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Adventures of the Turner Mill

Started by Okrafarmer, October 20, 2010, 01:50:23 AM

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Okrafarmer

I don't have much time to write tonight, because I'm past due for bed, but I did a fair bit of milling today-- much of experimental-- ok all of it new and experimental to me. I cut one dead shortleaf pine to investigate the possibilities of making posts and such out of the centers of many of these we have-- good wood inside but bug-eaten--, I milled up a short sweetgum log for some cribbing blocks for my lumber stacks, I sawed up a partly rotten maple log full of ambrosia, I cut a bunch of dry stickers out of 1x wood scraps, and I changed the blade for the first time.  :P

Here is a picture of my maple stack when I was nearly done with it. You can also see one of the sweetgum 4x4's I made, holding it up.



He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

customsawyer

You are doing good might try making those stickers strait up and down on top of each other.
Two LT70s, Nyle L200 kiln, 4 head Pinheiro planer, 30" double surface Cantek planer, Lucas dedicated slabber, Slabmizer, and enough rolling stock and chainsaws to keep it all running.
www.thecustomsawyer.com

Okrafarmer

Quote from: customsawyer on October 20, 2010, 05:12:38 AM
You are doing good might try making those stickers strait up and down on top of each other.

Ah yes, I shall have to straighten them up.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

WDH

Doubling the sweetgum cribbing will get the stack higher off the ground and will allow better air flow under the stack.  The maple looks awesome!
Woodmizer LT40HDD35, John Deere 2155, Kubota M5-111, Kubota L2501, Nyle L53 Dehumidification Kiln, and a passion for all things with leafs, twigs, and bark.  hamsleyhardwood.com

customsawyer



Ah yes, I shall have to straighten them up.
[/quote]

I said the same thing about my boys.
Two LT70s, Nyle L200 kiln, 4 head Pinheiro planer, 30" double surface Cantek planer, Lucas dedicated slabber, Slabmizer, and enough rolling stock and chainsaws to keep it all running.
www.thecustomsawyer.com

Okrafarmer

Quote from: WDH on October 20, 2010, 09:23:47 AM
Doubling the sweetgum cribbing will get the stack higher off the ground and will allow better air flow under the stack.  The maple looks awesome!

I was only using the sweetgum cribbing for temporary stacking purposes while sawing. I put the lumber in the barn at the end of the day. We're a little at a loss for a real good place to stack lumber under cover just now-- maybe I'll have to build a shed for it. :-\

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Okrafarmer

Here are the sweet gum beams after I made the final cut through the middle.
This was when I became pretty sure my blade was getting dull. The thickness became inconsistent. When I tried touching the blade, it wouldn't even prick my finger.



He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Okrafarmer

After changing the blade I cut some dry stickers out of dumpster-diver 1x material. Here are some of them, from the bottom layer.


He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Okrafarmer

And just in case anybody was falling asleep, smiley_dozy_bored I found out that hogs really enjoy eating maple sawdust. And yes, they did swallow some.





And yes you see correctly, they are eating inside the dull blade I took off.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

vadimo

My cat also eating sawdust from chain saw, where I used canola oil for lubrication  :D

SwampDonkey

They thought is was mash until they get bunged up.  :D :D
"No amount of belief makes something a fact." James Randi

1 Thessalonians 5:21

2020 Polaris Ranger 570 to forward firewood, Husqvarna 555 XT Pro, Stihl FS560 clearing saw and continuously thinning my ground, on the side. Grow them trees. (((o)))

bandmiller2

A man armed with common sense is packing a big piece

Okrafarmer

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

WDH

I sometimes eat sawdust too, just not by choice :).
Woodmizer LT40HDD35, John Deere 2155, Kubota M5-111, Kubota L2501, Nyle L53 Dehumidification Kiln, and a passion for all things with leafs, twigs, and bark.  hamsleyhardwood.com

paul case

Quote from: Okrafarmer on October 21, 2010, 07:42:23 AM
Quote from: bandmiller2 on October 21, 2010, 06:51:52 AM
Maple flavored bacon.FC

We might be onto something.

