How do you slab?

[Larry]

This is how I slab maximum size logs on my mill.  I'm hoping to get suggestions on how I can improve.

I usually slab logs that have big bumps or limbs sticking out making them hard to turn on the mill.  I try to get the log in the right position than sit it on the mill with the forklift.  Than I make small adjustments with the turner, clamp, and toeboards.



I always load with the big end towards the carriage.  Makes it easier to figure out where to trim.  No blade on the mill so I can see if the carriage can move down the log without binding.



I trim with a chainsaw with the log on the mill so I can get the maximum width.  This one was about 40" wide and my mill can swallow 32".





Log is now trimmed on both sides.

I now slab as deep as possible which is right above the log stops.  I'm sawing 10/4 on this log.



The biggest slab in this log weighs close to 400 pounds so I raise the log until the slabs slide off onto the loader arms.  Than I pick them off the arms with the forklift.  I tried dragging them back which worked ok, but it is easier picking them off the loader arms with the forklift.

Before I remove even the first slab I number the ends.  This way if I want to book match there is no guessing.



Next step is to flip the remainder and saw to the bed.  I always have trouble flipping the log at this point.  I usually stand it up and rest it against the log stops.  Than I pry to get it to slide down on the bed.



All done.



I think it funny that it often takes twice as long to position and trim the log as the actual sawing.  If I get the log positioned right, the sawing is really simple.

[barbender]

What kind of wood is that, a type of elm?

[shtickhead]

From your picture it looks like you must have been standing on the log, cutting on your left side, with the tip of the chain close to the bunk??

To answer your question not like that;)

[YellowHammer]

Hey, I like the mirror.  Good idea.  

[Old Greenhorn]

Hey, I like the mirror.  Good idea.  

I thought it was a heat lamp, also a good idea. But what does the mirror show you that you don't see from your operators POV?

[Larry]

Its sweet gum.

Most of the time I can trim the log sides standing on the ground.  If hard to reach I can stand on the cat track on the backside or put a plank on the loader arms on the front side to stand on.  Actually I saw with chainsaw tip elevated slightly so I don't hit a bunk.

Because of the dragback I stand at the console on the loader side of the mill.  I can't easily see the log stops so I added the mirror years ago.  I can also keep an eye on sawdust coming out the chute and other small details.  I would hate to saw without my dragback and mirror.

[moodnacreek]

A lot depends on the cracks and where big cracks are expected in drying.

[Stephen1]

I like to saw off the parts that are too wide into 5/4 . I try to position it on the top and then saw them down to 32". I also will cookie @ 5/4 the stubs, turning th log to get a few cookies,  they sell great to the crafters, 20-30$ a pop. 
I like the idea of numbering  the slabs before you even saw them. I think I will copy that.

[Magicman]

 

 
With those monster logs I like to position them so that I can saw two live edge down to ~26".


 

I can then turn them 90° and saw through making one live edge bookmatched slabs that could make some awesome tables.  There are lotsa different ways to capture what is inside of logs.

[DPatton]

Larry,

I just noticed something important that your mill appears to be missing.

[Larry]

Yes, there are several things missing on my mill and quite a few added things.

What did you notice?

[DPatton]

I noticed you are missing your Forestry Forum sticker on the front of the belt cover!  :D :D :D

[Old Greenhorn]

I don't have one of those on my mill either. Maybe that explains some of the bad ju-ju I experience from time to time. I have no idea how to fix that problem either. ;D :D