New at milling some need some pro tips

[Sharkbyte]

Just bought my first mill and chainsaw and I have some cedar logs that I am turning into benches and dining room tables. I have some questions in milling and would appreciate greatly tips from you pros.

1. With the cedar logs that are 10 inches in diameter and 2 1/2 inches thick do I need to let them dry out before turning them into benches. Some of them will still have the bark left on them. Just the but ends.

2. While I was milling my 18 inch saw would cut great for the 1st 2 passes then would not cut. I sharpens the blade, built an oiler kit and still wouldn’t cut as good as the first 2 passes. I have ordered a 22” bar and chain and will be here today. Will that help with the cuts?
Any other advice will help as well with this matter.

Thank you in advance for your help.



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[SawyerTed]

Nice bench!   My son and I have built benches from live edge cut just a few weeks.  Ours are outdoor benches and we've had no problems with them.  



 

[doc henderson]

are you new to sharpening?  they should have perked back up after they were sharp again.  look close at them and make sure the tip is sharp, and no burr.  are you using a file.  chainsaw milling is tough.  cedar is very forgiving.  for an outside bench, it can dry on the legs with folks sitting on it.  the tables of inside and a glue up, may need to loose some moisture.  sticker and at least air dry.  there is a learning curve, but at least you are on it!  great job.  the outdoor cedar will turn grey in the sun.

[SawyerTed]

BTW @WV Sawmiller is a bench guru! :D

[doc henderson]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've got seat!  

[SawyerTed]

The bench maker masters abound!  Doc!

[thecfarm]

Just want to welcome you to The Forum.

[caveman]

Cedar will shrink less than most other woods, but I would use dry legs and if you are in a hurry, install them into a green slab.  The mortises in the slab should tighten on the legs as the slab dries.  

We were pressed for time one week and built 36 benches out of not yet dry oak slabs and legs.  After a year, the legs were wobbly and we had to shim, reglue and screw them.  They did serve their intended purpose of giving guests at a wedding a place to sit.