Chain Saw sawmill

**Pal334** · 10-24-2009, 07:41 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xgoe...eature=related

In a couple years I will be moving out of the Peoples Republic of New Jersey back to Up State New York. The property I have there has a fairly substantial stand of mixed trees. My plan is to fell some of the better trees and get them cut for lumber to be used on a few outbuildings I want to build. And being a semi handy man, I would like to start doing the cutting and milling of the lumber on my own and let it dry for a year or two before I use it. That way I control dimensions, quality, etc. Besides, I hate paying someone to do my work if I am able to do it.

My question is: Have any of the forum members used the type of chain saw mill shown in the video link (not necessarily that brand)? Any particular problems etc? I know I can read directions, but prefer to hear from someone with hands one experience.

**crashdive123** · 10-24-2009, 07:54 PM

I think that Wild Woman and Sourdough have talked about using Alaskan Sawmills, which sounded similar to the one in the video.

**Pal334** · 10-24-2009, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by crashdive123

I think that Wild Woman and Sourdough have talked about using Alaskan Sawmills, which sounded similar to the one in the video.

I had looked at those, seems like alot of stoop labor.. I was thinking about something that would be easier on the back

Not quite the spring chicken any more

**crashdive123** · 10-24-2009, 08:07 PM

True. I like the one in the vid.

**nell67** · 10-24-2009, 08:07 PM

Never seen a chainsaw driven sawmill before,but I have seen a chainsaw driven woodsplitter.

**Pal334** · 10-24-2009, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by nell67

Never seen a chainsaw driven sawmill before,but I have seen a chainsaw driven woodsplitter.

My aching back,lets not start wood splitting

**doug1980** · 10-24-2009, 08:22 PM

I have used one very similar but prefer the portable band mills. A lot less waste with the band mills.

http://www.woodmizer.com/us/catalogR...FRcjawodPEDdqw

These are very good, but a little spendy. For what you want it for though, the chainsaw mill would work fine. Just make sure to keep the chain sharp.

**Pal334** · 10-24-2009, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by doug1980

I have used one very similar but prefer the portable band mills. A lot less waste with the band mills.

http://www.woodmizer.com/us/catalogR...FRcjawodPEDdqw

These are very good, but a little spendy. For what you want it for though, the chainsaw mill would work fine. Just make sure to keep the chain sharp.

THat may be the way to go, smoother cuts I would guess. My main concern will be ease of set up and break down. Not so concerned with the cost (within reason), it will be a gift from the wife (just have to wait for the right time to break it to her)

**crashdive123** · 10-24-2009, 08:40 PM

Well, when you decide to make the move and get the mill set up ---- party at Pal's place - time for a good ole fashioned barn raising.

**Pal334** · 10-24-2009, 08:51 PM

Originally Posted by crashdive123

Well, when you decide to make the move and get the mill set up ---- party at Pal's place - time for a good ole fashioned barn raising.

Beers on me!!!!! Assuming the missus has not put me in an ICU

**doug1980** · 10-24-2009, 08:57 PM

The wood mizers are on a trailer platform. No real need for set up or break down. If you get the hydraulic ones, than no need to wrestle the logs up on the saw. That can be a real pain even with some good cant hooks.

**Pal334** · 10-24-2009, 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by doug1980

The wood mizers are on a trailer platform. No real need for set up or break down. If you get the hydraulic ones, than no need to wrestle the logs up on the saw. That can be a real pain even with some good cant hooks.

Not bad. I will have the trees cut by someone, then I will be on my own. Besides my motto is MORE POWER!!!!!

**2dumb2kwit** · 10-24-2009, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by Pal334

Not bad. I will have the trees cut by someone, then I will be on my own. Besides my motto is MORE POWER!!!!!

Oh, Oh, Oh,....you'll need one of these!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60Tamp2fHhg

**Pal334** · 10-24-2009, 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by 2dumb2kwit

Oh, Oh, Oh,....you'll need one of these!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60Tamp2fHhg

I wonder if the wife would hold up well on that? She is only 4 foot nothing.

I am sure that would result in an ER run for me

I will wait until after watching the Martinsville race to bring upthe subject

**woodsman86** · 10-25-2009, 06:35 AM

A mentor of mine used the portable band type sawmill and then kiln dried the lumber in a converted old school bus. He had it rigged with some sort of heater and then used the lumber to build his house and workshop. I don't know if he ever published the plans anywhere. He use to run the eco-village for Mother Earth News back in the 80s and always had a way of inventing something instead of buying it. Just something to think about.

**Pal334** · 10-25-2009, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by woodsman86

A mentor of mine used the portable band type sawmill and then kiln dried the lumber in a converted old school bus. He had it rigged with some sort of heater and then used the lumber to build his house and workshop. I don't know if he ever published the plans anywhere. He use to run the eco-village for Mother Earth News back in the 80s and always had a way of inventing something instead of buying it. Just something to think about.

I actually had not considered a kiln. But it maybe worth pursuing.THanks for the idea

**Rick** · 10-25-2009, 08:07 AM

Pal - Check out the band sawmill in the add above. It's something you're interested in and would help Chris.

**Pal334** · 10-25-2009, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Rick

Pal - Check out the band sawmill in the add above. It's something you're interested in and would help Chris.

I think I will, it has kiln info also, so may be a one stop shopping.Of course still contemplating if I will seek permission or forgiveness from the "boss".