The Forestry Forum

Hi everybody.

Well, i'm a new owner of a sawmill.  After years of procrastination and delay. Thinking i would build my dream mill would it be band, slanted or swing. Years filled with buying parts, half made projects etc! Reselling some of thoses etc.

Here comes a real one. It was a deal i couldn't pass. Absolutely not.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001392.jpg)

It's a CD4, 4inch wide bands with stellite tips. 1 meter wheels. 14.4 meters track. I had to cut it to transport it Which made me cringe big time!

Now i need to finish the generator i've gathered the parts for.  Pour piers. Fit the beast. And make log clamps. And i have no time whatsoever.

Will see how thing goes.

By the way guys, what would you do as far as log clamps/dogs go?

Thanks a lot.

Max.

Wow, that is a sawmill.   :o

Magic, it's pretty much the French "standard" If you didn't have money for a big vertical rig, with all the sorters, canters,log decks etc. You would get a CD. Company started in 1948. Theses were realy thought to be a do all type of sawmill, but oriented to the  african market. Where they would set up the rails on cants, use the saw for a month or two in one spot, and then move it. If i can make a bit of cash fast. I will buy some more rails, to make a trailer. So that way i will be able to use it on my land or mobile.

Folks, meet the Wood-Monster!

Did the truck feel a little tippy?

Awesome sawmill and handsome truck  8) 8) 8)

Way to go  smiley_thumbsup

Hope you can get it all together and do some sawing !!

Quote from: 47sawdust on August 15, 2015, 04:44:07 PM
Did the truck feel a little tippy?

Just a smidge, but that was not me driving. My truck is smaller.

I look forward to the pictures of it reassembled.

Thank thing will make some sawdust.  :)

Thats quite a mill. Ready to see some photos when you get it set up. bg

OK you got a problem. Either a get a bigger truck or a smaller mill.  ;D
How big of log will that thing saw!!!

Glad I dont have to buy blades for that thing....

I like the mill but I really want the truck.

I see why that mill is moving.  Just look at that hill. 


Everything was turned into 70 inch slabs.

Quote from: thecfarm on August 15, 2015, 08:13:30 PM
OK you got a problem. Either a get a bigger truck or a smaller mill.  ;D
How big of log will that thing saw!!!

Thecfarm.   Well, thoses are given for a 1m log in diameter. That's 3ft 1/3rd And it will saw easily 12m, that's 40ft.

Kbeitz, i sure wish theses would be cheaper. :(

Quote from: Kcwoodbutcher on August 15, 2015, 09:56:17 PM
I like the mill but I really want the truck.

KCwoodbutcher,  look on the french site "leboncoin"  for TRM2000, that's the ex army version of this one. They go quite cheap. IIRC, you have prety much the same law as us over here, regarding old vehicles, and anything older than 30 years is pretty much easy to register. Even more since your country is more lenient than mine on the subject of modified trucks, bikes and car.   Thinking about it, you might have a seller of old army vehicles in your country which might sell thoses already imported.

Quote from: deadfall on August 15, 2015, 10:51:23 PM
I see why that mill is moving.  Just look at that hill. 

Everything was turned into 70 inch slabs.

Deadfall, it's a small hill, called col du Galibier. (Galibier's pass)

The tunnel showing in the next picture is at 8386ft high  ;D


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001393.jpg)

8386ft high  ???

Quote from: Kbeitz on August 16, 2015, 04:13:28 AM
8386ft high  ???

Yep, 8385,82 exactly.  2556 meters high. That's just ten or twelve miles north of where i live.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Col_du_Galibier

The tunnel has been drilled in 1891.

Btw, i live at 5000ft high.  ;D

Kbeitz,
I think that's elevation,I had to do a double take myself.
Satamax,
Thanks for the pictures and good luck with the mill.You must have some large support equipment to feed that beast.

Beautiful part of the world and yes the truck is a real gem.FF member Loggah needs one to tow his restored Lombard log hauler.That would turn some peoples heads.
Best of luck,Mick

where are the trees?

Quote from: 47sawdust on August 16, 2015, 06:44:14 AMYou must have some large support equipment to feed that beast.

Mick, i have the little white pupy behind!


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001397.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001398.jpg)

Well, this thing ;D

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/jibpal12.jpg)

Satamax, glad to see you finally have a sawmill.  What a mill it is!!! :o 8)

Thanks a lot Fishpharmer.

Guys, the next questions are:

How many log dogs do i need? Of what type?

I have two small hydraulic rams, which could do the job may be.

Log turner? I'd be keen on a chain one. That might wait, and i will use a cant hook and the crane.

