Chainsaw sawmill

[johnk]

Here is a pic where you can see the channel posts lag bolted to the log.

It worked well...

 

[EddieWalker]

I like the use of the ladder. That was very clever.

I have a more primative setup that uses a 2x6 on the log. Then an attachment that goes onto the chainsaw bar so that the chainsaw rides along the 2x6. It works ok and I was able to cut the oak beams in my house this way. I then did the same with some oak for a coffee table. I cut them about two inches thick and ended up with 3/4 inch pieces after planine them down.

For what it took to get flat workable wood, I don't think I'll do it again. It was hours and hours of work, then more time planing it into something workable. I do like the idea of cutting slabs for a bench. That's something that I've been thinking of doing with some of my cedars. Especially being able to see the natural grain of the cedar from the side, but have a flat, smooth surface to sit on.

Thanks for the pics,
Eddie

 

[johnk]

Eddie,
I think they call that one the beam machine or something like that. You would have a lot more slop using that....When I get some time I'll try it on hardwood which I'm sure will take about twice as long.. I have the trees, now all I need is the time...Retirement sounds pretty good....

 

[czechsonofagun]

Very cool. How big is the chainsaw? I use small log mill to rip logs.

One trick I learned in a milling group is to make the first cut in the middle of the log and than rip boards from each half. The reason is when you start slicing from the top, you will collect the error all the way to the bottom, but when you cut in half first your total error is half.

 

[johnk]

Very cool. How big is the chainsaw? I use small log mill to rip logs.

One trick I learned in a milling group is to make the first cut in the middle of the log and than rip boards from each half. The reason is when you start slicing from the top, you will collect the error all the way to the bottom, but when you cut in half first your total error is half.

The chainsaw is a Husqvarna 385 XP. I have a 32" chisel chain on it but I also have a 36" bar with a rip chain I am going to try. It was my first attempt and i had fun doing it. I have some better pics on my website if interested. What do you do with the wood you cut? My webpage....


http://homepages.roadrunner.com/outdoorsman/

 

[Egon]

What do you do with the wood you cut

Consider it unassembled furniture.

Just a thought. When cutting the logs remember quarter sawn wood is usually the most desirable cut.

 

[Slacker]

Here is my chainsaw mill. I did the cedar deck railings for my cabin with it.

 

[czechsonofagun]

The chainsaw is a Husqvarna 385 XP. I have a 32" chisel chain on it but I also have a 36" bar with a rip chain I am going to try. It was my first attempt and i had fun doing it. I have some better pics on my website if interested. What do you do with the wood you cut? My webpage....


http://homepages.roadrunner.com/outdoorsman/

I use it for different things. My last piece was a big (relatively) cedar and I am building a an outdoor table from it.
Ripped some pines from Isabella and used them as a floor for kids tree house. Still have some maple from the same storm and use it to make benches and such to make the little missy happy

 

[Maxfli]

I lost a 28" shagbark Hickory over July 4th. I have a few sections 12 to 18' long. Was everything I could do just to cross cut the thing with my 20" saw. I finally ended up renting a 29" saw. I would like to Rip some pieces here but it seems to me that Hickory is more like granite than wood. Anyone have experience??? Does a rip blade make a big difference????

 

[Egon]

A rip chain will make a difference. There are also different versions of rip chain as there are of crosscut chain.

Saw HP is important.