mini mill set up help

[jamesd]

Might be able to get round to do some milling this weekend and am looking to mill some oak posts with the Alaskan and Mini mill.

So i was just wandering how to set the mini mill up and what size board do you guys use to mount the guide rails on??

 

Cheers.

[agg221]

I use a 6"x1". A lot depends on which approach you want to use. I mill the surface flat first with the Alaskan so I don't need rigidity in the board (it's on a flat surface) so would rather keep it lighter and have the extra depth of cut - even with a 36" bar on it doesn't always go clean through when quartering big stuff. It is also easier to counter any warp the board develops as I can knock the nails in to hold it flat to the cut.

 

If you want to use it for edging up logs prior to milling, a 6"x2" will support itself better in free space above the edge of the log.

 

Alec

[jacko 10]

id do the same as agg221 take the top off with the mill then set up for the mini mill but find something to fit inside the mini mill u may have to move the handle and re drill. it must b a good fit i use a metal rail this gets rid of any warp problems as your mini mill sits on the log not on the mini mill rails (6 x1 etc) also easier to set up not as much messing about measuring just mark size of cut place chain next to mark and screw down move mill to other end screw down and cut hope that helps

[jamesd]

Cheers looks like i need to get a piece of 6 x 1 then! Wheres the best place to go? Builders merchants?

[jamesd]

I use a 6"x1". A lot depends on which approach you want to use. I mill the surface flat first with the Alaskan so I don't need rigidity in the board (it's on a flat surface) so would rather keep it lighter and have the extra depth of cut - even with a 36" bar on it doesn't always go clean through when quartering big stuff. It is also easier to counter any warp the board develops as I can knock the nails in to hold it flat to the cut.

 

If you want to use it for edging up logs prior to milling, a 6"x2" will support itself better in free space above the edge of the log.

 

Alec

 

OK cheers for this got myself a bit od 6 x 1 board. How many nails do you put in a long the length of it to hold it down to the wood to be lilled? Just enough so its held on flat? I don't want to put to many holes in the wood i want to use!

[TGB]

You don't want it to move, so as few as possible but as many as needed. Oh, and use screws, not nails.