Laser? I'd be real keen on a laser line. But on the cheap ;D

How do i set it up? I was thinking railways ties. Builders friends tell me concrete piers. But i don't know how all of that will evolve. I might be buying a little bit of land just next to mine, to square it off.  So the saw will move i think.

Any advice?

The motor on it for the moment is 22kw. My electricity supply only 15kw. I wonder if i could start it up with the 15kw. I have a brand new 11kw motor that i could retrofit and cut slow.


Thanks a lot guys.

Quote from: 47sawdust on August 16, 2015, 06:44:14 AM
Kbeitz,
I think that's elevation,I had to do a double take myself.
Satamax,
Thanks for the pictures and good luck with the mill.You must have some large support equipment to feed that beast.

Beautiful part of the world and yes the truck is a real gem.FF member Loggah needs one to tow his restored Lombard log hauler.That would turn some peoples heads.
Best of luck,Mick

If it's not  elevation thats got to be one BIG  truck...

Quote from: Kbeitz on August 16, 2015, 10:55:38 AM

Quote from: 47sawdust on August 16, 2015, 06:44:14 AM
Kbeitz,
I think that's elevation,I had to do a double take myself.
Satamax,
Thanks for the pictures and good luck with the mill.You must have some large support equipment to feed that beast.

Beautiful part of the world and yes the truck is a real gem.FF member Loggah needs one to tow his restored Lombard log hauler.That would turn some peoples heads.
Best of luck,Mick

If it's not  elevation thats got to be one BIG  truck...

And a huge sawmill  ;D

Elevation obviously.

Quote from: Satamax on August 16, 2015, 09:37:32 AM
Thanks a lot Fishpharmer.

Guys, the next questions are:

How many log dogs do i need? Of what type?

I have two small hydraulic rams, which could do the job may be.

Log turner? I'd be keen on a chain one. That might wait, and i will use a cant hook and the crane.

Laser? I'd be real keen on a laser line. But on the cheap ;D

How do i set it up? I was thinking railways ties. Builders friends tell me concrete piers. But i don't know how all of that will evolve. I might be buying a little bit of land just next to mine, to square it off.  So the saw will move i think.

Any advice?

The motor on it for the moment is 22kw. My electricity supply only 15kw. I wonder if i could start it up with the 15kw. I have a brand new 11kw motor that i could retrofit and cut slow.


Thanks a lot guys.

You might get away with useing a pony motor for startup.

Good score on the mill Satamax .I have been following your post with interest for quiet some time.I'm glad you finally found you a mill.

Thanks a lot guys.

Kbeitz, i could. I don't know where i'm heading thought.

For the moment, i'm searching ads for a frequency drive, which could limit the power.


Thanks.

Max.

Great score on that mill. That thing is a beast. All I can tell you is if you get a log that will max that thing out you are going to need some strong hyd. for turning and clamping. If that mill can cut 40' long you might want to consider putting two turners and two clamps. I know that with the 40' logs I cut there is so many times that having the extra turner and clamp is the only way that I can turn the logs.

Wow! My guess is he got a great deal on it.............after they were done with it in the Sahara   ;D

Customsawyer, yep that thing will max out at 12m, so that's 40 feet pretty much. May be i have a bit of leaway. I'm getting cranky, i want to make it run :D  My latest idea on log dogs, something like log tongs pulled by an hydraulic ram. That would be prety easy for centering. One fixed, the other one moveable to accomodate short or long logs.   Ok, two turners. I'll see what i can find in the way of chains and the like. Thanks a lot.

Quote from: Warped on August 19, 2015, 05:12:50 AM
Wow! My guess is he got a great deal on it.............after they were done with it in the Sahara   ;D

Warped, sorry for being French  ;D but i don't get it!

Tho i got a deal. I paid may be half the price of a brand new LT10.

Tho i got a deal. I paid may be half the price of a brand new LT10.
You might be French but you didn't get took on that deal.
I get sore just thinking about handling the lumber coming off that mill.Did a masseuse  come with the mill?
Mick

I'll have to look for the masseuse!  ;D

Satamax...the Sahara was once full of trees. and then that mill arrived. and then all the trees were gone.  :D :D
great score!

Not to take this off topic. I figured from the picture with the writing on the road that this was on the Tour de France route. Beautiful country.

Quote from: whitebread on August 20, 2015, 03:33:45 PM
Not to take this off topic. I figured from the picture with the writing on the road that this was on the Tour de France route. Beautiful country.

