Inexpensive Chainsaw Mill

[longway5]

I've seen a similar mill. It was a metal bracket that rode down a 2x6 nailed to the tree. Instead of drilling a hole through the bar, it used a clamp. Same principle though, and it worked well.

 

[Egon]

Probably where I got the idea.

Egon

 

[GregJ]

Egon,
I like the simplicity and modest investment. One question... Are you using a special chain to rip the logs. Chainsaw blades are made to crosscut. Have you modified your saw at all? I had a friend that tried something similar years ago and had problems with the blade "wandering" and also with cutting speed. He gave up, but the truth is, he was no mechanical genius. I was just wondering if you sharpen your chain differently to rip?

Greg

 

[ScottAR]

One can get ripping chains from Oregon or Stihl. Go to the Forestry Forum and see what the experts recommend. I'm still new to this sawmilling stuff.

 

[Egon]

Greg:

I use a rip chain. It has a 5 degree angle compared to the 35 degree of crosscut chain. It's a Husky 365 saw with an 18 inch blade.

I may get a 20 in or longer blade but have to cut much slower.

Egon

 

[Spencer]

Egon, how long do you estimate it took you to cut one side of the log?

Keep up the good work,
Spence

 

[tlp]

I have a question for all you guys who cut logs. Is it possible
to build a wood fence out of popular lumber or will it warp
to much?

Thanks,
Todd

 

[Egon]

Spence:

Say cutting 9 inches or so with a sharp chain on green white pine 8 foot log takes 5 to 10 minutes with Husky 365. I let the saw cool down several times when making a cut as I dislike getting everything too hot.

Please note that I'm still a novice at this.

Egon

 

[Egon]

Poplar is just like any other wood. If its dried properly it should be straight. Should also think of a preservative to prevent rot.

It has almost the same structural characteristics as spruce.

It makes very good wood flooring as it doesn't splinter.

I beilieve many drawers have the unseen parts made from poplar.

Egon

 

[sleepyhollow]

While we're on the topic of wood and what things it is good for can anyone comment on Eastern Hemlock? I've got a ton of Eastern Hemlock that is dying from the wooly adelgid. Soon I will need to cut these trees down and some are 200+ years old.

Would this wood be useful for anything if I got one of those chainsaw mills discussed in the above posts? Possible uses I'm thinking of would be flooring, large beams for use in a workshop/barn or even some furniture. I don't think Hemlock would be good to burn in the fireplace because of the soot/creosote buildup in the flue but it would be a shame to have this all go to waste.
Sleepyhollow