Cheapskate Sawmillin

[Nate Surveyor]

This is my logging arch. I went to the end of the logs, poked it under the end, tilted it up, and chained it. Then, tied the dolly to my 4-wheeler, and skidded the logs to the mill. It handled a 14" x 12' Pine log nicely.



Then, I had to somehow fasten the logs to the log bunkers, so they would not roll. So, I made out of scrap this device. Held down with screws, with 14.4 volt battery drill.



Here you see where the log goes. After placing the log, you take a hammer, and drive the bunker blocks sideways into the log, and screw them down.

I really need to get some good log dogs, but hey, I milled a big pine this way.

Then, I went into the house and built a birdhouse, out of a miscut piece of 3/4" x 8" x 12' x 1/2" (at the other end!)Well, actually 1/2 of it. The other half my son took and screwed to his wall above his bed, so he could screw his collection of deer antlers to it.

Pics of birdhouse and antler rack may come later.

That's all folks!

Nate

[Dan_Shade]

that's a good idea.

I've used lag screws to use an alaskan jig many times. 

improvision is what sets us apart from the yuppies!

[Nate Surveyor]

I might add...

My son is 7 yrs old. We are having fun.
And I am not all that thrilled with the log holding devices I have seen. I am working on a good design that is made of steel, with an aluminum frow on top, to dig into the log. So, I am doing my testing and experimenting with wood.

Guy yesterday gave me some nice big pine logs. And some walnut. And some red oak. I have alot to learn. And one thing I think is that a tractor is in my future.

How big of a tractor will lift a 4000# (2 ton) log?

Thanks,

Nate

[59Billy]

 

improvision is what sets us apart from the yuppies!

Yeah!

Not that I have anything against the folks who can afford the cool toys, but I love seeing ideas that are more cheapskate-friendly. Sure, I'd love to get me a Woodmiser, and a 660, and a Bobcat, and... but at some point, I have to remember that I got into this to save money, and to turn a few logs into furniture.

[mike_van]

Nate, I use an IH 574 [about 52 hp] for everything, I move 24"+ 16' dia oak logs on the 3ph forklift I built.   Its got 18.4x26 rear tires, it does all I ask it to.

[Dan_Shade]

you can typically lift a lot more with the lift arms than you can a loader.  I'm also not against dragging a really big one!

[Ga_Boy]

Nate,

A simple and cost effective way to hold your logs in to place is to cut some 5" wide square edge notches in your bunks.  The log will sit there as you mill it.

I milled 110 Pine 8X8 this way for an order.  I have been milling with my swinger for 2 years now and have not used any dogging mechanisim other than gravity.  I was convinced that I needed something and bought a set of the steel Peterson's log dogging clamps.  I have never used them. 

If you are interested let me know and I will sell them to you real cheap.







Mark

[4woody]

now this is the Cheapskate saw millin all the steal was free the saw only cost 100$

[SwampDonkey]

  ;D 8)

[Nate Surveyor]

Ga_Boy,

I will seriously try the 5" cut outs. And place some teeth in the bottom.

But, I'd like your Dogs. I'm gonna be milling some odd shaped pieces. I will need some kind of Dogs.

How much$?

My email is in my profile.

Nate

[Mr Mom]

     While we are on the subject how come when you build somthing and it didnt cost alot of money or didnt come from a company people call you cheap??
     
     Just a thought.





     Thanks Alot Mr Mom.

[Tom]

Not all do, Mr. Mom.  I call you Creative and Frugile.  Generally, when I see someone  has made something themselves, whether they reused stuff or not, I admire them a lot more than I do the guy who just plunked down the dollars.

Unfortunately, many of us don't have the knack for fabrication that many of you do.

I sit here, read and clap my hands. 

[beenthere]

Not "cheap", except maybe from envy.

Thrifty, energetic, industrious, creative, ingenious, intuitive, and ambitious.  Those come to mind.  

(Tom beat me to it, but will post anyhow.... )

[Mr Mom]

     I built a set of steps for the front porch and it was to be there until i could get the good treated stuff from the big box store well after three years and told to many times that my steps were cheap i replaced them and spent over $100 bucks and them everyone complained about the price. I cant win for losing.



     Thanks Alot Mr Mom the cheapskate.

[SwampDonkey]

I don't 'normally' condemn anyone for being industrious and inventive either. Sometimes I wonder about their safety, then I'm into 'abnormal' mode. ;)

[Tom]

Read the Aesop's fable about the Man and boy taking their Donkey and goods to market.  It's a great "you can't please everybody" story. :D

[pineywoods]

I'm proud to be called "frugal" and "cheap".  But then my ancestors were mostly scottish ;D

[SwampDonkey]

Long live the Bruce.  :D 8)

[Ed_K]

 4woody thats the koolest idea and I have all them parts too  ;D .

[newbietech]

Hey Nate,

In regards to holding your logs in place, Peterson EZ Dogs are what you want.

They are really basic in design. They slide and clamp onto your skids/bunks then the tips stab into your log to give a firm grip, ur log aint going no where ;). The tips are made of Aluminium so this will save your blade(s) from serious damage,  worse case scenario, you would only have to re-tip your blade.

For more information go to: http://www.petersonsawmills.com/press_releases_ezdogs.html

Regards,

Luke

[Fla._Deadheader]

  When I get the rare opportunity to saw small (er) logs, I use the 8 X 9's with the 5" (approx) SQUARE cut notches. Hold anything I need held.

[Radar67]

With the 5" notches, you can get right down to the bunk.

Stew

[Captain]

I sell dogs, but I'll be the first to tell you I don't use them very often.  Check this link to an article somebody we know wrote:

Keeping the logs in place

Here's the whole article:

Sawing with a Swingmill

Captain

[lmbeachy]

This is my cheapskate way of milling, not a production mill like the big orange machines, but works very well for the hobbyist.

[lmbeachy]

Opps; didn't get the pictures posted