Better method of chainsaw milling

[Rob D]

Even a manual bandmill is very easy going compared to chainsaw milling. If you think about it, you are using twice as much horsepower to remove 5 times less wood. No wonder it's easier!

 

As I've always said though, chainsaw mills have their place for the occasional sawmiller and for those of us who mill more in order to get back garden trees out and to halve/quarter larger lumps.

 

Jonathan

 

 

 

Absolutely - combo ing a chainsaw mill to carve a large butt up and then re sawing on a bandsaw is pretty much the ultimate set up really...

[Rob D]

what size mill could a 372xp run?

or size of log could it cut with ripping chain?

 

 

Missed this question really you would want a 20" bar with the small log mill - max cut 18"

 

 

 

[jon_h]

Good evening all.

 

Apologise if this is in the wrong place. Had a first go with a chainsaw mill today(I'm used to circular rack saws) on a 14" oak log; all went well, but i found the quality of the cut was very rough, even with a new chain. is it something I'm doing wrong??

Would appreciate any help with this!

[agg221]

Good evening all.

 

Apologise if this is in the wrong place. Had a first go with a chainsaw mill today(I'm used to circular rack saws) on a 14" oak log; all went well, but i found the quality of the cut was very rough, even with a new chain. is it something I'm doing wrong??

Would appreciate any help with this!

 

It shouldn't be that rough. It won't come out as smooth as a fresh bandsaw blade but it can be pretty good - try looking at the milling pics and vids thread to see how it can come out. In what way is your cut rough (any chance of a photo of the board surface)? It may then be possible to work out what is wrong.

 

Alec

[jon_h]

First go at posting a pic.... I mean it's not the worst I've seen but looking at pictures of other peoples work, I think mine looks pretty rough and untidy.

 

[agg221]

Looking your pictures, the roughness is straight across so you are not rocking the mill (this is a good thing). The side of the log is pretty smooth so I don't think you have problems with the mill catching (assuming you have set the powerhead end post up the right way round...)

 

I think it's a chain issue. I have had this in the past and it seems to be when you have too much hook on the chain. How did you sharpen it? If you have a precision grinder I would lift it up a bit to decrease the hook angle.

 

Alec

[Big Beech]

does look a tad rough indeed! agree with Alex on the chain front bit, also wondering if the chain is new and seen little action and therefore too aggressive?

also, i may of missed somewhere but is this a milling chain or standard cross cut?

 

i have found that the older the chain i seem to get a better finish and on a 42" Oak ive just done the boards are very smooth indeed with a chain that has seem some action on the 090

Edited February 3, 2014 by Big Beech

[jon_h]

Thanks for your help guys. It is the Oregon 73rd ripping chain and it is new. I've got the granberg precision grinder, so I might have a go at sharpening the chain up and then have another bash at it.

[Big Beech]

Thanks for your help guys. It is the Oregon 73rd ripping chain and it is new. I've got the granberg precision grinder, so I might have a go at sharpening the chain up and then have another bash at it.

 

as its new, that may be why because its over sharp. i had that same effect when i started with a new chain and wasn't applying a steady constant force.

i would try on wood that's of not much importance and get a feel for what is needed.

i am not far away, if you need any help or have any timber that's a tad big!!

[jon_h]

Thanks for the offer Big beech, I'll bear that in mind. Big stuff is not an issue as I look after the sawmill at Amberley museum

I only bought the chainsaw mill as a bit of fun, and to utilise some of the small timber I have knocking around.