Better method of chainsaw milling

[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.

[Daniël Bos]

If the chain is new, how about the bar?

If the rails are splayed or unevenly worn the chain can wobble a fair bit...

[jon_h]

If the chain is new, how about the bar?

If the rails are splayed or unevenly worn the chain can wobble a fair bit...

 

I hadnt considered the bar:banghead: I suppose i just assumed it would be okay as its okay crosscutting. think ill grab a new bar. Ive got and fallen sycamore tree i'll have a play with on sunday, and ill let you all know how i get on.

[agg221]

The bar is a possibility, but I know when I had this it was working nicely before I sharpened the chain, then set the grinder just a little too deep and it suddenly started doing this.

 

Alec

[jon_h]

Sorry it's taken me soooo long to get back to you all! Work has been mad and time for playing was limited.

 

Turns out the bar was the cause. Put a new bar on it and leaves a finish better than the rack saw.

[Rob D]

Sorry it's taken me soooo long to get back to you all! Work has been mad and time for playing was limited.

 

Turns out the bar was the cause. Put a new bar on it and leaves a finish better than the rack saw.

 

 

 

Thanks for updating the thread Jon

 

 

I've had it milling where I've got halfway up the log, milling steadily then the whole mill just came to a halt - jammed!

 

 

Bar looked and seemed fine - but was the cause!