DIY 'easy rails' for the alsakan mill?

[jonathan hall]

ive been using the alaskan mill for about 3 or 4 years now and have 3 sets of rails but... the vibration on the wee screws that set your pitch, enlarge the hole that they sit in and this causes the rail screws to unthread whilst your cutting your top board.

 

ive thought of a few different designs, but was wondering if anyone had made their own or had thoughts on how to design better one?

(not wanting to strap on old ladders! )

[Pete Mctree]

scaffolding - adjustable "h" shape either end, joined by 2 straight rails

[jonathan hall]

scaffolding - adjustable "h" shape either end, joined by 2 straight rails

 

how would you 'dog' it on to the log?

[Acorn Milling Ltd]

I have never used easy rails, we have always used a ladder, works fine and never had any problems, you just screw it to the timber through the rungs.

[jonathan hall]

I have never used easy rails, we have always used a ladder, works fine and never had any problems, you just screw it to the timber through the rungs.

 

drill pilot hole thru runs and use long self tapping screws?

we had thought of that, do you have to just invest in good, sturdy ladder to avoid sag ( i use two 88's and is quite heavy) i was just worried that i was gonna banjo a good ladder!

[Dean Lofthouse]

Just set the small scaffold rails up over the log, no need to bolt it to it as long as the log is chocked properly

[Acorn Milling Ltd]

Thats it Jonathan, just drill the holes through the rungs, make them a little larger than the screws you are going to use, we have found over the years you can use any type of ladder be it a good one or a poor one, if its attached to the log properly your are only using it as a guide for the first cut, hope this helps.

[Acorn Milling Ltd]

Just set the small scaffold rails up over the log, no need to bolt it to it as long as the log is chocked properly

 

The problem with doing that is it takes a lot longer to set up, just pop the ladder on and away you go, saving time wich makes the day more productive!!

[Tommy_B]

I have never used easy rails, we have always used a ladder, works fine and never had any problems, you just screw it to the timber through the rungs.