
Use supports or props with a concave shape, allowing the log to balance on its exterior curve. Perform any routine maintenance on your chainsaw before beginning this project. Even simpler small chainsaws need this maintenance. Safe operation of a chainsaw includes proper lubrication and sharp blades. This method relies on cutting vertically through the log, rather than horizontally.
#Sawing logs how to
How to Cut Logs Into Lumber Without a Mill (Freehand)
#Sawing logs upgrade
If you’re interested, you could also upgrade to a portable sawmill. You might throw a chain and have to replace it or reattach it. If the chainsaw makes a funny noise or does something you don’t expect, immediately kill the power and stop sawing.ĭepending on how many cuts you have to make, your chainsaw might need to be refueled. Never force the chainsaw – apply gentle pressure only. You can change the depth of your cut using the risers on the side of your mill, or keep it consistent to produce evenly sized lumber. If you aligned the guard rails perfectly for the first cut, you can use the flat, level surface of the log top as a guide for subsequent cuts. Use a bubble level to check how straight and even your cut is. When you’ve cut all the way along the log, turn off the chainsaw and wait for it to stop spinning before setting it down. With one hand on the chainsaw handle and the other hand on the mill, push the chainsaw away from your body, along the guide rails and through the log. Keeping your body and fingers out of the path of the blade, use the handles on the chainsaw and on the mill to slide the mill onto the guide rails. Make sure you have sufficient fuel and that your blade is sharp and properly lubricated. Decide how thick you want your planks, and adjust the riser accordingly. There are marks on the riser at the side of the mill. Slide the mill down the blade of your chainsaw and attach it tightly to the motor housing. Use a mallet to tap the holding pins into place, ensuring that the guide rails don’t move with the vibration of the saw. Set a level on top of the guide rails and adjust the screws as necessary until the guide rails are perfectly flat, straight, and level. Props or chucks inserted where the log meets the ground are a great way to keep it in place. Ensure the log is stable and steady, and won’t roll from side to side.

When using a mill, you’ll be cutting slices off the top of the log as it sits on its side. How to Cut Logs Into Lumber With a MillĪ chainsaw mill is a type of jig that makes it easier to cut logs into evenly-sized lumber. If you’re already experienced with a chainsaw, you can forgo the mill and saw the log freehand. The safest and easiest way for inexperienced chainsaw users is to get a chainsaw mill, and run it along guide rails. There are two basic ways to cut logs into lumber using a chainsaw. How to Cut Logs Into Lumber Without a Mill (Freehand).How to Cut Logs Into Lumber With a Mill.Cutting Logs Into Lumber With a Chainsaw.When sawing, I am constantly looking at the gauge…on wide cuts it lets me know if the blade is being worked too hard and stretching, which leads to wavy cuts. As you can see, I like to run it a little high.

WM recommends setting the tension in the orange. This is a close-up of the blade tension gauge. The yellow background on the numbers is to remind the operator to lower the log clamp arms. This is a shot of the Water lube jug and blade height scale. The blade is automatically positioned for thickness of cut, including kerf thickness. After each pass with the carriage, I just pick up the saw head, move it back to the beginning and hit the down button. The part on the top with the “1,2,3,4” is the Setworks, which allows me to program what thickness I want to cut. We did a job back in March for some neghbors of one of his friends, and I had the foresight of bringing along a camera. Most of what we saw is grade lumber, so we always try to get the best face which means a lot of turning of the log. I do most of the actual sawing, including positioning the log, deciding when to turn, etc. We saw for others mainly, as well as for ourselves. My Dad and I have had a Woodmizer for about 9 years. In a previous thread FatRoman had a cherry tree cut down that he was looking at having sawn into lumber.