yeah ''on to ''''''sumtin'''''.''  i bet it dont influence the meat much and their ''droppings '' i am certain will not be maple flavored.  the hog growers around here have used sawdust in floor sweep - free range sow feed- for a long time.  pc
life is too short to be too serious. (some idiot)
2013 LT40SHE25 and Riehl edger,  WM 94 LT40 hd E15. Cut my sawing ''teeth'' on an EZ Boardwalk
sawing oak.hickory,ERC,walnut and almost anything else that shows up.
Don't get phylosophical with me. you will loose me for sure.
pc

sandhills

DanG it!!!  I thought I was gettin' back in the hog business again see'ins how you guys figured out a way to make the pooh smell sweet.  Well I guess I'll letcha work on it a while longer. :D  Okra, glad to see you're making dust wish I could say the same, but we plan on having the mill planted by early November so we'll see....

paul case

Quote from: sandhills on October 21, 2010, 01:17:22 PM
DanG it we plan on having the mill planted by early November so we'll see....

are you planting it trying to grow a better one?  pc
life is too short to be too serious. (some idiot)
2013 LT40SHE25 and Riehl edger,  WM 94 LT40 hd E15. Cut my sawing ''teeth'' on an EZ Boardwalk
sawing oak.hickory,ERC,walnut and almost anything else that shows up.
Don't get phylosophical with me. you will loose me for sure.
pc

Okrafarmer

Quote from: paul case on October 21, 2010, 03:06:14 PM
Quote from: sandhills on October 21, 2010, 01:17:22 PM
DanG it we plan on having the mill planted by early November so we'll see....

are you planting it trying to grow a better one?  pc

Thanks, Paul, somebody had to say it, and it wasn't my turn!
:D :D :D :D
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Okrafarmer

I didn't have all day to mill, but I did cut a couple 4x4 beams out of dead pine-- we will use them for building a log dock for the mill. There are many more dead pines nearby we are slowly clearing out-- a small microburst or something hit the woods a year or so ago and there are a lot of dead pines there, mostly on the ground.

After that, I slapped a 16" maple log on to cut it up. It was slightly curved, so this was my first experience dealing with that. This log is from the same tree job as the other maple log I did earlier. I have several more logs from that job that can be milled some time.

Since it was curved, I laid it on its side, so to speak, such that it was lying down flat on the same plane as the mill, but curved sideways. I sliced off the top and bottom (saving all these slabs for burl turners) and then I set it up smiley-wise, clipped the ends and such off, and then I flipped it frown-wise and clipped the bowed top off. Then we were starting to have a cant.





Because the log was so curved, I didn't get too many clear wide boards out of it, as you can imagine, but I did get 5  1x10's, although two of them had a small hole all the way through. The ambrosia and figured grain are stunning. At least to me. Maybe I'm easily impressed. . . . . .





I've been having a little trouble getting my height gauge adjusted properly on the mill and the dog board keeps on being too thick. I'm learning to compensate (after adjusting the gauge, I think I'm reading it wrong or something).
Anyway, I had saved one of the slabs aside that I had decided I had cut too thick, so I wanted to get at least one more 1x out of it. I was hoping for two-- but after I reslabbed it, it was obvious the second 1x wasn't going to happen. So, contemplating what to do, I decided to practice cutting veneer. I had to eyeball the blade to make sure it was close to level each time, as the winch-controlled up-down on the machine can be off by 1/8" left to right sometimes if you don't watch it. I peeled back 5 veneer slices (the first was practically worthless) and worked my way down to my dog board 1x, which will need to be edged.





