milling logs?
#11398
05/07/07 10:47 PM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 20
bosshaus
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Which is the best thread to follow for information on milling your own timbers?
thanks
Nate
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Re: milling logs?
[Re: bosshaus]
#11399
05/08/07 01:11 AM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,124
Mark Davidson
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this one, if you keep asking questions.
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Re: milling logs?
[Re: Mark Davidson]
#11407
05/08/07 01:50 AM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 574
Timber Goddess
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(That's funny.) Ask your questions here...many will come. Mark is a good one, for starters...
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Re: milling logs?
[Re: Timber Goddess]
#11411
05/08/07 02:22 AM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 718
Dave Shepard
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I run a Woodmizer bandmill. Ask some questions, and I will help you the best I can. Are you thinking of buying a mill?
Dave
Member, Timber Framers Guild
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Re: milling logs?
[Re: Dave Shepard]
#11413
05/08/07 10:35 AM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 20
bosshaus
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Actually, rather than buy a mill, I was thinking of a chainsaw with a jig. I was looking around the site, and a gentleman posted some photos on his blog showing his chainsaw setup. I have a simple homeowners stihl 036 (?, so I am assuming I would need something a bit beefier? Any suggestions?
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Re: milling logs?
[Re: bosshaus]
#11415
05/08/07 02:31 PM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 718
Dave Shepard
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If you are thinking about a jig that clamps to the bar, the $40 dollar kind, I have used them and they are not great, IMO. If you want to chainsaw mill, I would recommend the Alaskan type mill, they are proven, and will make some very good lumber. An 036 is actually a pro saw, but a little on the small side for chainsaw milling. An MS660 is probably a better bet. There are other options as well. Raphael has a Logosol, maybe he will get a chance to tell you about it.
Dave
Member, Timber Framers Guild
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Re: milling logs?
[Re: Dave Shepard]
#11418
05/08/07 07:36 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,124
Mark Davidson
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my first mill was the $40 dollar clamp-on-the-chainsaw thingy. I loved it, even though it was a piece of manure....
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Re: milling logs?
[Re: Dave Shepard]
#11420
05/08/07 08:56 PM
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bosshaus
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The 036 is great for cutting down trees, but I am seeing people with some HUGE saws w/ 20 inch bars. I will look into a new on eint this area. Thanks! (more later when I get to the milling)
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Re: milling logs?
[Re: bosshaus]
#11421
05/08/07 09:02 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 26
Mad Professor
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O36 will be too small for milling, I'd suggest at least a 066 (bigger is better...). A simple jig attachment will be labor intensive for using a chainsaw. I've got a logosol and it works well and gives true lumber if you set it up correctly and use decent logs. You are limited to just a bit under 16 ft but can add an extension to get close to 24 ft.
This is still a lot of work compared more automated band mills.
You should also consider how you are going to move/load logs. My 9N ford handles hauling the logs out of the woods and I built a ramp with lumber I milled to load the logs using a cant hook.
Besides this forum there are two others that have a great bunch of sawyers, The Forestry Forum and the Wood Web. The former also has a TF forum moderated by Jim Rogers (member here).
Another suggestion is to watch a sawyer at a local mill (or local portable mill). There is a "art" to sawing and getting the most/reading each log. I learned by working at a circle mill when putting myself through college.
Keep asking questions...........
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Re: milling logs?
[Re: Mad Professor]
#11422
05/08/07 10:03 PM
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Joined: May 2007
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bosshaus
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The logosol looks terrific! It recommends either the ms660 or the husky 385xp(?, would it be worth the extra 1000 to get that particular saw? Also, I think that the 16 foot length will do for the short term, with the 24 foot extension for the future. How quickly could I mill one log?
As far as the timbers go, once they are down, should I mill them, sticker and stack them, or let the logs cure first? Obviously I am looking for the highest quality,rather than the fastest way.
Thanks for the help
Nate
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