Homemade Beam Saw...?

[ChronicCodez]

Is there any way to rig a beam saw like this one:

I have a pile of of chainsaw parts but I can't figure out how the spindle turns the chain. Any ideas?

 

[chainsawnut]

looks to me more like a power rip saw that has had a bar and chain fitted to the spindle where the circular saw blade would have been,I doubt that it has a clutch as the power when added would be my guess 2,800 rpm straight away.Probably used a rim sprocket without the clutch drum directly to the spindle then added the bar and chain.
Just my opinion but a safer option a haddin lumber maker or similar check ebay there are clones of this at reduced prices,and you still have the added safety advantage of having a chain brake,something this does not have not that I can see anyway,just my 2 bobs worth hope it helps

 

[woodlandfarms]

Unless you have a machine shop I don't think this would be easy to cobble together. Look at the cooling fins above the sprocket. Beam cutting is slow, I bet that thing gets hot fast.

 

[Sherweld]

Years ago, to solve an architects "inspired vision" of a semi-outdoor market structure requiring ripping several large posts at various angles, I purchased such a kit ($$$) for a specific brand and model of saw (don't recall which brand as it was later stolen).

Being a pretty experienced chain saw user, I was somewhat skeptical until first use. The saw proved wonderful to use. Most of the old time carpenters on the job wanted to be next in line to use it. As I recall the ten foot ripping cuts were on posts that started well in excess of twelve inches square. Also the various posts had differing angled cut faces that had to be not only straight but fairly precise angles as they were all exposed posts, and had to accommodate pull-down garage type doors. I don't recall any issues regarding the saw that would be of any concern. If memory serves, it seemed pretty effortless and amazingly fast.

I spent several sleepless nights trying to figure a way to accomplish those cuts until some tool salesman suggested that saw kit.

 

[Kernopelli]

I would think it would be easier to convert your chainsaw into an adjustable angle beam cutter. I understand and appreciate that the whole idea is to try to use your old parts and adapt it to a worm drive saw but personally, I'd buy a ripping chain and make an adjustable plate/shoe to go on the chainsaw and work it from that perspective.

 

[Egon]

It may be much easier to make a bolt an adjustable shoe to the bar of a chainsaw.

Holes can easily be drilled in the bar. Welding up a shoe should not be too hard. Could even be done in conjunction with a guide for the long cuts.

If it has to be Electric there are some Good quality electric chain saws available.:thumbsup:
http://www.husqvarna.com/dimage.axd/productHuge/h110-0136/1c7a8a64.jpg

 

[ChronicCodez]

Thanks for all the advice. I was just throwing the idea around. I see a lot of professional timber framers online that swear by them; But I'm glad to hear first hand that they work well. I have been so fed up with chainsaws that past few years. Every time I turn around it will start giving me trouble, and they are Husqvarna. I think I will break it down and rebuild it. If it can get me a month or so trouble free I will be pleased.

 

[Short Game]

When doing a very lot of beam ripping, standing in the exhaust cloud of a gasoline saw ain't so good. Indoors? Yuch!

I am intrigued by that device in the picture.

 

[davedj1]

I have one that we needed on some large valley beams, 5.5" x 11.5" and I was surprised at how well it worked. I'm not sure I would want to rip any length (more than a few inches" but for joinery it is great. I don't recall the exact price but it wasn't all that expensive. Maybe 170 bucks. That may be too much if it's only a one time use thing. Mine fits a Makita 7.25" circular saw. The saw was only 99 bucks.
After going back and reading the op, I once made an Alaskan sawmill out of my jonsered 630, it worked ok but more work than I wanted at the time.

 

[sunshine coaster]

I actually have the one in your pic, bought it last year and dealer gave me it at their cost which was $120 or so... not worth making it at that price IMO
BTW it works great, cuts very square ect, no downsides except for the lack of oil on the bar, cannot oil it when cutting finished fir....