Has anyone used one of these Chainsaw mills. I have a big old Maple that just fell over in the wind so I have a few logs that I would like to turn to lumber. So I was wondering if one of these was worth the money.
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I've not used that one, but I have used the bigger Alaskan two-motor mill and the $15 HF version.
The Alaskan worked OK, but it still doesn't work as well as band mill. The HF was good for rip sawing a log into manageable pieces I could get to the 18" shop bandsaw.
If you want to get usable 4/4 to 8/4 lunber, I would suggest trying to find someone with a band mill to cut the logs. If you have a decent size bandsaw, though, you may be able to use this type of mill to cut the logs into sizes you can wrangle onto the bandsaw.--------------------------------------------------
Electrical Engineer by day, Woodworker by night -
I have had three different size alaskan mills. They have their place and are as accurate as the person running them. About 500 to 1000 board feet a day is max when cutting 4 inch slabs. If you are under 40 and in good shape you might get a little more. They are a workout to run, but well worth the money.Comment
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So.. If I get one, is it really necessary to get a ripping chain for my saw? Or will the standard blade work OK?Comment
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have never used a regular ripping chain.Comment
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I have that mill but have never used it--moved shortly afterward to a home in town without any trees to cut down.
I did get a ripping chain, which is filed a little differently than standard chainsaw chains:
"I have used ripping chain on various setups. The chain indeed has a different angle for the cut tooth but every second tooth there is a raker tooth that is ground almost flat that cuts a path for the 10 degree teeth. The purpose of the ripping chain is to allow the saw to run with less power saving the saw. Also when using a chain saw mill the boards come off with no chain marks like a standard chain. As for costs the rip chains are the same price if not a couple bucks more. If you use a chain saw mill and want your saw to last and your cut to be clean with less planning afterwards you have to use a rip chain."
(from a logging forum)
I think it would suit your purposes if you just want to cut 1-2" boards from a small tree, <18" in diameter.
I might be willing to part with mine for $100 or so, chain included. If you're interested send me a PM.Jeff
“Doctors are men who prescribe medicines of which they know little, to cure diseases of which they know less, in human beings of whom they know nothing”--VoltaireComment
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