I looking for a few opinions on the best way(s) to cut curved timber. I need to cut a gradual curve on some 7" thick timbers. Can this be done with an electric chainsaw? Do you need a jig for the saw? What about a portable band saw?

Dave

you may want to check out the postings under the topic "The Prazi beam saw"

Thanks John. That posting tweaked my initial inquiry. I was hoping to get some opinions on a variety of options before I go out an purchase a tool (portable bandsaw, electric chainsaw, Praxi, etc.).

It is possible to cut gradual curves on a bandsaw mill, if they are gentle enough. If the cut line is on the timbers, a good operator should be able follow the line by lowering and raising the sawhead as the mill moves through the timber... you may want to start with a 2x7 though, to get the hang of it

Dave

We work alot of natty curves, mill the inner and uoter curves with gas fired saws freehand, use electrics alot and only the biggest Stihl model is up for the punishment. Rip chain makes all the difference. used to expieriment with Prazi types, tedious and slow

We use the oh so simple Norwood bandmill to mill the sides no matter how great the sweep by taking the mill off the track and running it on a concrete floor over the log shimed as desired to help max sweep, no more stopping to tweak stick on track or any need to overhang track. bookmatching and crucks made easy

Will and Mark,

Thanks for the good tips. I think we will try cutting the curve with the bandmill as described by Mark. It's 14' by 7" beam curved down by 4" in the middle. Cheers.