Yep, ...... tour de france! Because of all the passes around, we get, from june, to end of september, all the idiots cyclists, who think they own the road. No lights, no reflectors, no yellow jacket. Toll last year, three deaths just in the Lautaret pass!

Don't start me on road cycling, or i'll rant forever  ;D

Quote from: Satamax on August 20, 2015, 04:41:38 PM

Quote from: whitebread on August 20, 2015, 03:33:45 PM
Not to take this off topic. I figured from the picture with the writing on the road that this was on the Tour de France route. Beautiful country.

Yep, ...... tour de france! Because of all the passes around, we get, from june, to end of september, all the idiots cyclists, who think they own the road. No lights, no reflectors, no yellow jacket. Toll last year, three deaths just in the Lautaret pass!

Don't start me on road cycling, or i'll rant forever  ;D

Yeah, but they got good drugs.........if that's your thing   lol!

Quote from: Warped on August 20, 2015, 04:49:47 PM

Quote from: Satamax on August 20, 2015, 04:41:38 PM

Quote from: whitebread on August 20, 2015, 03:33:45 PM
Not to take this off topic. I figured from the picture with the writing on the road that this was on the Tour de France route. Beautiful country.

Yep, ...... tour de france! Because of all the passes around, we get, from june, to end of september, all the idiots cyclists, who think they own the road. No lights, no reflectors, no yellow jacket. Toll last year, three deaths just in the Lautaret pass!

Don't start me on road cycling, or i'll rant forever  ;D

Yeah, but they got good drugs.........if that's your thing   lol!

Noteven, their stuff doesn't get you high! :(

Just out of interest, 8,000ft around here puts you up in the snow and clouds on top of this hill.  :D
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10460/IMG_7275.JPG)
3500ft is about as high as you can drive...

Well, Ianab, that's because it's the end of the winter where you live. :D

Here's what it looks like in october where i live.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/automne.jpg)

In the winter, i work for the chairlift company.  So i see plenty of snow.

The closest pass near me is open all winter and  is at 6751ft above sea level. ;D

Quote from: Kbeitz on August 15, 2015, 08:15:52 PM
Glad I dont have to buy blades for that thing....

Spoke with the guy from "Forezienne mfls" a company which provide for the needs of a lot of sawyers in France. He said 12cm wide blade, stellite tipped ready to saw is 250 ex VAT. Not tooo tooo bad! ;D

Quote from: Satamax on August 27, 2015, 05:52:10 PM
...12cm wide blade, stellite tipped ready to saw is 250 ex VAT...

American translation: ...Blahblah wide blade, stellite tipped blade ready to saw is blahblahblah.
;)

5quarter, ye'r a cunning linguist, fantastic one even. I would never had thought you understood French!  ;D

Well, just bought some MEM log dogs, from a vertical headrig. Without motors :( But since they will be modified. I'll see how it goes.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001771.jpg)

Quote from: Satamax on August 27, 2015, 05:52:10 PM

Quote from: Kbeitz on August 15, 2015, 08:15:52 PM
Glad I dont have to buy blades for that thing....

Spoke with the guy from "Forezienne mfls" a company which provide for the needs of a lot of sawyers in France. He said 12cm wide blade, stellite tipped ready to saw is 250 ex VAT. Not tooo tooo bad! ;D

So is that 250 euros plus VAT? Pretty expensive.

Yep, it is. But they last a fair bit. You're counting may be 12 sharpenings between re stelliting. And 10 times that before the band is dead.

Ten months later.   

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001870.jpg)


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001871.jpg)

Progress as of today!

All the piers are poured, i mean i've filled 8 more barrels, that we need to bury with a friend.

But i am gutted. I've noticed there's one part missing. The pulley for raising the head. It's nothing. I have a lathe and i know how to use it. But if i had known better, i would have checked that. Pulley should be on the arbor bellow, on the last pic.  :(

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001887.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001888.jpg)

Your piers should be stout enough. Won't be any give for sure. Now where is your log pile?

I don't have  a log pile.  :(

Glad to see your progress !

You keep plugging along and you'll be milling before you know it.  Then you're in trouble because everything will look like saw logs.

Quote from: Ox on June 07, 2016, 09:52:56 AM
You keep plugging along and you'll be milling before you know it.  Then you're in trouble because everything will look like saw logs.

