few stumps that I want to turn into seats, which means cutting down through the stump to about 15 inches above ground level. My 4 horsepower chainsaw won't even look at doing it !
I've tried reducing the cutter angles to around 10 degrees as advised but still little progress. Is there any way this can be easily done, other than scrapping the whole project!?

Looks like this thread here: Chainsaw ripping blade... but not a rip cut? - Woodwork Forums (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=45502) will offer lots of suggestions.

Thanks KISS. I've tried those chains without reasonable results, probably because it's Australian hardwood I'm dealing with. But I'll have another look at the sites you mentioned.

Try cutting longitudinally, I think you will be supprised

Thanks for the plan, HKSTROUD, but as I said, it's a STUMP, and I don't fancy digging it out of the ground to lay it flat to do the job. I've been doing exactly what you advise for years and it is beautiful ! But you are limited by the length of your saw blade. Thank again for your contribution.

Would this help? King Arthur Tools Lancelot & Squire Wood Carving Discs - Woodcraft.com (http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyId=929)

Oh, dig it up and then replant, it'll live if you water it well.