Home made debarker ideas ?

[The Log Eater]

Has any one made a debarker for there saw mill that didn't have one or made something to clean the dirt off the log be for you make a cut I'm looking for some ideas
thanks David

[beenthere]

Often just used an axe to remove bark and dirt in the saw-cut line, as well as a sharp spade. Especially if there is mud/dirt/stones embedded in the bark. Just takes some time.. but helps keep the blade sawing through clean wood.

[york]

Was you thinking about a mudsaw??Not mine,but like this...

https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=1633&pid=189779#top_display_media

[Satamax]

Yep, something like York showed.

A motor with a dado blade, or several of thoses stacked. A spindle moulder cutterhead. Whatever cuts. What york showed is a bit like a lancelot, for woodcarving.

One good idea, if you have a bit of travel in your horizontal movement, is to make a ramp in front of the cutter, so it can accomodate any size log. without you adjusting the position.

[fishfighter]

Very interesting. Y'all giving me more ideas. ;D

[Kbeitz]

Carbide milling cutters would work for a long time.
E-bay has them.



 

[The Log Eater]

Thanks for the ideas. .... I've thought about one of those log wizard that mounts to a chain saw I would think that the blades would get dull fast but I never thought about using  a cutter head with changeable inserts

[Magicman]

WM debarker blades have a negative tooth pitch.  This keeps them pulling out of the cut and prevents digging in and stalling the motor.

[barbender]

If you are set up stationary I think you could make one with a side grinder if you could find some sort of blaee to fit on it. I don't think the lancelot or other chainsaw chain types would hold up very well, although they would be easy to sharpen.

[Magicman]

They will tend to load the debarked motor quite heavily.

[Satamax]

Thanks for the ideas. .... I've thought about one of those log wizard that mounts to a chain saw I would think that the blades would get dull fast but I never thought about using  a cutter head with changeable inserts

If a milling head is hard to find.

Arbortech industrial woodcarver has carbide inserts. That might be cheap enough for a debarker.

[Ox]

Using old circular saw blades stacked would work.  Turn them around so they're cutting "backwards".  After all, you're trying to scrape off bark, not cut grooves.  If you are stationary I would think any type of motor would work, like a 1/2 hp or something.  There are inserts and bushings available online to bush up from motor shaft to blade arbor size if need be.  I just try to keep my logs out of the mud and dirt and if they're dirty out comes the pressure washer.  I really don't want to get into designing a whole other possibly complex system for my simple sawmill.  Good luck to you and hopefully this turns into an interesting build thread!

[gww]

I keep the pressure washer by the mill 100% of the time and me and my wife fight over who gets to use the hose.  I do wonder what I will do come winter.  My logs are very dirty.
gww

[slider]

Before i moved up to a mill with a de-barker i used a draw knife. On dirty logs just trim the side where the band enters and you are good to go,not fancy but cheap and effective.

[gww]

Slider
I have a draw knife, thanks
gww

[The Log Eater]

Thanks for all the good ideas  I'll see what I can come up with ........ I should just charge extra for dirty logs  ;D

[Ox]

Yep.  Gives the person incentive to keep their logs clean.

[bandmiller2]

I have used a line debarker  and dislike the thing in my way and the beep beep. I chose not to put one on my homebuilt bandmill. I use a wire brush and axe and a few minutes time, sometimes simple is best. Frank C.

[etroup10]

I've been kind of thinking about something similar to a weed wacker. Should be able to clear the debris and not have to worry about it hanging up in the log.

[Magicman]

I would not deviate much from what has been tried and proven by today's sawmill manufacturers.  There are valid reasons for the designs.

[bandmiller2]

I have seen a debarker on a circular mill that the sawyer just manually pulled down to run ahead of the headsaw.  Could be done on a bandmill just on a different plane. Frank C.

[Banjo picker]

I agree with Lynn, no need to reinvent the wheel.  Banjo