Then I ran out of time. I have several that need to be edged and I didn't get to that today, but I did learn a lot. I already had one FB friend inquire about buying wood from me.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

sandhills

No guys, after this year I'm not sure if I could even grow cockleburs ;) just want to get it in place and have some fun with it.  Heck I couldn't hardly afford the one I bought so why try for one better? :D

Meadows Miller

Gday

Okra It looks like your having fun and turning out some nice boards Mate ;D ;D 8) 8)  Now we did warn you that this can get just a tad addictive Didn't we Mate  ???  ;)  :D :D :D :D ;D 8)

Regards Chris
4TH Generation Timbergetter

Okrafarmer

I've found out it is intoxicating, mate. ;) I just want to do it more and more.  8) And I haven't even started walnut yet. :o I might even do it some today. 8)  I think I'm what you Aussies call a wowser  :o that is, I don't smoke or drink, and when I was there in Victoria some people were offended  >:( that I wouldn't even try Victoria Bitter to see what it tasted like  :-\ and I told them not to worry I had never tried Coors, Budweiser, or any other American beer either  :-* so not to worry  8) but you see now I do have an addiction I can experience to make me more normal mate!  :D :D ;D ;D
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

paul case

oh no, theres nothing normal about this addiction. most folks shy away from a job that is so dangerous that probably 1/2 of the people who were involved in it 50 years ago were missing body parts from it. not only that this job/ addiction is one that will cause you to get real filthy in every way except rich.
why we love to saw???
1 looking for gold where we cant see???
2 need the next project made of wood a little cheaper???
3 want a piece of ground cleared and no one wants small logs.
4 sawdust is theraputic
5 we like to make products they dont sell at the box store
6all those logs are just waiting for us to look inside
7 the wife already asked us to get out of the house more
8 it is neat to take a rough log and make real nice boards out of it
9 the lumber at the lumberyard is mostly imported
10 it is good for a sideline- hobby to pay off once in a while.

just my thoughts on the matter pc
life is too short to be too serious. (some idiot)
2013 LT40SHE25 and Riehl edger,  WM 94 LT40 hd E15. Cut my sawing ''teeth'' on an EZ Boardwalk
sawing oak.hickory,ERC,walnut and almost anything else that shows up.
Don't get phylosophical with me. you will loose me for sure.
pc

SwampDonkey

Well you sawmillers are like us brush cutters, still out cutting your fortune. :D
"No amount of belief makes something a fact." James Randi

1 Thessalonians 5:21

2020 Polaris Ranger 570 to forward firewood, Husqvarna 555 XT Pro, Stihl FS560 clearing saw and continuously thinning my ground, on the side. Grow them trees. (((o)))

Okrafarmer

I regret to announce i was unable to mill today because I had to work. :-X  I mean I had more pressing work.  :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Banjo picker

ok but don't let it happen too often....Tim
Never explain, your friends don't need it, and your enemies won't believe you any way.

DextorDee

Okrafarmer, glad to hear you got the Turner setup and sawing, I sure enjoyed sawing with it and I Dang sure miss it. :'(
Ken
Ken
KI4BMW
North East Georgia

bandmiller2

Okra,as I've always said it takes a good job to support a sawmill. Frank C.
A man armed with common sense is packing a big piece

Okrafarmer

Quote from: DextorDee on October 24, 2010, 05:07:55 AM
Okrafarmer, glad to hear you got the Turner setup and sawing, I sure enjoyed sawing with it and I Dang sure miss it. :'(
Ken
Thanks, Ken, and I sure am enjoying it. If you're ever going to be up this way, come and see us.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Okrafarmer

For anybody not very familiar with the Turner mill, I will just say that it is very very simple (we have the manual model) and I would say it is a good first band mill for anyone. It is very easy to figure out even for someone who is not 100% mechanically inclined (I resemble that remark). The company is always available on the phone during business hours (as far as I know). I've called them twice-- their phone # is right on the side of the mill and you will be instantly talking to someone knowledgeable. Probably one of the family members.

The one problem I'm having right now is a minor one-- that is that as I move the head up and down, it stops at a slightly different angle left and right if you are going up compared to if you are going down. We're talking about maybe 1/16" of difference on a board from one side to the other, and for rough cut lumber that really isn't too much of a problem. I just have to watch it.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

redbeard

Iam sure there is a adjustment on the chain or cable that raises the saw head that could be out of plumb and are you putting a level on the blade between the guide rollers maybe one of the guide rollers has went up or down. One small bump on the guide rollers will can knock it out of plumb. A good torpedo level is one of my main tools, always checking stuff.
Whidbey Woodworks and Custom Milling  2019 Cooks AC 3662T High production band mill and a Hud-son 60 Diesel wide cut bandmill  JD 2240 50hp Tractor with 145 loader IR 1044 all terrain fork lift  Cooks sharp

