Thread: Best tool to level tree stumps

The best setup I have seen is a variant on a router mill.
This involves a flat base and clamping mechanism to hold the log vertically.
A supporting frame allows the router to ride above the other end of the log and using a wide planer type bit th long can be levelled.
The log is then flipped and the other end is milled - even if the log is not truly vertical the ends will still be parallel.
Sorry I don't have any photos but if you look up router mill you will get the idea pretty quickly

Originally Posted by BobL

The best setup I have seen is a variant on a router mill.
This involves a flat base and clamping mechanism to hold the log vertically.
A supporting frame allows the router to ride above the other end of the log and using a wide planer type bit th long can be levelled.
The log is then flipped and the other end is milled - even if the log is not truly vertical the ends will still be parallel.
Sorry I don't have any photos but if you look up router mill you will get the idea pretty quickly

Thanks for that BobL,
i get what you mean but that might be a bit too expensive to setup.
Seems like a large drop saw might do the job(Seen some cheap used ones on gumtree) or the poorer/much cheaper solution would be a largish mitre box with some clamps from bunnings...

Cheers

i dont think it need be expensive. think a simple box frame to hold the router sled. im thinking some 2x4s set up like scaffolding, then a simple open box type sled to hold the router as it slides across the open top of the scaffolding. almost any flat bottommed router bit will work, with varying degrees of speed depending on the size of the bit. i have a fancy six bladed flattening bit thats almost 2" across, but a 1/2" straight bit works fine.

use the plunge mechanism to get the height change, then reset your "scaffolding" to go lower again. with this method there is almost no limit to the size stump you can level.

If your "scaffold has 3 legs, then making the top a sinlge planar face will be much easier.


i hope this makes sense.

Originally Posted by Paulf

Thanks for that BobL,
i get what you mean but that might be a bit too expensive to setup.
Seems like a large drop saw might do the job(Seen some cheap used ones on gumtree) or the poorer/much cheaper solution would be a largish mitre box with some clamps from bunnings...

Cheers

A large drop saw is not going to have more than a 100mm depth of cut which won't get a third of a way thru a 300mm log.
Then you will have to rotate the log and because no log is perfectly round the log will sit unevenly on the saw and each cut will be slightly different.

I've been though a situation similar to yours a number of times cutting stumps for anvils and other equipment with a chainsaw.
As you are finding it is very difficult to get stumps dead level freehand cutting so the stumps sit rock solid on something like a fat concrete floor.
I now use a chainsaw mill on a frame (made out of scrap metal) similar to the router mill I describe above.
I made the frame for milling logs but it works great for anvil stump cutting.
Details here https://www.woodworkforums.com/f44/chainsaw-mill-short-logs-46980
Some pics of me using it (not cutting stumps unfortunately here https://www.woodworkforums.com/f14/real-milling-47342

I guess taking the trouble to make a frame depends how many you have to cut but knowing how hard it is to get stumps level it did not take many to convince me it was worth doing.
A router mill will produce a flat finish which can be easily sanded dead smooth if needed.

Originally Posted by BobL

A large drop saw is not going to have more than a 100mm depth of cut which won't get a third of a way thru a 300mm log.
Then you will have to rotate the log and because no log is perfectly round the log will sit unevenly on the saw and each cut will be slightly different.

I've been though a situation similar to yours a number of times cutting stumps for anvils and other equipment with a chainsaw.
As you are finding it is very difficult to get stumps dead level freehand cutting so the stumps sit rock solid on something like a fat concrete floor.
I now use a chainsaw mill on a frame (made out of scrap metal) similar to the router mill I describe above.
I made the frame for milling logs but it works great for anvil stump cutting.
Details here https://www.woodworkforums.com/f44/chainsaw-mill-short-logs-46980
Some pics of me using it (not cutting stumps unfortunately here https://www.woodworkforums.com/f14/real-milling-47342

I guess taking the trouble to make a frame depends how many you have to cut but knowing how hard it is to get stumps level it did not take many to convince me it was worth doing.
A router mill will produce a flat finish which can be easily sanded dead smooth if needed.

Now that's an awesome setup! Thanks very much Bob and Iolithblue , will look into building a frame which does seem like the best solution.