Thread: The Mill Winch

Good to see someone trying something different again - It's been a while since anything like this has been posted.

You have probably seen all this before, but for those who have not I offer the following.

Of course it's up to individual preference but I found if the log is sloped there's no need for a winch as the weight of the saw and mill provides a constant downward force.
Sloping the log also means non-stop cutting and leaves both hands free to drive wedges in, or I can even just walk away from the log briefly and it still keeps cutting.
Non stop cutting means fewer gouges that can happen from stop-start cutting
On top of that a raised log it makes it much easier on the operators back.

However, sloping big/long logs is not so easy so a winch can be useful for these suckers.
For those wishing to use a winch, the attachment points of the winch rope on the mill may be better served by locating them at bar rather than Mill rail level.
Have a look at how Will Malloff's winch operates - what doesn't show in the pic is both sides of the mill are attached to the winch rope and it neatly includes an remote throttle control.
Anyway this is all in his book on "Chainsaw lumber making"

Will's setup also places the operator away from the saw thereby reducing the dust and exhaust smoke hazards - I use other strategies for exhaust.
Note how he has to place a weight on the mill. I suspect that is because he is using an 090 (a very heavy saw) and it will want to tip downwards on the powerhead side over the length of the cut. I also noticed this using the 076. 6One way to reduce this effect is to slightly tip the mill over but wheels are then needed on the side of the mill otherwise the mill will bog down in the cut.



Winch connection to the mill rails is fine for thinnish cuts but for cut more than about 2" of thick I would recommend Will's setup.

I'm intrigued by the setup in those photos above; looks like he's doing it reeeeal easy.

One of the downsides with my setup is that I need to make sure that the winch cable runs out as level as possible with the cutting line so that the CSM pulls as straight as possible. In the pics I've mounted the pulley to my 4WD, but could use another log or tree if needed.

And yep, BobL, I've also been looking into an effective respirator. Using the winch does allow me to be further away from the CS muffler, but still not far enough for my liking.

I was cutting 2" thick slabs in the pics (Ironbark), but did venture a bit bigger and tried a 3" slab.

Will run with this setup until I feel the need to "Improve" it (which will probably be reasonably soon!)

One of the downsides with my setup is that I need to make sure that the winch cable runs out as level as possible with the cutting line so that the CSM pulls as straight as possible. In the pics I've mounted the pulley to my 4WD, but could use another log or tree if needed.

With the Malloff method the pulley is mounted to the log itself. It does mean you have to do the last 6" manually but that's not really a problem.

Do you want me to post any other pics of his setup?

Great work Philthy, looks like you did a good job mate.

Bob, best thing I like about your pic, is the suspenders holding his pants up! all too many pants hanging low nowadays. No seriously, chainsaw milling while standing up is the best idea, really makes for a much easier day than the other options

Originally Posted by Sigidi

Bob, best thing I like about your pic, is the suspenders holding his pants up! all too many pants hanging low nowadays.

Have become a suspenders man myself (at least temporarily) due to a recent operation whereby I can't wear a belt for a while.

Also I prefer to wear suspenders when I wear chainsaw Chaps.

Originally Posted by BobL

With the Malloff method the pulley is mounted to the log itself. It does mean you have to do the last 6" manually but that's not really a problem.

Do you want me to post any other pics of his setup?

I'd really be interested to see some different photo angles on the Malloff setup, thanks Bob. And yes, being 6'4" and heavily built my knees (& lower back) would much prefer to be standing, or at least as upright, as much as possible.

Gotta get me some chaps, too... Then I'd feel like a real timber-miller!

Originally Posted by BobL

Have become a suspenders man myself (at least temporarily) due to a recent operation whereby I can't wear a belt for a while.

Also I prefer to wear suspenders when I wear chainsaw Chaps.

Bob

Your type of "suspenders" are not the first thing that comes to mind when such things are spoken of and I would post a pic or two for clarification, but I'm not going to do that either for a number of reasons .

I have BIL who wore what I call "braces" as he had a bad back and a belt was uncomfortable. There again braces also conjure up images of adolescent teenagers with multi-coloured devices on their teeth. The English language is such a pig!

I'm with PlithyMills on the chaps aspect. Even if I didn't cut better timber I would've looked more the part if I had worn chaps. However, I'm not sure I could have coped with them in the summer. In winter there were times I would have been happy to wear two pairs!

Regards
Paul

I think I'll jump in straight away and fit a winch when mine is delivered.

Hey Gordo,

I'm far from experienced in the timber-milling stakes but really love this winch setup. I've been cutting more slabs and getting a smoother surface, not to mention the huge reduction in the energy required by the operator.

Hope yours works well!