Well, question, what is the smallest size log which could be intresting to cut in larch? Got some tonight. We went on a mission with a friend, who had to cut two trees on a mountain path, to do some earthwork.  The feeling of the two trees was not planned, and the wood needed to be cleared quickly.  ;D

So now it's cleared, he's got a few saw logs, may be 2/3 of a cord. And we have those two 13'ish  logs. The middle of that 27'ish straight section was about 13" 14" Off center pith. Fastish growth (well for here. )


And i don't have a wood yard. But a friend of mine has 106 spruce logs planned to build a log home. Sitting about 100 yards from me. And he's complaining that they're roting away. They've been there since his his divorce.  Since he doesn't trust this wood anymore. He's ordered a big load of douglas. So i might have a fair bit of practice wood!  ;D

Common thoughts are a minimum of 10" diameter logs.  But if you're milling for yourself, go as small as what you want to mess with!  I think you'll find the 10" is a good rule of thumb.

Thanks a lot Ox.

I tell my customers that 8" on the small end is my limit.

Any less than 8" and my clamp can't be used, it would work for the opening cut, but when you turn it, the top of the small end will be lower than the top of my clamp.

Wow!  Doesn't look like they were stingy with the steel in the mill our your trucks.  1/2 the price of an LT10.  Not surprising actually, seems like bigger equipment often goes cheap(er).

When you get tired of sawing you can take in the scenery -  beautiful!!

All the piers are in.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001919.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001920.jpg)

Sweet; when will saw dust fly?

 :o every time I see that mill... what a beast.

Satamax...you must live at a pretty high elevation. from the pics it looks like you're not too much lower than the tree line. Piers look solid...That ground looks awful hard,  :-\

Satamax, you did see this thread?

Useful sawmill mods
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,7789.msg1397352/topicseen.html#msg1397352

Tnaz, may be by the end of the month.

5 quaters, it's writen on the left  ;D 5000ft above sea level. In Serre chevalier, if you want to check.

Quote from: DDW_OR on June 24, 2016, 02:46:32 AM
Satamax, you did see this thread?

Useful sawmill mods
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,7789.msg1397352/topicseen.html#msg1397352

DDW_OR, sorry i didn't pay attention to this one. Anything which could be usefull for me there?

I think so, i only just found that thread so i am still reading, when i have time

Hi guys.

I finished the repair for the head's up "power take off" ugly. But hey!

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001938.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001939.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001940.jpg)

I ran out of 312 and 316 welding rods midway into the job. That's why there's metal missing.


And i have a question.

I would like to assemble the rails

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001941.jpg)

with thick sheel metal splices, bolted. Like on railways. Held with nilstop nuts. What do you think. Good enough?


I would really like your advice on this one.

as long as the joints were on the piers and shimed flat I don't see why it would not work.

They gonna be shimmed and held down with rawlbolts.

Do it . It will work.

I would love to have that head rig vertical, with a Frick carriage and lots of horsepower !!!!!!!!!!

Quote from: SCSawyer on July 11, 2016, 10:51:50 PM
I would love to have that head rig vertical, with a Frick carriage and lots of horsepower !!!!!!!!!!

Well, it defeats the purpose of an horizontal one. Which is being abble to saw long pieces without needing lots of length.

To me, one which is quite impressibe, on your side of the pond, and has some adban,tages of both worlds is this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwxDlcYs9FQ

As for mine. If i need more HP, i can go up to 62kw. As i have a motor.

Very impressive, thanks for the video Satamax.

Terry

Satamax, what a beast that saw is :)

Thanks.

Hi guys!

Well, my first ever cut in my life!


The first one went kind of all right.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001981.jpg)
Then i went for a 10cm cut downwards. About 45cm width. The blade dipped, and i stalled my generator. Not good at all. With some friends, i had to wedge the cut, to get the blade out. The gen set is rated for 80kw. The motor is 22kw on the saw. Star triangle. When i put the saw on the triangle position, after few seconds running on the star position. The generator nearly stalls. It's a dang 80kw one. 

I feel sad, that the thing doesn't run properly. I couldn't start the Detroit 6-71 generator again, as the safety flap on the intake supercharger kept closing. Tho, i forgot to lube the blade. This is a european larch log. I will try again soon. But i'm not confident anymore. Sad!

I would get that 6-71 running first then work on the mill. I'm no mechanic or sawyer; with that said, get the gen running then I would look a the band?

At least you made some saw dust so you know you're on track. 8)

I am guessing that is a new blade. Check to make sure the blade is flat with the bed of the saw. You have to have a lot of tension on the blade also. Should be no flutter in the blade when  it is running. 80 kw should be plenty. Sounds like it has a loose connection some where. I had that happen on mine and the really smart members on here figured it out for me.  Could be dropping a phase also. I run a 20 HP (15KW I think) on a Detroit 20 kw gen set . Power to spare . Don't get discouraged it will be something simple when you find it.

