Firewood processor build thread

[kiotiken]

Todays update isn't really an update since I had to take a couple steps backwards. I realized a couple days ago the the pusher plate was 1/2" off centre. As much as I wanted to pretend I didn't notice, 53,000# pushing 1/2" off centre and therefor also on an angle, had to be fixed. I can't figure out how I could have been so far off. Unfortunately, part of the pusher plate piece was fully welded, one of the only things I've welded and not just tacked.

Dismantling the parts


Back together


Added some grease zerks.


Bracing, lots of it and more to come. Everybody was so worried about the light angle not holding up under the pressure (as was I), but I was worried the whole end would simply be pushed over!

 

[kiotiken]

Just went to the door to let the dog in and found this! I should have all the hydraulics now.

 

[dbaer78]

I'm really looking forward to seeing it in action. How are you going to fix your saw to the saw mount?

 

[kiotiken]

I'm really looking forward to seeing it in action. How are you going to fix your saw to the saw mount?

You and me both! As for the saw, I bought a couple 5/16 fine thread nuts to match the ones that are on the side of my saw (to hold the bar in place). I wanted to buy some 5/16 fine thread couplers, but I haven't been able to find any. I'll weld larger coupler nuts to the fine thread nuts I bough so that the bolts coming from the saw have some room but I'll have something to fasten bolts from my saw mount. I'm fighting with spacing issues right now since that moves the saw a little more than I wanted on my saw stand, I may have to cut the mount loose and move it a little.

 

[aczlan]

You and me both! As for the saw, I bought a couple 5/16 fine thread nuts to match the ones that are on the side of my saw (to hold the bar in place). I wanted to buy some 5/16 fine thread couplers, but I haven't been able to find any. I'll weld larger coupler nuts to the fine thread nuts I bough so that the bolts coming from the saw have some room but I'll have something to fasten bolts from my saw mount. I'm fighting with spacing issues right now since that moves the saw a little more than I wanted on my saw stand, I may have to cut the mount loose and move it a little.

What if you put a plate on that bolted under the nuts (ie: two holes for the bolts and a third for the adjuster)?
Might even build a replacement side cover if space is tight...

Aaron Z

 

[kiotiken]

What if you put a plate on that bolted under the nuts (ie: two holes for the bolts and a third for the adjuster)?
Might even build a replacement side cover if space is tight...

Aaron Z

I like that, I like it alot actually. I won't be building a replacement cover, it's shaped for the saw and far beyond my abilities to do, but I'll be looking at what space I have to rig up a plate as you suggest. Thanks, great idea.

 

[kiotiken]

I ran out to the garage for an hour when my wife took the kids to swimming lessons. I was too tired and just not up for going out again for my regular night shift last night, so here's an update from the hour I had. I'm adding bracing while I ponder the issue of a log holder. Since I went to bed 2 hours earlier than I normally do last night, I stared at the ceiling for a while and came up with a few ideas on that. Productivity is dropping way off as I spend more time trying to figure out what to do next and how to do it. I think all I have left is the log holder, finish the saw mount, permanently mount the tank and engine, figure out how to mount the valves and then weld it all together. I need to get this thing painted and out of the garage ASAP.

Here's the extra bracing from yesterday.


OK, this is the last brace I have in mind for the cylinder attachment so if there's still concerns about it being strong enough, let me know. Solution ideas are always nice too...

 

[kiotiken]

What if you put a plate on that bolted under the nuts (ie: two holes for the bolts and a third for the adjuster)?
Might even build a replacement side cover if space is tight...

Aaron Z

Aaron, something like this?



Here are a few pictures of the saw mount complete. This was one of the things that I worried about figuring out the most and it turned out to be relatively easy to build. I'm very happy with the results, even though I would have liked two bolts, so I'm adding pics so others can see what I did and get ideas for their projects.


Parts are two pillow blocks, mechanical tube, 1/2" rod to fit inside the tube and through the pillow blocks, a piece of angle welded to the tube and two pieces of plate welded to the inside of the angle.


I decided to add a saw stop with some of the extra tube/rod I had. Now if I can just find the bolt I had for it...




Oh ya, here's the 24" bar installed on the saw. I only spent an hour in the garage again last night and half of that seemed to be untangling the chain!

 

[aczlan]

Aaron, something like this?
View attachment 398345

Looks great!

Here are a few pictures of the saw mount complete. This was one of the things that I worried about figuring out the most and it turned out to be relatively easy to build. I'm very happy with the results, even though I would have liked two bolts, so I'm adding pics so others can see what I did and get ideas for their projects.
View attachment 398347

If you wanted a second attachment point, you could add something to go over the side handle, or you could extend your plate into the triangle shaped corner (toward the rear of the saw) and add a 2nd bolt there.

Aaron Z

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

Since pics dont load worth a crap on my phone, I can only see one of your latest bunch and that is of the new mounting plate on the side of the saw.

Am I missing something or are the nuts only on a couple threads? Is so, I think you are asking for trouble with them backing off