DextorDee

The level is a good idea I had one with a magnet that I used to check the blade. Thats where I would start looking, the bearings can be a little tricky when trying to get them tight and keep both in line, I used a small C clamp to help keep them together.
Some logs just don't like being sawed you'll see what I mean as you saw different species. Sawed some Ash one time that wanted to be a conoe.
It is a simple mill, thats what I liked about it.
Enjoy the dust.
Ken
Ken
KI4BMW
North East Georgia

bandmiller2

Okra,not sure what the Turner uses to lift the head but if its wire cable sometimes one side will ride up over the last wind and the outher won't. Frank C.
A man armed with common sense is packing a big piece

Okrafarmer

It is cable hoisted by an electric winch on block and tackle pulleys. I'll have to get a picture when I go tomorrow. I think right now it cuts just within acceptable tolerances so I will keep an eye on it for now.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

paul case

if it has adjustable (in/out) guide rollers check them for sawdust buildup under the slides and make sure they are tight.my mill uses cables too and 1 of them has a adjustable link where it hooks on to the head.pc
life is too short to be too serious. (some idiot)
2013 LT40SHE25 and Riehl edger,  WM 94 LT40 hd E15. Cut my sawing ''teeth'' on an EZ Boardwalk
sawing oak.hickory,ERC,walnut and almost anything else that shows up.
Don't get phylosophical with me. you will loose me for sure.
pc

Okrafarmer

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

SwampDonkey

If it's on a cable system, I was just wondering if the way it's wraps on the spool on one side versus the other can throw off the tolerance a little. As the wrap increases, the diameter the cable is wrapping over increases and hoists a little faster as you go up. Enough to cause a slight cant?
"No amount of belief makes something a fact." James Randi

1 Thessalonians 5:21

2020 Polaris Ranger 570 to forward firewood, Husqvarna 555 XT Pro, Stihl FS560 clearing saw and continuously thinning my ground, on the side. Grow them trees. (((o)))

Okrafarmer

Quote from: SwampDonkey on October 25, 2010, 03:36:06 AM
If it's on a cable system, I was just wondering if the way it's wraps on the spool on one side versus the other can throw off the tolerance a little. As the wrap increases, the diameter the cable is wrapping over increases and hoists a little faster as you go up. Enough to cause a slight cant?

Could be. I was hoping to look at it today, and I may yet but it's raining right now and might all day.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

paul case

Quote from: SwampDonkey on October 25, 2010, 03:36:06 AM
If it's on a cable system, I was just wondering if the way it's wraps on the spool on one side versus the other can throw off the tolerance a little. As the wrap increases, the diameter the cable is wrapping over increases and hoists a little faster as you go up. Enough to cause a slight cant?

my mill is like that but it has grooved drums that the cable goes around and they never get all filled.  the book says that if you let the head all the way down and keep letting it down the cables could get crossed causing the head not to be level with the bed when raised again. pc
life is too short to be too serious. (some idiot)
2013 LT40SHE25 and Riehl edger,  WM 94 LT40 hd E15. Cut my sawing ''teeth'' on an EZ Boardwalk
sawing oak.hickory,ERC,walnut and almost anything else that shows up.
Don't get phylosophical with me. you will loose me for sure.
pc

Chuck White

Good point Paul.

The cable would be just bunching up when you go to raise the head, instead of following a set pattern.  Makes sense.
~Chuck~  Cooks Cat Claw sharpener and single tooth setter.  2018 Chevy Silverado and 2021 Subaru Ascent.
With basic mechanical skills and the ability to read you can maintain a Woodmizer  LT40!

