Thread: Jacaranda Logs

Hi KK,

I really like the light colour of jacaranda. How would one mill this log? If you don't mind, I'd like to pick up one of the logs to have a go cutting it on a bandsaw (assuming they're still available of course). I'm just a few minutes away from Robertson.

Cheers,
Andy

Originally Posted by Andy_B

Hi KK,

I really like the light colour of jacaranda. How would one mill this log? If you don't mind, I'd like to pick up one of the logs to have a go cutting it on a bandsaw (assuming they're still available of course). I'm just a few minutes away from Robertson.

Cheers,
Andy

I'm certainly no expert in the matter, but I have given it some thought. As with most things in woodworking, there are several ways you can approach it. You can go down the handtool path and start with a drawknife before proceeding with rip saws, etc. But the easiest would probably to use a bandsaw as you proposed. You would probably want to use a sled of some sort to secure the log so it doesn't shift in the middle of a cut. It's less of a safety issue with bandsaws and more of a quality of cut issue and also to prevent snapping the blade.

PM your details if you're still interested and we can organise a suitable time and date.


Cheers,
Mike

There are videos on youtube for breaking down small logs on the bandsaw, easiest method would be to screw the log to a piece of MDF or ply and run that along the bandsaw fence to create a flat side on the log. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=xBnomDbJBEP1O7UW&v=4d4h3LGTD10&feature=youtu.be

A variation on the theme - https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=VeL0s9i8rcFcnvle&v=W5WNgzMBwcc&feature=youtu.be

Thanks Mike and Alkahestic. Some sort of sled / temporary fence should be doable.
Will send a PM.

Cheers,
Andy

3 logs left.

Here's a milling update from one of the jacaranda logs.

I knocked up a sliding jig (inspired from YT videos) from scraps. A thin strip guide is screwed to the bottom of the plank to suit the groove on the bandsaw. It looks very agricultural but it worked surprisingly well.
PXL_20240406_084840624.jpg

Here it is in action.
PXL_20240407_072445604.jpg

The bandsaw chomped through the log surprisingly well. The only challenge is the weight of the logs. Being a skinny bloke, I barely managed to lift the log onto the bandsaw table. But once it's on, it was quite easy to feed.

Here are the end-products, ready for drying. I probably should've just stuck to plain sawing to maximise the width...

PXL_20240407_083120503.jpg

If no one else is taking the remaining logs, I'll take another one or two of the smaller pieces. There's a nice large piece of log (Y-shaped if I remember correctly), which would make a nice board but too heavy for me.

Cheers,
Andy

No probs, Andy. I'm glad that they worked out for you. Lemme know when you want to pick the other log(s) up.