Let me know if I get this right. your blade is 12 cm which is 4.72 inches wide. Your motor is 23 KW  30 hp. I would think that is a little under powered but should still cut just a little slower. I think the blade is not flat with the bed.

I sure don't know,but wonder if that gen is putting out what it should be.

Thanks a lot for your repplies guys.

Quote from: thecfarm on August 06, 2016, 09:25:03 PM
I sure don't know,but wonder if that gen is putting out what it should be.

Yep, i wonder that too. With the real drop in RPM, when i hit the triangle position. And this is, obviously with the blade not engaged in the wood.

Quote from: ozarkgem on August 06, 2016, 09:18:15 PM
Let me know if I get this right. your blade is 12 cm which is 4.72 inches wide. Your motor is 23 KW  30 hp. I would think that is a little under powered but should still cut just a little slower. I think the blade is not flat with the bed.

Yep, on the verge of underpowered.

Been boozing with the friend who helped me a lot to pour the concrete piers last night. He came up with an idea to use my vertical saw's log "claws" , this is to fit the floating screw through the web of the RSJ. And i came up with the idea of using a hollow shaft gear motor to keep them floating some.

Now, time to find three hollow shaft gear motors of the same type which would fit, and cheap!

Thanks again guys.

are you thinking of using the hollow shaft to connect to your screw? How about a pic.

The screw has a very long keyseat, may be 3ft long, just for that purpose. The actual reduction gears are still there, but the  motors are missing, and the gearbox takes an awfull lots of space.

So guys.

A very daft question regarding the log dogs.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001775.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1457473445)

I have three like this, from a vertical bandsaw mill. Both dogs are floating.

For an horizontal bandsaw, does this have any advantage? I would think no, absolutely not.

As i don't want the log to go too far to the  live puley side. Also, for squaring the cants, it would be problematic again.

Si am i right in assuming that i can fix the right dog on the photo, which is just a bearing. And let the other one do the travel. Then i can cut the threaded rod, since it's not floating anymore to the right length. Rurn other the geatbox, and have the motor bellow.

Thanks a lot guys.

 Does the hook part on the right of the pic move or is it stationary. I guess it really doesn't matter which side you make not movable as long as you get the stop in the right place. Cut a big circle out of cardboard and hold it up to the blade to mimic the end of the log and use that as a guide as to where to put the stops.

Hi Ozarkgem.

Well, for the moment, they're both free. The one on the right is just a bearing at the end of the screw. The other one is threaded on the screw.

On a vertical bandsaw chariot, the threaded one is on top, with gearbox and motor all that. Hits the log, so it doesn't move anymore. Then the screw moves up, pulling the bottom claw.

I want to fix this one. And cut the screw to the right length to fit my rails.

yeehaaaa! I'm on my fourth fut, and, besides a bit of diving after entry, it goes back up, and cuts Nice. Gen set doesn't stall anymore. It's Nice! :D

What did you do to fix it and get running again?

Quote from: Ox on August 08, 2016, 03:15:10 PM
What did you do to fix it and get running again?

X2

Good deal 8)  How about a picture for us poor folks that don't have a mill? :D :D

Quote from: Ox on August 08, 2016, 03:15:10 PM
What did you do to fix it and get running again?

Well, let it cool down. It's been runing a fair bit of the afternoon. And the main fix, was sorting out the idiot between the saw and the generator! Me!  ;D Learning. I was switching from star to delta too fast. I didn't affix  the log well, since i haven't got my "claws" yet!

Quote from: tnaz on August 08, 2016, 03:31:16 PM

Good deal 8)  How about a picture for us poor folks that don't have a mill? :D :D

Even better!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRAq3WCY2UI

Quote from: Satamax on August 08, 2016, 06:09:59 PM

Quote from: Ox on August 08, 2016, 03:15:10 PM
What did you do to fix it and get running again?

Well, let it cool down. It's been runing a fair bit of the afternoon. And the main fix, was sorting out the idiot between the saw and the generator! Me!  ;D Learning. I was switching from star to delta too fast. I didn't affix  the log well, since i haven't got my "claws" yet! So, i'm getting better at sawing already! ;D

Quote from: tnaz on August 08, 2016, 03:31:16 PM

Good deal 8)  How about a picture for us poor folks that don't have a mill? :D :D

Even better!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRAq3WCY2UI

 8) smiley_clapping

Now your sawing....

Looking good!! 8)

 smiley_clapping  :)

Man that thing is crazy heavy built. I think its time to put a 75KW motor on it and do some serious sawing. Looks like a wrist breaker hand wheel you are working with on the back of the mill. I guess the small center hand wheel is the lock.

