chainsaw mill

[plumbstraight]

Been on my mind for a while to cut logs for a cabin. I came up with this to take two sides off the log then rotate the saw to cut down the middle to make to half logs to put together.

It is good to make lumber as I make several cuts vertical then rotate to take several boards off at a time. I have made some changes with this prototype including a bigger saw. Bar is same length, just more power. With this log I am taking off 3 2x4s and a 2x6 on each pass. This unit can take up to an 18ft log and a bit over 4ft in dia which covers most wood in this area.

Thinking about putting plans out if anyone is interested.

 

[plumbstraight]

taking the boards off in the horizontal

 

[roadhunter]

Nice work!

 

[Sodo]

I like that unit. I have a simple type (called "Beam Machine") where you screw a 2x4 board (a very straight one) to th log you're cutting, and it follows the 2x4 as a guide. It makes nice beams but is very strenuous to use, by the time you square a couple sides you gotta take a break.

I can see using your method with a couple cable pulleys to follow the flange of an I-beam. But to go vertical/horizontal the I-beam must rotate (simple enough). And there's the log clamping too. I'd like to see your plans, or at least some closeup pics!

 

[EddieWalker]

Great idea. How do you attach the chainsaw to it?

Eddie

 

[Egon]

Sodo, you could rig up a pulley system for the Beam Machine.

 

[s219]

I remember this from another thread -- very nice setup!

 

[plumbstraight]

I remember this from another thread -- very nice setup!

Yes, I forgot I had already made an entry, sorry.
as far as attaching the saw, just drilled the bar and bolted it to the carriage with a spacer between the bar and carriage. I works great for a simple machine to make what you need in the bush or projects at home if you have the resources.

 

[s219]

Yes, I forgot I had already made an entry, sorry.
as far as attaching the saw, just drilled the bar and bolted it to the carriage with a spacer between the bar and carriage. I works great for a simple machine to make what you need in the bush or projects at home if you have the resources.

I would like to see more details or closer picture of the carriage and wheels. Were the wheels custom made, or standard items?

 

[plumbstraight]

Wheels are from mower vbelt rollers on the carriage. The ones one the cross feed are just casters taken off swivels and groved to follow a half inch round stock. Building something like this is just see what you need and make it. For the ends for raising and lowering, I used boat winches and went up and over to the other side to lift. If you don't put a spacer bar across at the top it will try to pinch the crossmember when you raise it.