barbender

On my Rake mill the head will bind up because it is heavier on the engine side, and I have to go down past the measurement I want and raise the head back up to it. Otherwise it is way off from side to side. I had thought of adding a brace on the one side so it would cantilever like an LT15, if that makes sense.
Too many irons in the fire

barbender

Too many irons in the fire

barbender

As you can see in the above pics, there is more than a passing resemblance between the Turner mill and my Rake design mill. The plans I had from rake didn't include any guarding for the wheels and blade or the drive pulley/shaft. I'd never seen a turner mill, I just built my guards pretty much the only way they would fit. Then one day I was looking at mills online, and I saw one where I thought "Hey that looks like mine" :) Our guard system is very similar, I thought I must have been on the right track if someone was manufacturing them that way. Okra, on my mill the head is built on steel square tubing that slides on the steel tube uprights. Steel sliding inside of steel, once you get it loose enough to slide the head starts to rack. It's been a bit of frustration for me, I'm just wondering what your mill uses there?
Too many irons in the fire

SwampDonkey

What's that white stuff? You sawing glaciers? ;D ;)
"No amount of belief makes something a fact." James Randi

1 Thessalonians 5:21

2020 Polaris Ranger 570 to forward firewood, Husqvarna 555 XT Pro, Stihl FS560 clearing saw and continuously thinning my ground, on the side. Grow them trees. (((o)))

Okrafarmer

BB, the uprights are square tubing. The winch lifts from directly overhead but due to the block system the actual hoist cable is off center a little. And on the light side of the mill, as I recall. I didn't actually look at it today-- I don't live where it does.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

barbender

Old pics SD, but the white stuff isn't far off I'm afraid!
Too many irons in the fire

SwampDonkey

Oh well. Had me all worked up with by snow sled projects. Not the motorized kind. ;D
"No amount of belief makes something a fact." James Randi

1 Thessalonians 5:21

2020 Polaris Ranger 570 to forward firewood, Husqvarna 555 XT Pro, Stihl FS560 clearing saw and continuously thinning my ground, on the side. Grow them trees. (((o)))

Okrafarmer

As I mentioned elsewhere on the forum, I made my first sale from the sawmill when I sold my maple slabs.  ;D

Well, today, I received my first lumber order, from the same customer. He wants about 40 bf of walnut cut 6/4 natural log width. (no edging!  8) ) He will be paying $2 / bf for it. This seems like a good start! He also saw my maple veneer and wants me to make some more, so when I can get to it I will have two more logs to cut into.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

bandmiller2

Bender, have you tried putting a little more tension on the heavy side cable,outherwise as you said add some weight to the light side or possibly move the light side cable attachment in to equalize the weight. Nice job by the way Frank C.
A man armed with common sense is packing a big piece

paul case

okra,
how are you going to measure bdft on a board with no square edges? i have been through this and i have to do it in lots. most of the live edge stuff i do is erc. when sawing for someone who wants live edge it is a no brainer to charge by the hour but when they are buying the boards it is a little tougher. got a plan?  pc
life is too short to be too serious. (some idiot)
2013 LT40SHE25 and Riehl edger,  WM 94 LT40 hd E15. Cut my sawing ''teeth'' on an EZ Boardwalk
sawing oak.hickory,ERC,walnut and almost anything else that shows up.
Don't get phylosophical with me. you will loose me for sure.
pc

Meadows Miller

Gday

with natural edge stuff I have always gone to the nearest size on the small end to work out the volume  ;)

Regards Chris
4TH Generation Timbergetter

Chuck White

Quote from: Meadows Miller on November 03, 2010, 08:54:32 AM
Gday

with natural edge stuff I have always gone to the nearest size on the small end to work out the volume  ;)

Regards Chris

That's the way I've always figured it to Chris.

Chuck
~Chuck~  Cooks Cat Claw sharpener and single tooth setter.  2018 Chevy Silverado and 2021 Subaru Ascent.
With basic mechanical skills and the ability to read you can maintain a Woodmizer  LT40!

Okrafarmer

Quote from: Chuck White on November 03, 2010, 09:14:25 AM
Quote from: Meadows Miller on November 03, 2010, 08:54:32 AM
Gday

with natural edge stuff I have always gone to the nearest size on the small end to work out the volume  ;)

Regards Chris

That's the way I've always figured it to Chris.

