Static chainsaw mill

[Big J]

Having seen the Logosol M7 (my neighbour has one that I don't think he's ever used!), I was wondering how many folk here have experience of static chainsaw mills, and how they compare to Alaskan-style mills.

 

I'm currently chatting to a chap at TCF engineering about this mill:

 

Home - TCF Engineering

 

I've been looking at it with passing interest for months on Ebay, and have been thinking more and more lately of the advantages that a chainsaw bar and chain has over smaller bandsaws:

 

* completely flat and level cut

* no degradation of finish when the chain starts to blunten

* chain can easily be sharpened whilst on mill

 

Obviously speed of cut and kerf are the main issues, but quality of board is very important to me. Alaskans cut superbly, except for if they skip or jump a little, in which case you can get scoring. If the bar is locked into a frame, it can't possibly do that.

 

Chatting to Tim at TCF, he reckons he gets around twice the cutting speed with this mill as opposed to a freehand chainsaw mill, but the main difference is that he can mill all day without fatigue. I'm pretty able to mill about 50 cubic foot a day with the Alaskan, but reckon that would jump to close to 150 with this mill as I wouldn't need to take as many breaks.

 

I'm not exactly sure what point I'm trying to make, but I suppose I was wanting to gauge opinion on it before going any further. I'm trying to change my supply of timber slightly to more predominantly forest grown stuff, so a fixed mill is ideal for the more uniform logs that I'll be getting.

 

Jonathan

[Blaisey]

Very good find looks just what I am looking for.

 

Many thanks

 

Blaisey

[Chris Sheppard]

Have had a look at the logster a couple of times and it does seem quite reasonable, but the thing that put me off (unless I've missed somethign) is that to do square edged beams could be a bit of a faff as there doesn't seem to be any real clamping/holding system or 90 degree arms to clamp to?

[Big J]

Have had a look at the logster a couple of times and it does seem quite reasonable, but the thing that put me off (unless I've missed somethign) is that to do square edged beams could be a bit of a faff as there doesn't seem to be any real clamping/holding system or 90 degree arms to clamp to?

 

I was thinking that, and it is on my list of questions for Monday!

 

Blaisey - no probs!

[Blaisey]

I cant quite believe it its a third of the prise of the M7.

[Quickthorn]

I cant quite believe it its a third of the prise of the M7.

 

Yea, I wonder how long it would last?

[Blaisey]

Yea, I wonder how long it would last?

 

Its made of steel so longer than the M7.

[Quickthorn]

Its made of steel so longer than the M7.

 

That doesn't follow. Besides, I was thinking more of design and build quality.

 

I've not used either of these mills, but if there's one thing I've learned in this industry, time and time again, it's that you get what you pay for.

[offgridchris]

interesting mill, i'd be interested in what you think of the mill. im trying to find the cash for a logosol. i love the alaskan but it is tiring and better for larger stuff. are there any video clips of the mill?

[offgridchris]

i liked the norwood portamill PM14 mill which sits on a ladder. that was a good price from the U.S until they quoted me around $1000 for shipping.