| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| Mr O |
Chainsaw Mills ?I am contemplating buying one of these?http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=20127&cat=1,41131 Has anyone ever used one? and if you have what did you think? |
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| Hairyloon |
I've got one very similar.
Noisy, slow and I've not been able to get as good a cut as they lead you to believe you can, but certainly for the money, well worth it... providing you've got a BIG saw. I've got a husky 2100 with a 20" bar and it is still slow. |
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| Mr O |
Do you use a ripping chain with yours? |
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| RichardW |
You need a BIG saw as you are cutting down the grain. Plus the right chain. For the odd job it would be ok but not for fine work without lots of planing after. Oh & use wedges to hold the wood up behind the saw or you will damage the bottom face of the plank on top.
If you want to learn more check out http://www.arbtalk.co.uk/ but you have to register to see the pics. Also lots of videos on Utube. |
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| Mr O |
Thanks for your replies guys, I was thinking of using it to plank Spruce & Pine up to about 16 inch Dia. with a 59cc husky with a 20 inch blade. | ||||
| Hairyloon |
It'll work, but get a bigger one if you can. |
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| RichardW |
I think you will want a bigger saw too.
Try getting a 6 foot log clamped up so you can free hand cut it in to 3 or 4 sections along the grain & see how it goes. You could also get an extra thin bar & ripping chain to help the power to cut ratio & improve the recovery by reducing the wastage. I think they say 80cc plus but if you go real slow & dont have loads to do it could be ok. If you have loads to do is there a mobile band saw mill in the area or even a saw mill that will contract mill it for you? I am lucky that I have a man with a mobile mill I do work for just down the road. But I still take to my own cut wood to him cos its easier than moving the mill unless its bought in loads & them I get it delivered direct to him. |
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| Mr O |
I just found this on the Granberg site
Log Size Engine Size up to 18" 55cc to 67cc 18" to 36" 68cc to 85cc 36" & larger 86cc to 120cc As I expect to do most wood smaller than 16inches it looks like my husky will be ok. |
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| Mr O |
The Chainsaw Mill arrived today, i am just waiting for the ripping chain to show up now, then I can have a play! | ||||
| Hairyloon |
You could have a play with your ordinary chain, then you'll have a valid assessment of how much better the ripping chain is (or isn't). |
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| Mr O |
Thats a very good idea! Doh why didn't I think of that. |
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| Hairyloon |
'cos you've got a pumpkin for a head? (sorry, that's another area  ).
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| Mr O |
The Rip Chain arrived and I spent all day yesterday playing, I found out a few things.
1) It is slow, but not much slower than a 9hp bandsaw sawmill. 2) The finish is not that bad, most rough bits were caused by me. 3) The first time I used it I failed to adjust the on/off bar and was fighting the saw to keep the bar in the middle. 4) The set up is MOST important, if you don't get the guide plank right then every thing you cut will be wrong. Overall I am quite pleased with the results and have a few planks in storage now. I cut spruce as test pieces, first 4ft, then 5ft, then 9ft, all inch thick planks as I have a use for them. next I will attempt posts 4"x4". |