Chuck

Me too, that's what I'm doing. After all, I would have edged it otherwise. That stuff on the edge would be essentially lost. And he kept me from making extra cuts. I told him if there was a lot of taper, I would round up to the nearest inch on the small edge. He said that was fine. He is planning to trim it down himself.



Here's the log on the mill. I lucked out-- the topline was level just the way I heaved it on with the tractor. No need to turn it or lift the end. A branch stub underneath held it up on the small end. This log was 6' long and over 16" on the small end. The big end as you shall see, had a small rot spot where the pith had been. Therefore, and because of the taper, I decided to wedge mill it. (ok, there's probably a REAL term for it, but that's my term for cutting parallel to the bark rather than the pith).
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Okrafarmer

The official bf for this log are 54, 62, and 68. I already know I beat the Doyle very handily, but I haven't measured the widths and recorded yet how many bf I actually retrieved. Some of the boards had internal defects, and I'm not sure yet if I have enough actual good wood for him. He wants "36 linear feet as wide as the saw cuts it, 6/4."

So. . . . .












Last board.

And yeah, that big fat guy is me.  8) 8) 8) 8)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

redbeard

Wow I would love to cut some walnut like that , rare out here to find blk walnut heart wood like that. It is blk walnut!
Whidbey Woodworks and Custom Milling  2019 Cooks AC 3662T High production band mill and a Hud-son 60 Diesel wide cut bandmill  JD 2240 50hp Tractor with 145 loader IR 1044 all terrain fork lift  Cooks sharp

SwampDonkey

Nice walnut, our butternut has real narrow sapwood also. When the boards are all edged, it's rare to see sapwood on a butternut board. ;D
"No amount of belief makes something a fact." James Randi

1 Thessalonians 5:21

2020 Polaris Ranger 570 to forward firewood, Husqvarna 555 XT Pro, Stihl FS560 clearing saw and continuously thinning my ground, on the side. Grow them trees. (((o)))

Okrafarmer

For commercial uses, the sapwood is often totally or nearly trimmed off. This buyer, like some other small-timers, is planning to leave some sapwood on as he doesn't mind the visual effect it will have.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

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Okrafarmer

Quote from: redbeard on November 04, 2010, 02:12:31 AM
Wow I would love to cut some walnut like that , rare out here to find blk walnut heart wood like that. It is blk walnut!

When my dad lived in Oregon, decades ago, he salvaged some gunstock blanks out of some English walnut grove trees that were lost in a storm. You might check that out as a possibility.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

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paul case

i wouldnt dare say anything about your hangover. over your belt.




some pictures dont exactly get the most pleasing pose huh. i like to say the cmers adds 80 lbs.  the milling looks like its going well and thats some nice looking walnut. my local mwalnut buyer steams their walnut so the sapwood is the same color as the heart and they use it all. dont ask me how that works, its just what i have been told. pc
life is too short to be too serious. (some idiot)
2013 LT40SHE25 and Riehl edger,  WM 94 LT40 hd E15. Cut my sawing ''teeth'' on an EZ Boardwalk
sawing oak.hickory,ERC,walnut and almost anything else that shows up.
Don't get phylosophical with me. you will loose me for sure.
pc

Magicman

Quote from: Okrafarmer on November 04, 2010, 01:12:16 AMAnd yeah, that big fat guy is me.  8) 8) 8) 8) 

I thought there for a minute that I was going to have to mail you some "Plumber's Crack" spackle.
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barbender

The company I work for requires us to wear reflective hi-vis safety vests on the job. One old fella on the crew is so skinny that his pants are always riding about 4" low, we teased him so much that he had his wife use a chunk of his old vest and sew a tail extension on his new vest, so that it keeps the ol' B.C. out of sight. We told him he should patent and market his design ;) He is an independent trucker, I rent him sometimes when I do side jobs. He showed up at a job I was doing for a friend, and didn't have his vest. I told him that these were decent folk, I would appreciate it if he brought his vest and wore it :)
Too many irons in the fire

SwampDonkey

Quote from: Okrafarmer on November 04, 2010, 08:32:09 AM
For commercial uses, the sapwood is often totally or nearly trimmed off.

