Chainsaw mills can be an invaluable tool for woodworkers and homeowners alike, helping you turn logs into usable lumber quickly. However, before investing in one, you must consider all your needs and requirements.
First, determine the bar length and width that your chainsaw can support. This will indicate the maximum width of lumber you can cut with it.
Features
A sawmill for the chainsaw is an attachment that transforms timbers into slabs of lumber. This type of tool is popular among woodworkers, both professionals, and homesteaders alike. Not only does it save time and money by cutting logs into more marketable pieces of wood, but it can also save them effort when cutting new growth from trees.
When looking for the ideal chainsaw mill, factors like your budget and intended projects must be taken into consideration. Professionals require a sawmill that can handle large jobs and produce high volumes of lumber; on the other hand, amateur woodworkers or homeowners may opt for cheaper models that allow them to produce smaller amounts of slabs and boards at lower costs.
Chainsaw mills are widely used for cutting logs into beams and planks for construction projects. You can also use it to cut out door and window openings, as well as make miter cuts on structurally insulated panels (SIPs).
Chainsaw mills come in two primary varieties: edging and horizontal. The former requires you to mount it on a board, while the latter rests atop of a log and cuts uniform plank thicknesses.
Some edging mills offer the flexibility to adjust the depth of cut by changing the angle of their blade, so you can get a straight and square edge on beams or planks without needing to use a power saw.
In some cases, you can adjust the height of a machine to make cutting logs easier or more challenging. This feature is especially helpful with some edging mills as it reduces the kickback that you may encounter.
Another critical characteristic of a chainsaw mill is its capacity to handle various log sizes. A wide-cut sawmill may be better at handling larger pieces of wood, while a narrow-cut saw is better suited to cutting smaller trees and branches.
Operation
A sawmill for the chainsaw is a machine used to cut wood into boards, slabs, and lumber. It allows homeowners to maximize the productivity of their trees by producing more lumber in less time while reducing waste. Furthermore, they save money by not having to transport heavy logs to a lumber mill.
Chainsaw mills for chainsaw use specialized jig systems to precisely cut fallen logs into useable lumber. Not only is this machine inexpensive and portable, but it’s also available commercially.
Horizontal mills require operators to attach a jig to a log and roll or lift it into position before setting the blade for the initial flat cut. This cuts away any outer layers of wood so subsequent cuts can be made more accurately. Some jigs are permanently attached, but many commercially available pre-made ones can also be utilized.
Horizontal mills typically feature a track that runs along the length of a log and an accompanying saw blade that travels alongside it. They also usually include a flat reference point such as a welded table or extension ladder to register each flat cut and provide level surfaces for subsequent cuts.
The cutting capacity of a sawmill is determined by several factors, including bar size and its capacity for holding oil. Ideally, select a model that can handle your desired bar length; however, this isn’t an absolute rule.
Another important consideration when purchasing a chainsaw is its power rating. Generally, chainsaws with 50cc or greater engine horsepower ratings are ideal for milling applications.
Finally, the weight of your chainsaw and milling equipment has a major effect on performance and portability. Ideally, your mill should weigh no more than 20 pounds for optimal portability.
Chainsaw mills typically come in one of two materials: aluminum or steel. Although lighter, aluminum models may not be as durable or reliable as steel models and may need more upkeep. If you plan on doing a lot of heavy-duty cutting and wood milling, investing in a steel model could be your best bet.
Safety
A sawmill is an efficient tool that turns logs into lumber. However, you must take necessary safety precautions before using it as this equipment can be quite powerful and hazardous if not handled correctly. Furthermore, running a sawmill requires considerable time and energy to maintain.
When using this equipment, always wear protective gear such as safety glasses to avoid any injuries. Furthermore, make sure the location of the equipment is secure – such as one that cannot be reached by pets or children – to keep it out of harm’s way.
When cutting, ensure your stance is firm and the saw is braced securely to avoid kickback. Kickback occurs when a chain comes into contact with something solid or is pinched during a cut, and it can cause significant injury – potentially resulting in a fall for the operator.
Depending on the model of your saw, the bar may have an anti-kickback feature to keep you secure while cutting. This is particularly helpful when cutting with the top side of the bar.
To reduce the chance of a kickback, wrap your left thumb around the front handle while cutting. This encircling grip keeps the chain away from your arm and leg so that they aren’t injured during cutting.
One key safety feature of a chainsaw is the chain brake. This device helps keep the chain from spinning if you slip on wet or greasy soil, and it can also stop it when moving too quickly, potentially leading to its attachment to trees or other obstructions.
Aside from these features, your saw may also come equipped with a chain guard to protect the blade of your saw. This can be especially advantageous when felling large trees as it helps reduce injuries caused by sharp metal parts on the chain.
Eye protection is important when using the saw, as it can shield your eyes from flying debris such as wood chips. Safety glasses that meet ANSI Z.87.1 1979 standards for eye protection or face screens that deflect debris before it hits your eyes are both options.
Maintenance
Chainsaw mills require regular maintenance to guarantee their performance and safety. Adopting daily, weekly, or monthly upkeep routines for your saw will help keep it running optimally.
Chainsaw blades can become dull if not sharpened regularly, leading to binding, jumping off the bar, and decreased productivity. This unit simplifies sharpening a chain by clamping onto the bar with an attached burr that rotates it until finely ground and ready for use.
Another maintenance feature is a screen that shields the operator’s eyes from flying chips. These screens are usually composed of wire mesh, designed to absorb saw chips and stop them from bouncing off of handles or activating release switches.
These screens not only keep the operator safe, but they also reduce the risk of blades flying off and sending shrapnel into the air. It’s essential to note that these screens only work if someone wears prescription eye protection and a face shield.
Some chainsaws are equipped with a push-back prevention system that activates when the chain turns under power and becomes bound on top of the cutting guide bar. If this reaction causes the saw to swerve and hit an operator, they may sustain serious injury.
Chainsaws can be challenging to maintain if their bar is too long or they’re not properly lubricated. Check with your chainsaw manufacturer to determine what length is recommended for your model.
When choosing a saw bar, the size is often determined by how much bar oil it can support. A bar that’s too long may overheat and require additional lubrication, increasing maintenance expenses.
Many mills come with a bar clamp to shorten the cutting bar’s length. Drilling these clamps can be time-consuming and annoying.
If a machine is going to be exposed to harsh conditions, it should be designed with easy upkeep and service in mind. Having access to spare parts is invaluable for any miller.