Starting My homemade bandsaw mill build

Kwill · April 24, 2016, 08:05:00 PM

Hello forum long time lurker first time poster. I am in the process of building my first bandsaw mill. It is going to based off the bill rake design. I have been gathering materials at the moment. The big use of my sawmill will be cedar. I have a farm full of nice size cedar trees that I would like to mill out and make lumber for projects. I appreciate any info or advice you guys can offer. 8)

Ox · April 24, 2016, 08:08:34 PM

My advice would be to read each homemade mill thread on this forum and use different ideas that you like. It would take time, but if you've been a longtime lurker perhaps you've already done this. Also, just tack weld parts together and then make sure they fit together properly first before final welding. This could save you a lot of cutting later. Don't ask me how I know. :

:D

Kwill · April 24, 2016, 08:12:03 PM

Here is my metal for the saw frame.Got to find a long reach debur bit to grind the weld on the inside of the 3x3 sliders then i will start with the build.

Kwill · April 24, 2016, 08:14:50 PM

Quote from: Ox on April 24, 2016, 08:08:34 PM
My advice would be to read each homemade mill thread on this forum and use different ideas that you like. It would take time, but if you've been a longtime lurker perhaps you've already done this. Also, just tack weld parts together and then make sure they fit together properly first before final welding. This could save you a lot of cutting later. Don't ask me how I know. : :D

Yes sir i have been reading up on all the sawmill builds. Lots of good ideas and info here for sure.

thecfarm · April 24, 2016, 08:19:54 PM

I'm always pushing the go long part. I have a mill that can cut 20 foot logs. Gives me four feet of extra rail,not 6 inches, to put a 16 foot log on. Helps to get the head out of the way too. Good luck with your build.

Kwill · April 24, 2016, 08:27:10 PM

Quote from: thecfarm on April 24, 2016, 08:19:54 PM
I'm always pushing the go long part. I have a mill that can cut 20 foot logs. Gives me four feet of extra rail,not 6 inches, to put a 16 foot log on. Helps to get the head out of the way too. Good luck with your build.

I havent really decided what size my track will be. I am currently in north dakota working and have better access to metal and a nice place to work on it. Im going to build the head while up here and if i find a boat trailer reasonable priced while here i will build the track.

Magicman · April 24, 2016, 09:10:29 PM

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Kwill. Nice Crappy.

elk42 · April 24, 2016, 09:23:25 PM

Welcome Kwill
Longer is better for sure and work two at a time.

Kwill · April 24, 2016, 10:02:26 PM

Quote from: Magicman on April 24, 2016, 09:10:29 PM
Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Kwill. Nice Crappy.

Thank ya. Caught a lot of crappie in the past month before i had to come up here for work.

r.man · April 24, 2016, 10:28:32 PM

Good luck with the build. You can get square tubing that doesn't have the seam on the inside. I think one builder I saw ground a corresponding groove in the fixed tube since it was easier to do that than remove the internal seam but starting without the seam would be the easiest..

Joe Hillmann · April 25, 2016, 10:44:56 AM

What are you planing to use for wheels?

Kwill · April 25, 2016, 09:28:13 PM

Quote from: Joe Hillmann on April 25, 2016, 10:44:56 AM
What are you planing to use for wheels?

Plans call for trailer wheel and tires.

Kwill · April 26, 2016, 01:57:09 PM

Cut a groove to take care of the seam. The sliders slide nicely now.

squidboy51 · April 26, 2016, 02:56:58 PM

Kwill

Good looking steel and nice straight cuts. Machining the groove for the sliders may be the cat's meow. Looks like you are off to a good start. Not familiar with the "Bill Rake Design" but will search for it and check it out.

Good luck with your build, more updates and pictures please.

I am jealous of the crappie, we are "catch and eat" here in North Fork. One of our favorite fish with hush puppies and coleslaw.

squid

Kwill · April 26, 2016, 06:49:58 PM

Ran into problems once I had the sliders welded to the cross tube. The 1/4 inch 3x3 is just to tight of a fit. Going to get some 3/16 3x3 which will have a little more play but will be easier to work with.

Ox · April 26, 2016, 07:21:08 PM

The 3/16" 3x3 is a good fit. It's what I used, but I turned the seams in towards each other. Seems to work just fine. I think you'll be good. There will be a little wobble until you get some weight hung and pushing the tubes one way or another, then it'll be tight enough to make you happy.

Kwill · April 26, 2016, 07:21:57 PM

Got the uprights done and had the cross tube done but it's not working out. Back to grand forks welding for some 3/16.

Kwill · April 26, 2016, 07:23:24 PM

Quote from: Ox on April 26, 2016, 07:21:08 PM
The 3/16" 3x3 is a good fit. It's what I used, but I turned the seams in towards each other. Seems to work just fine. I think you'll be good. There will be a little wobble until you get some weight hung and pushing the tubes one way or another, then it'll be tight enough to make you happy.

Yeah I should have listen to the little voice in my head that said buy 3/16 ;D

Ox · April 26, 2016, 07:27:32 PM

The voices in my head tell me that the voices in your head are crazy. :D

You had good intentions with the thicker wall and now you'll have some stout stuff that you will be able to use somewhere else! Not a waste by any means.

Kwill · April 26, 2016, 07:37:54 PM

Kinda bummed it didn't work out cause I would have had the frame together. O well there's always tomorrow 8)

Kbeitz · April 26, 2016, 07:46:24 PM

wobble adjuster...

Kwill · April 26, 2016, 08:11:11 PM

Quote from: Kbeitz on April 26, 2016, 07:46:24 PM
wobble adjuster...
That would do it for sure. Thanks for the pic

Kwill · May 13, 2016, 07:40:50 PM

Been busy planting and haven't had time to work on the mill. But this evening I done a little more to it. Got the 3/16 and now the sliders work perfect. This is what I have done so far.