Yeah, I only made that comment because the sapwood zone is so narrow, that by the time you get to making something from the board, after edging, jointing and planing, it pretty much is gone. ;)
"No amount of belief makes something a fact." James Randi

1 Thessalonians 5:21

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WDH

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paul case

life is too short to be too serious. (some idiot)
2013 LT40SHE25 and Riehl edger,  WM 94 LT40 hd E15. Cut my sawing ''teeth'' on an EZ Boardwalk
sawing oak.hickory,ERC,walnut and almost anything else that shows up.
Don't get phylosophical with me. you will loose me for sure.
pc

Okrafarmer

Here's one I forgot to share from yesterday.



The fellow picked up the boards today. I only charged him based on the heartwood width instead of sapwood, and I still sold him 66 bf out of that log. Not bad since it International'ed at 68. $132 plus I sold him the wedge out of the middle for $20-- it had some nice stuff for turnings.

Between him and another customer we sold about $300 worth of products today. A good start.

I also sawed up our biggest ambrosia maple log, a 7-footer with a small end of about 18-20" (forgot to measure). First I cut some veneer off the first side of the log, some of which the walnut buyer also bought. As I worked down into the big maple log, I found some of the most stunning ambrosia patterns yet-- multiple colors and amazing patterns. I saved one 3" slab to sell for carving or turning blanks-- or whatever other use anybody might want.

I'll post today's pix as soon as I can get them uploaded.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Okrafarmer

First I had to do some maintenance on the mill. I replaced some of the guide rollers that weren't rolling and replaced the blade. I also greased the two fittings I could find (on the drive engagement shaft). Then I releveled the mill track.

For those not familiar with the Turner Mill, here is the wheel setup, with rubber tires.



Here is one of the veneer slices. (Don't knock 'em, I already sold some!)



At the wide base of the log I found this incredible red flame pattern:

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Okrafarmer

And I also cut a big 3" slab that can be sold for carving or turning blanks, a mantle piece, or whatever else.



It was a fun fun day.

I also got a tentative order (to be confirmed with specifics) for oak trailer decking-- I gather if I get a satisfied trailer decking customer, then I become a genuine accomplished sawyer?  :P  8)
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

paul case

okra,
good pics. keep them coming.
how thick did you saw your veneer? what kind of blade guides does the turner have?  pc
life is too short to be too serious. (some idiot)
2013 LT40SHE25 and Riehl edger,  WM 94 LT40 hd E15. Cut my sawing ''teeth'' on an EZ Boardwalk
sawing oak.hickory,ERC,walnut and almost anything else that shows up.
Don't get phylosophical with me. you will loose me for sure.
pc

Okrafarmer

The blade guides are just little disk-like rollers with bearings inside them, metal.

I saw the veneer about 1/16" although it's hard to be real precise as this mill is not super accurate. I've gotten to where I drop it 1/8 for quick consistency. The curf, I think, is just a little less than 1/16 so each piece "averages" a tad over 1/16" which is great because you have to leave a little to be sanded down or whatever. Much thinner than that and I have trouble with consistency and the blade wants to ride out sometimes. Probably the computer controlled mills can saw thinner than this, I don't know. But I've had good results so far, considering the limitations of the machine.

Now if I can figure out a fair and consistent way to price the veneer I sell. . . . .
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

SwampDonkey

Looks like a little bit of curl in the big end. Does that carry on up the log? That's worth more than the ambrosia in itself.  ;D I ask because it's common for curl to be in the but and run out after a couple feet up the but log in red maple. I've seen curl in sugar maple that looked like tiger stripes, and that's what they would call it. :) An old guy and a couple of his buddies were always finding figured maple and birch as he had connections with a nephew who was one of the foresters for a forest company. Around his camp lease on crown land he had birdseye maples all around the yard. I've seen them.

