Thread: Some Different Chainsaw Mill Ideas

Flippin heck Echidna, stop putting ideas in my head else I will turn into a logger.

After getting onto an arborist forum, I'm now being opened up to all types of CSMills.

The ones you posted look brilliant for quarter sawing up a log which I guess you cant really do with the ones we have been playing with.

With the picture where he is quartering up a log, is it at all dangerous with the tip plunged in the cut? It's the top quarter of the nose that is the kickback area isn't it?

Originally Posted by martrix

Flippin heck Echidna, stop putting ideas in my head else I will turn into a logger.

After getting onto an arborist forum, I'm now being opened up to all types of CSMills.

The ones you posted look brilliant for quarter sawing up a log which I guess you cant really do with the ones we have been playing with.

With the picture where he is quartering up a log, is it at all dangerous with the tip plunged in the cut? It's the top quarter of the nose that is the kickback area isn't it?

I thought the kickback area was the top of the nose.
But as the saw's mounted in a frame I suspect kickback can't occut.

Originally Posted by echnidna

I thought the kickback area was the top of the nose.
But as the saw's mounted in a frame I suspect kickback can't occut.

Yeah, thats what I mean on the top of the nose, but I guess it is hard for that part to get jammed when it is in the cut and moving forward for it have a chance to grab.

I want to know more about avoiding kickback, do you know of any good websites on chainsaw technique?

Talking about using chainsaws freehand here. How do you safely go about ripping a log down the centre with a cut on each side? What is a safe technique of plunge cutting into a log, if any?

Plunging's not a problem once the nose is inside the log as the saw can't throw back.

Ripping freehand is ok as the top of the nose is not in contact with the wood.

Never stand inline with the chain as they can go anywhere inline with the bar if they break.

I think I've got various chainsaw operating files on my pc.
The hard part is finding them but I'll have a look.

Here's 1 link though there is some more intensive stuff somewhere

Some basic chainsaw safety stuff.

http://www.osh.dol.govt.nz/order/cat...nsaws-2006.pdf

Treefelling and bucking safety stuff.

http://www.osh.dol.govt.nz/order/cat...f/treefell.pdf

As it's put out by OSH it's pretty heavy on the safety gear and correct techniques, but it's all good stuff. The cutting techniques in the 2nd link get pretty advanced for bigger and leaning trees. Not the sort of stuff you want to try on your first days sawing

Cheers

Ian

Will Maloff is pretty famous for his work with chainsaw mills.
And big logs that a standard bandsaw cant handle is what they are best for. Those big slabs in the showcase section are the treasure you can cut.
I did notice the saw he's using is the same as the one on my mill, Stihl 090. It's 135cc beast thats usually only used for milling to waving 6 ft bars around Closest you will buy nowdays is an 088 Stihl or Husky 3120, but in this part of the world they will probably set you back $3000

Cheers

Ian

Noice pics of mills in action. Ianab, if you are the same Ianab as on the Arboriste site you should post some links/pics of your big logs you milled - they're freaking awesome!!! Maybe you did that already?

HI Bob

Yup... same Ianab

You will probably recognise this log then
Some more pics on this thread.

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=42476

Cheers

Ian

Ian which is it Lucas or Peterson mill? And hows it go? worth the investment?

It's an old model Peterson, powered by a chainsaw powerhead. (135cc Stihl). Yes it works brilliantly, especially with those bigger logs. You do have to weigh up the cost of the mill vs the cosst of just hiring someone to bring theirs in and cut your logs for you. But where's the fun in that
Strictly worth the money, dunno, but cutting your own timber .. priceless

Anyway, the way I look at it, my mate spent twice as much on a boat, and I've cut more boards than he's caught fish

A new model Peterson is on my wish list for after I win the lottery.

Cheers

Ian

Originally Posted by Ianab

. . . . .Anyway, the way I look at it, my mate spent twice as much on a boat, and I've cut more boards than he's caught fish
. . . . .

I'll have to remember that one when SWMBO complains about my WW/Shed spending habit.

Cheers

Would you buy a Peterson over a Lucas? If so Why so?

Personal preferance is for the Peterson mill, I like the all stainless and alloy construction, the general build of the machines and a few little things like the easier 'double cutting'. The Lucas is very similar to the low end Peterson (the ATS model) where the height of the rails is adjusted vertically. Means you have to adjust both sides and potentially not as accurate. The Peterson WPF and ASM are a better machine, but of course they cost more.

Not knocking the Lucas machines in any way, they work great and will perform about the same as the basic model Peterson. Heck if a good one came up 2nd hand locally I might be tempted, but I'd prefer a new Peterson.

The position in Aussie might be a harder choice. I can go to the factory and pick up a new Peterson, Lucas has to be freighted in. Reverse in Aussie where the local built Lucas should have a price advantage, and may be more attractive.

Cheers

Ian