Quote from: ozarkgem on August 09, 2016, 04:14:00 PM
Man that thing is crazy heavy built. I think its time to put a 75KW motor on it and do some serious sawing. Looks like a wrist breaker hand wheel you are working with on the back of the mill. I guess the small center hand wheel is the lock.

Yep, it's the lock.

I think i will change the powering from the follower bandweel, and friction clutch, to a separate motor.


Well, i have cut my first beam today. Not straight at all. I wonder how much is from the bad band, and how much is from the badly set rails.

I have also tried a water exhaust on the 6-71; Doesn't work at all. I emptied half of a barrel of water in few minutes! ;D

straight level rails are very important. Did you get a chance to check to see of the blade is level with the bed rails? If it is not it will dive. I fought mine for 7 yrs before I learned this.  Was this used as a resaw or a sawmill setup?

Hi Ozarkgem.

Well, i haven't checked the geometry of the blade regarding the rails. But that wouldn't take me long. As i know how to do it.  I have fought with vertical bandsaws all my life. ;D

The people i bought it from, used it as a resaw for old beams and planks. That was their business. But looking at the length of the bed, this has been used as a samill before. There's been some mods to it as well which tell me that.

The cut dives on entry, then comes back up and waves a bit. I have 3 sharpened spare blades. But i'm not keen on puting them on while i learn. ;D

As well, the guides are polyethylene chopping board bits. Which gets chewed bu the blade quickly.  I might change this to bearings.

 I think you will get if figured out. It took me yrs to get mine sawing right. I was on my own trying to figure things out. I didn't know about this forum at the time. I would have gotten my problems figured out faster with all the experience of the members at my disposal . Looking forward to more videos.

The dang generator  failed again today.

It depresses me. The thing overheated. I was at 100C° or more when the  safety flap closed on the 6-71.

I realy need to adress this.

So, up and running properly now.

2 of the three claws/log dogs are working only. Working two of us yesterday. I did my first mistake, entering the wood in second speed, and the blade dove in, lifting the thick slab i had left to cut in two. I will reverse it and try to finish the cut.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp_iSC_xMSE


The GM 6/71 acted again. I wonder if the radiator is not full of deposit!  :-\

It overheats, seemingly. The flap shuts off and i have to wait half an hour for it to let me start again. Finally disabled it again yesterday. Running no more than 100C° if the thermometer works all right.

Anybody has advice on those GM?

Otherwise, i'm quite pleased. Need a cant hook.

Fixed the third claw. A connector stripe in the electrical box was flakey.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20170813_201612.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1502650292)

Good to see you back up and going .

Thank you Slider.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9dKNMIlNpc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b4p-A6M1V8

New iron!

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=97397.new#new

Happy chappy!

I found why i was overheating. Running on a weird 256vac setting at 50hz, following the hertz meter on the generator. Which is completely off.

So upped a notch, to the other setting. Checked with the DMM, and bang on. I have 376vac, and 53hz. Normally here it's 380/415vac, and 50hz. But no wonder why the engine was overheating. Trying to run a saw with a 22 or 29kw motor. On 256v three phase, when it's meant to run on 380!

Did all right yesterday. It was big to deal with about 2ft at the bottom. And about 26-27ft long.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20171007_164048.jpg)

Little job for myself today.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20171118_120617.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20171118_124043.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20171118_124054.jpg)

Quote from: Satamax on November 18, 2017, 07:51:22 AM
Little job for myself today.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20171118_120617.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20171118_124043.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20171118_124054.jpg)

Wow I would love to see some of your country... Looks like you got some real hills.

Well, pop around if you want!

There's a 10000ft mountain, right behind the saw. And on the other side of the valley, i have 12000 on the other side.

Right here

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/automne.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1440153598)

Looks like bear country...

We've got deers, european antilopes, called chamois. Wild rams. Plenty of birds and hares. Marmots. Wolwes. But no bears. Plenty of chairlifts too. I have been working on those for the last 25 years.

@statamax , do you ever watch the Tour de France when going across the Galibier?

I hate it! Can't stand them dang cyclists. The Galibier is just next door. On my village's land. About 12/13 miles of mountain road to get to the Galibier from my place.  And cyclist of the whole world come here, thinking they own the place. Not respecting the road signs nor trafic lights. Riding downhill in the middle of the road. With trucks, campers, cars, and us workers, in the middle trying to earn a living. No lights, nor high vis jackets in the tunnels etc. Every year, there some of them getting killed. And nothing changes.

