Slab Mill

[sailor]

I am thinking of getting a slabbing mill and chainsaw.

Has anyone had any experience with the GB mill?
I have not seen one yet but like the idea that the power head and bar are both supported.

Also, any recommendations as to Chainsaw capacity, I want to be able to mill logs probably up to 1metre dia. They make a 44" unit and you lose about 5"-6"
The reason i ask is that usually sales brochures tend to give minimim rather than optimum engine capacity. I was thinking 120cc Husky, is that overkill? or would say a 90cc be ok?
I realise it may depend on the species and wether it is dry or green but any real world advice is welcome before i make the plunge

Regards

Steve

[Dean]

The bigger the better. 120cc definitely for 1 metre diameter logs.

Look at Westford Mills too. Made in Australia and are well constructed.
http://www.vianet.net.au/~jemal/

[outback]

1M is bloody big for a CS mill, particularly if you are in a real hardwood.

You'll need all of your 120cc for that size operation.
How much of that size do you intend doing, if only a bit here and there, then OK, but if it was to be a regular thing maybe for a huger outlay then a Lucas with a dedicated slabber would be a better idea.

[Manuka Jock]

Sailor,
check out these guys , if only to get an idea of the capacity of the average chainsaw mill .

http://www.logosol.com.au/

I do know that , due to the size of our trees , for the 'New World' market they upped the strength of the mills . They may have ways of handling longer bars and wider slabs

I have one of the early models , 1990 or there abouts and it cuts about 800mm wide .

Jock

p.s. what does a GB mill look like ?

[Ianab]

Go as big as you can with the chainsaw if you are planning to cut bigger logs.

Also if you are not worried about being able to carry it over your shoulder into the bush you can also go with a 4 stroke vertical shaft engine. More horsepower, more relaible and less fuel and less noise.

This is the BIG Lucas chainsaw mill, can saw up to 3 METRES dia :cool:

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=25106

This is their normal slabber, cut's to almost 2m width.

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=25109

Both just run standard industrial 4 stroke engines ~13-24 hp. If you are going to fabricate a mill with rails and a carriage, then a 4 stroke engine will probably cost less than a big chainsaw, you may even be able salvage one from someplace.

Cheers

Ian

[bobsreturn2003]

gb make the bars for most of the lucas /peterson mills . good gear ! depends what type of timber you wish to cut . the bigger chainsaw are best . stihl 090 still the best . though the huskys and stihls are good over 90 cc if its at all hardwood or wide . its not the best job having your body near a chainsaw , slabber if you are trying to make a business,and have plenty of logs get a mill type slabber . oterwise get some ear muffs ,chaps [keep your legs on ]and some anti vibe gloves . a stong back and away you go .

[slabber]

Go With The Lucas Mill , By The Time You Buy A Good Husky 3120 , Long Bar And Chains And Then Slabbing Mill You Are Over Half Way To The Cost Of A Lucas Mill

[sailor]

thanks for the replies,

I think i was probably going overboard, its the replies that made me realise it.


A small alaskan mill would probably be ok as i will only do the occasional log.
think 1 metre was on the TOO BIG size.

I think more like 18" is more like it.
Having reajusted my sizing, ANY new recomendations?


Thanks Steve

[Arthur Dyason]

thanks for the replies,

I think i was probably going overboard, its the replies that made me realise it.


A small alaskan mill would probably be ok as i will only do the occasional log.
think 1 metre was on the TOO BIG size.

I think more like 18" is more like it.
Having reajusted my sizing, ANY new recomendations?


Thanks Steve

Steve

this one of our chainsaw mills. Will take a bar upto 60". This one fitted with 361 Sthil and standard chain. Picture shows 8" x 1" boards being milled. Log is Cyprus Pine.

You can also slab with it.

arthur

[tallgrass]

I am impressed......that is all i can say impressive.

[tallgrass]

after some thought... how stable are those giant slabs....what a table??? nothing like that where i live.....beautiful wood.

[weisyboy]

44" to 18" now thats was a big mistake.

i have the alaskan small log mill (http://onlinestore.forestindustry.com/scripts/granbergint/G777.html) with an old sthill 034av (new equivelant (http://www.stihl.com.au/Products/product.cfm?iModelID=530)) witch has every bit of power you need to run a 26" bar.

and it didnot cost a bundle

mill - $350
skip chain - $30
25" bar - $110
saw - priceless

my father got the saw fror free brand new because his cousin baught it and the choke wold not work so gave it away:o. dad just bent the choke wire a bit and it still works today.

[Ianab]

after some thought... how stable are those giant slabs....what a table??? nothing like that where i live.....beautiful wood.


The wood being sawn there is Kauri pine and Rimu. Both softwoods, but very good furniture timber and very stable. I have seen a kauri table top that is 15 ft x 5 ft and 4" thick - one single slab. After 50 years the top still looks like a mirror.
I cut Monterey cypress which is similar to the kauri, and Redwood or Walnut are also stable and work well for big tabletops.

Cheers

Ian