Here's a fleck of bark with birdseye dimples from a site nearby a pre-commercial thinning block I ribboned. There was evidence of a lot of poaching going on, axe marks on the side of many maples. Can't for the life of me imagine you would need to take an axe to know it was birdseye. You don't know any more about the inside of the tree than looking at the bark. Still have to cut it down, to know more and to mill it out to be real sure of it's quality and value. ;D

"No amount of belief makes something a fact." James Randi

1 Thessalonians 5:21

2020 Polaris Ranger 570 to forward firewood, Husqvarna 555 XT Pro, Stihl FS560 clearing saw and continuously thinning my ground, on the side. Grow them trees. (((o)))

Okrafarmer

I don't think the curl itself actually went the length of the log anywhere, but I did cut off a couple more pieces of veneer (not shown) that had it. It was such a nice figure I wanted to save it every way I could!
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Okrafarmer

I milled two logs today, a 6' walnut log (62 bf) and an almost 4' chinese chestnut. Pictures and info to follow sometime when I'm not sleepy. The walnut was an additional order from my first walnut customer, and the chestnut was in hopes that some of it would be good enough for the custom skateboard maker, but alas it was splitting apart too easily, even as I banged sawdust off it. I guess that's what chestnut does, it splits easy. It milled easily too, but I had to put  a board under it because it was too short for the mill. Beautiful wood, made 1x and veneer. Pix later.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Okrafarmer

All right, so yesterday I sawed the walnut log and the chinese chestnut log. I took one of my hobbits with me. . . .



and I sawed up the walnut log first. It's preordered and half paid for.



Then I put the chestnut log on. It was only 45" long, just an awkward size to put on the mill, but I put a board under it and away we went.

I took off the first slab and was instantly astounded by what I found inside. Chestnut is beautiful, unlike anything else I've ever seen. I cut some veneer pieces to get me down to a wide enough cut to proceed.



Then I went to turn the log, and plunk, I lost it down between the frame. It was too heavy even for me to lift, but finally with a bunch of prying I managed to get it back on top of the board and get it turned.



Finally I was sawing away. I was breathtaken by the grain and color of the wood.



Finally I got it down to a cant.



By now it was starting to get dark, but I sawed it mostly into 4/4. The grain was beautiful all the way through, but I was noticing a disturbing tendency for the wood to split, even when I was just turning it over. That's too bad. I guess chestnut is just like that. Eventually I got it sawn up and put it and the walnut away in the garage.



My boss got home later that night after I left, went out to check on some things and found I had left his chainsaw out at the sawmill. He texted me, a little put out. I told him I was sorry, it was dark when I packed everything up and I forgot it.

Oh well.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Okrafarmer

Quote from: Okrafarmer on November 04, 2010, 11:34:28 PMI saw the veneer about 1/16" although it's hard to be real precise as this mill is not super accurate. I've gotten to where I drop it 1/8 for quick consistency. The curf, I think, is just a little less than 1/16 so each piece "averages" a tad over 1/16" which is great because you have to leave a little to be sanded down or whatever. Much thinner than that and I have trouble with consistency and the blade wants to ride out sometimes. Probably the computer controlled mills can saw thinner than this, I don't know. But I've had good results so far, considering the limitations of the machine.

Now if I can figure out a fair and consistent way to price the veneer I sell. . . . .

These numbers are bogus, actually. I'm not sure what my curf is, but I move the saw blade 1/4" and the veneer ends up around 1/8" thick. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I'm still trying to figure it out dimensionally, but practically I know I have to move my power head 1/4" each cut.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

redbeard

The chestnut is awesome what rich color, looks like it is pretty dry that would be good for veneers. I have had pretty good luck keeping some veneers stable, not having a kiln makes it a challenge.
Whidbey Woodworks and Custom Milling  2019 Cooks AC 3662T High production band mill and a Hud-son 60 Diesel wide cut bandmill  JD 2240 50hp Tractor with 145 loader IR 1044 all terrain fork lift  Cooks sharp

Slingshot


  Good looking boards, Okra. You have an interesting worksite, looks like you have been
in the 'sawing'  business for a long time.  smiley_chop





___________________________
sling_shot

Okrafarmer

Funny, but I haven't. I've hardly done 15 logs, if that. A lot of the wood piled up there is firewood waiting to be processed. Some of the firewood got processed today. We've only been dumping wood up there for around 3-4 months now.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

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