that sounds like a dandy set=up with trestles.
with a bunk setup it helps if the bunks are heavy. and the log too. the chain and jack combo sounds interesting. my sawyer guy uses jacks all the time as his lifter. nice if you're working alone with heavy things.
some woods hold a dog better than others. maybe the shape/angle of the teeth makes a difference too.
for adzing small light pieces i use a stand-on clamp - a 2X6 across the scantling, with two 2X6 arms attached on each side to stand on and pull the timber down into the chips and from jumping around.