To explain. The 10 miles from here to Briançon, take 12 minutes in the inter season. In June, when the cyclists arrive, but there is not too much trafic. Nor much cyclists.  It takes ten more minutes. Comes July, with the tour de France addicts. It takes 30 to 40 minutes. I tell you, if you do the trip 4 times a day. It gets old fast!  Loosing 1h 20 minutes a day for those cyclists.

The only thing which should be allowed in the Galibier, is this.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/WP_001392.jpg)

Just at the trafic light at the entrance of the Galibier's tunnel, on the Savoie side (Valloire)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20171007_164048.jpg)
[/quote]

What kind of tree is this Satamax? It looks real similar to our Western Larch.  Real pitchy toward the butt.

Hi JRWoodchuck.

Well, it's larch. Local one. Larix decidua. IIRC. 

There isn't much more here.

Few swiss stone pine, scotts pine. Ash, beech. Silverbirch. Which i wouldn't even bother with.  Some willows. And that's about it. So i will be cutting larch mostly. Except if i drive further down the mountain, to fetch other species.

Yesterday was the first time i have been cutting this year. 

211bdft in the afternoon. From 2 till five may be. Taking it easy ish.  All in 23mm and 35mm.  Xept from two leftovers at 50 and 55mm. 

And i got a rotten tree. Insisted to see if i could do something with it, but nope. 


Guys, the friend i was cutting for, has few very big larches. 2.5ft diameter, may be. Do you think i should slab those?  Not the straightest trees. How do i keep the big slabs from checking, warping? 

I also tried to cut with diesel mixed with water and washing up liquid. From my usual pure diesel lubrication. The blade was clean after the cutting. More experimenting needs to be done. 

Satamax, nice hearing you milled some logs.  A sawmill is a handy tool.  What is the altitude of your village?

Hi Fishpharmer! 

Well, i'm at about 1500m above sea level, so 5000ft. 

You can start the mile high (almost) milling club. :)

Yep, never thought of that. 

This is still new to me! 

I don't seem to get much sawdust in my pockets. The piles are from part of a mornng to fetch the logs in the pile, and two afternoon sawing, with a claw breaking off the bed, and the generator acting again, in the end of the day. Lost about 3 gallons of coolant.  ::)

Me cutting, and the friend for who this was for, as a offbearer. 


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20180504_114017.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1525449736)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20180504_123523.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1525449873)


It turns out that i can't cut less than 2 inches, for the final cut. The saw doesn't reach further down. I have may be one inch clearance with the claws. 

First metal, a lead bullet. In some old ash.



(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20181102_165437.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1541178090)





(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20181102_165508.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1541178113)

    Nice mill! Sounds like a proven and sound machine. Can't wait to see and hear more.      Leon

Hi Everybody! 

Well, the GM gen set is going supposedly, and a new monster is coming. Way too big, i think.   144kw. But has low hours, less than 200. And i couldn't pass, as it's cheap. 



(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/groupevolvo.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1541236432)


That will relieve stress of looking at the temp gauge all the time, and cringing when i hear the GM start. 

Stuffed this ugly thing on the saw. 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20181106_180251_769.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1541679483)

It's local ash. I found the bullet in the other part. The part here is 13 inches or a smidge more, between the "knots" I was all set, washing up liquid in the tank, saw tensioned etc. I couldn't start the generator, ass one of the batteries of my Toyota is dead! Dang! 

Results


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20181108_153625.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1541747524)


And, while i was at it, i have sawn a big poplar. 


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20181108_173736.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1541747730)


This is the biggest diameter log i have put on the saw, so far. A good 20 inches, or more. 

great wood pattern
8)   

Thanks a lot DDW. 


Everybody. 

Just a drying question. 

The ash has been outside for at least three years. How much drying time do you think i need before i can use it?  Would have it been dried, it would have been sold by now. 

Hello guys. 

Well, the new baby is home. Not in it's final spot, which needs clearing up. But it's here.   


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20181116_090645.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1542376839)


The final spot will be where the tall stepladder is in the background. A friend insists on making a little concrete slab there. 


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20181116_090713.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1542376867)

Back on duty! 

Dang i look fat! 

VID 20190520 194103 - YouTube (https://youtu.be/l9kZ7O_FAzY)

The generator sounds far quieter than my old screaming jimmy. 

First time I see a mill that can give a ride while cutting. Very interesting and nice mill...

CD has been making those since the late forties!  Mine is from the seventies i think. 

Quote from: Satamax on November 10, 2018, 07:44:41 AM
Just a drying question.

