iDRY Vacuum Kilns

Sponsors:

Woodland Mills Pro log support

Started by maple flats, August 28, 2024, 08:41:29 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

maple flats

Yesterday I ordered 2 Pro Log Supports for my HM130MAX saw mill. Does anyone have these yet? What's your experience with them? How do you like them?
I'm going to use them on my HM130MAX. I use a tractor currently to load the mill, hopefully my excavator will be back in service soon. Anyway, I use the tractor to load logs, and to turn larger logs and cants. My biggest problem seems to be getting a large log with top and bottom cut to position it against the log stops to square the cant. I'm going to use a pair of ratchet straps to get it into position on heavier logs. I put a choker chain near mid point and have the choker hook positioned so the log stands nearly upright as I lift with the tractor, but from there to getting it close enough to the log stops to clamp it seem very dificult. I tried 2 days ago but failed to get it. Yesterday I had other things I had to do but today I'll go try again. I have 2 ratched straps ready that I'll try. My plan is to get it as close as I can lifting to vertical using the tractor and choker chain, then try to use a ratchet strap at each log stop adjusted to be long to pull it closer, first 1 end then the other. By then strap 1 can hopefully be tightened more if needed and then #2. Once in position I'll lower the log stop so I can saw without becomming a member of the dreaded log stop sawyer's club, so far I haven't hit one, but 2 yrs ago my brother borrowed my mill and hit one, putting a 1/4" deep cut in the stop and ruining one blade. I so far haven't "yet" hit one.
How do others using a completely manual mill get this operation done?
Eventually I'm thinking I will build a open pavillian over my mill, open on both ends so I can drive in one end towing the mill, and out the other, I have the trailer model. At that point I may put a track over the mill to have a chain hoist to lift the logs for positioning. Since the structure will be used to pull thru, I may need to design a gantry crane type set up, I'll see. I don't even plan to build that roof until 2026 (unless I end up needing it to get my addition sawing done first.) I want to saw all the lumber for a planned 14x32' addition sawed and the addition built before the saw pavillian roof.
I'll try to get some pictures today as I try to work thru this. I'm not sure of the dimentions for diameter of the hemlock I have started but the length is 16' 4", near max for my mill.
logging small time for years but just learning how,  2012 36 HP Mahindra tractor, 3point log arch, 8000# class excavator, lifts 2500# and sets logs on mill precisely where needed, Woodland Mills HM130Max , maple syrup a hobby that consumes my time. looking to learn blacksmithing.

thecfarm

I bring my logs in one at a time for the big ones. Meaning just about as big as my mill will cut.
Log stops are up and I put the log on the mill and back up slowly and the log will come up against the 2 stops. 
I saw off the top and put the chain back on to the log. I put a rolling hitch on it and lift the bucket and most times this works. I then set the log dogs and unhook the chain and move the tractor back. This requires me to get on the tractor twice each time. Might have a video on this that the wife did. 
I have no idea if your log stops go straight up and down. 
On my mill they do. I marked inches on mine, $ inches is really 3 inches and 6 inches is really 5 and so on. If I set my stops to 6 inches, I know I have an inch to clear the stops.
Model 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79

Thank You Sponsors!