The ash has been outside for at least three years. How much drying time do you think i need before i can use it?  Would have it been dried, it would have been sold by now.

use a moisture meter.
I do not know which one to use. do a search on the forum.

Hi everybody. 

I have three electric claws, or log dogs. 

Spaced 9.5 fret appart. For 19 ft total clamped tree length. 

Do you think i need more? Bed is 40' useable length.

Thanks guys. 

add one between the 9.5 foot clamps for short logs?
and one more 9.5 foot would be OK.

Thanks DDW_OR. 

Well, for the moment, for short logs, i clamp one end, and i have four mobile rests, with holes  in them, for wooden stops. So it doesn't move too much. 

I will make myself a wired "remote control" for the claws.  I have scavenged a 6 hole box, for 6 knobs. Open-close. Times three. That will make my life easier when squaring. 

Well, first destroyed blade! 

This one was doomed! 

I reversed without raising the head once too many! 


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20190612_175142.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1560371691)
 

It caught the front guards etc. I also have lost the second gear. I can only go slow. 

Mind you, the corded remote control is "genius" for me. 

My first cants., to make joists.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20190720_194758.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1563648405)
 

Guys, i'm back on track. I have gotten rid of the cable above, and made a follower cable. A system loosely based on old cable drafting tables system. The cable is attached at saw's chariot base.Which goes to the end of the track on a pulley, returns back to the other end of the track Does a quater turn upwards, to reach another pulley attached to the shed's ceiling. And goes back to the top of the  raise and lower column of the saw. The electric cable is attached on this metal cable with little pulleys riding on it. And making dangling "loops" (is that the right word? It's the same arrangement as in the video above) 

I have changer the bearing polyethylene plates of the blade guide. Tuned it  tight at the beginning, on the tensionned blade. Only to discover after few cuts, that it had either loved, or it's been eaten by the blade. And i always have the problem of the blade doing a slight climbing cut on entry. For may be a foot.  As can be seen on the two pics bellow. And also it dips a tiny amount between that spot and the end of the log. Between 1/8th to 3/64th. 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20210720_195701.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1626804342)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20210720_195657.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1626804342)

Not funny. I had bought a high density polyethylene ofcut to re make my blade guide. It is worth zilch! It is a right pain! Back to searching.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20210722_204204.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1627016316)
 

Well, another type of pads. Pe hd again. Older, and may be harder. And a little lube modification. We'll see how it goes. 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20210723_101425.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1627031239)
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20210723_110622.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1627031239)
 

Good luck with those.  Now that you're doing all this sawing, and the pics are great fun, maybe put up a thread in the sawing section because all the sawyers will see and maybe comments will be more..useful.  

Quote from: nativewolf on July 23, 2021, 05:59:21 AM
Good luck with those.  Now that you're doing all this sawing, and the pics are great fun, maybe put up a thread in the sawing section because all the sawyers will see and maybe comments will be more..useful.  

Hi Nativewolf.
What do you mean by the sawing section? This thread is in sawmill and milling. I thought it was good enough.
Here a few vid of the "cable follower" for the power supply. You can sus the cables at the bottom tucked on the side of the rail. Attached at the bottom of the saw with few puleys. And attached at the top of the column.

Sawmill cable follower power supply 1 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmGxb81LeQw)


Samill cable follower 2 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZUy1FlGvik)

Sawmill cable follower 3 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRvQh5WvaLw)

Sawmill cable follower 4 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbSIrzvm6L4)

Dang,  I touched two stones this morning. On a fresh'ish blade. I'll have to sharpen soon.



Do you think I should try to cut something out of that leftover bellow ?  (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20210726_120415.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1627295093)


Cutting straight as an arrow, because of the stones! :( 


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20210726_122222.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1627295092)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20210726_114420.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1627295097)

An hour and a half, to cut those two  beams, which are going to be transformed into 3"x 3" And three 10"x1" planks. Turning by hand without cant hook is a pain! Lifting one end without toe boards too! 

Looking good! That is some big wood, maybe a modification in order for a turner and toe board!

Quote from: samandothers on July 26, 2021, 07:33:41 AM
Looking good! That is some big wood, maybe a modification in order for a turner and toe board!

You bet mods are in order. May be not soon. But i want to do that. New electric cable. The actual one is 4 times too small. 
Chain or sprocket log turner. 

Hydraulic toe boards

And a debarker. 

Some other wood i snatched for the sawmill. Swapping for the same volume in split firewood.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20210923_171035.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1632412099)
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20210923_171014.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1632412095)
 

Made myself a homemade cant hook or is it log turner?  At last!

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19153/IMG_20210924_153221.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1632496207)