The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Sawmills and Milling => Topic started by: jay_d on January 12, 2021, 11:08:09 PM

Title: Another mill build thread
Post by: jay_d on January 12, 2021, 11:08:09 PM
Hows it going fellers? Figured i would start a thread on my build. Ive been devouring information like a black hole on sawmills for the past 5 years, and have been touch and go on buying a mizer or a cooks for around 6 months, with lead times over 54 weeks for some manufacturers, i decided to go whole hog and just build one. I thought posting might be a good idea, as this forum is full of helpful know it alls who really do know whats up (been lurking hard here since around 2014). Hopefully this thread can help somebody else who is in the process of building a custom mill.

All that aside ive decided to attach some pictures of the first ups delivery. No big items yet, but cooks sent a set of retro fit guides and a drip system. Ive got to say the pictures of these guides dont do them justice, these jokers are fully adjustable and weigh in around 7 pounds. Not knocking any other mill companies, but ive ran some orange mills that dont look this heavy duty
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23715/20210112_224159.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1610510542)
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23715/20210112_224230.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1610510565)
 

Going to pickup square tube for the sub frame and carriage Thursday, and waiting on the 22hp predator to show up

Stay tuned for updates, but this mini series doesnt get new episodes every week :D
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: Ljohnsaw on January 12, 2021, 11:30:44 PM
 :P
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: JoshNZ on January 13, 2021, 12:34:05 AM
Awfully brave buying bands before anything else xD, there must be a drawing somewhere you're not showing us  popcorn_smiley 

Good luck!
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: RAYAR on January 13, 2021, 03:40:01 AM
If you've been following mill builds and discussions on them since 2014, then you must have a pretty good idea on what you're going to build. Good luck on your build. How about giving us a few details such as size, length, width, mobile or stationary etc.
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: Crusarius on January 13, 2021, 06:30:18 AM
haven't had a new build thread in a while. Looking forward to this.
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: thecfarm on January 13, 2021, 06:41:18 AM
I'm on the build it long throne.  ;D As I say I have a mill that can get 20 foot logs. Throw on a 16 foot log and I have four feet of room to play with, instead of inches. Allows the head to get out of the way too.
Good luck with the build!!
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: Crusarius on January 13, 2021, 07:10:20 AM
Since my steel came 24' lengths thats what I made the bed. I have cut max length on my mill and it is not easy trying to get the log lined up perfectly. max length on mine was 20'-4.5" until the last mods I did. Now I do not know how long I can cut but I think it got longer.

my mast has 39" long wheelbase so that takes up a good amount. I probably could have made it less but when the head is all the way up it feels nice to have the extra length.
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: jay_d on January 13, 2021, 07:06:25 PM
As far as knowing what bands, im just using the same stuff the mill im canabalizing used.
It would saw plenty for what i need. If i end up with something too big i will just leave it in the brush pile


Picking up tubing tomorrow.

40 inch wide by 24 foot long deck. 2x6 3/8s inch wall, bunks on 24 inch center.

Just gonna wad the reciept up and swipe the card. Cost is probably gonna give me covid, and require 2 oz of firstborn blood.


Hopefully i will have some bird crap welds to show you guys sunday evening
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: jay_d on January 13, 2021, 07:33:46 PM
Quote from: RAYAR on January 13, 2021, 03:40:01 AM
If you've been following mill builds and discussions on them since 2014, then you must have a pretty good idea on what you're going to build. Good luck on your build. How about giving us a few details such as size, length, width, mobile or stationary etc.
Dead set plans
Heavy duty, run over it with a d5 cat deck that can saw 20 foot long 
 Chain turner
Power up down back/forth
Hydraulic backstops/clamp
20 gpm hydraulics (i wonder if 22hp is gonna be enough?)
On the fence about
Cooks bandwheels and drive bearing (i have sheaves and pillow blocks at the moment)
Mud saw
Toe boards
Stationary powered live deck for loading
Operator station with 110v inverter powered ac unit. (Dont knock it, had it on my 160 barko, was awesome).
Electric over hydraulic controls. Have considered using a wireless autocrane remote and valves. (Fine tuning nightmare?)


Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: nativewolf on January 13, 2021, 07:34:11 PM
Well good luck and have fun!
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: Hilltop366 on January 13, 2021, 10:13:49 PM
 popcorn_smiley
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: RAYAR on January 14, 2021, 01:18:06 AM
Quote from: jay_d on January 13, 2021, 07:33:46 PM
Quote from: RAYAR on January 13, 2021, 03:40:01 AM
If you've been following mill builds and discussions on them since 2014, then you must have a pretty good idea on what you're going to build. Good luck on your build. How about giving us a few details such as size, length, width, mobile or stationary etc.
Dead set plans
Heavy duty, run over it with a d5 cat deck that can saw 20 foot long
Chain turner
Power up down back/forth
Hydraulic backstops/clamp
20 gpm hydraulics (i wonder if 22hp is gonna be enough?)
On the fence about
Cooks bandwheels and drive bearing (i have sheaves and pillow blocks at the moment)
Mud saw
Toe boards
Stationary powered live deck for loading
Operator station with 110v inverter powered ac unit. (Dont knock it, had it on my 160 barko, was awesome).
Electric over hydraulic controls. Have considered using a wireless autocrane remote and valves. (Fine tuning nightmare?)
That's going to be quite a mill. Sounds like it's going to be a stationary mill. Have you considered a separate engine to run the hydraulics?
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: ktm250rider on January 14, 2021, 09:56:10 AM
Quote from: Crusarius on January 13, 2021, 07:10:20 AM
Since my steel came 24' lengths thats what I made the bed. I have cut max length on my mill and it is not easy trying to get the log lined up perfectly. max length on mine was 20'-4.5" until the last mods I did. Now I do not know how long I can cut but I think it got longer.

my mast has 39" long wheelbase so that takes up a good amount. I probably could have made it less but when the head is all the way up it feels nice to have the extra length.
Hahaha, I thought the same thing on steel length.  My rame steel 2x4 came 24 ft.  My track steel 1" angle comes in 20'.  Not a big deal, just had to add a piece.
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: Crusarius on January 14, 2021, 11:31:44 AM
yea, same with mine. I used 3/8" flat stock that only came in 20'. wasn't a big deal can't even tell there is a transition.
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: jay_d on January 15, 2021, 09:17:44 PM
PROGRESS!!! only the first 5 feet worth, but its enough to get started building the carriage. Will build the other 20 feet worth after i have a finished working sawhead. 
Other updates include bad news. The 22 hp predator is back ordered, didnt get any notice either, the only way i found out was hf credited my account back. 

The other real disapointment came in the form of the 16 inch band wheels i salvaged from my old mill. Not a big deal, shouldnt have any problems breaking the 10 blades i bought fairly quick, at that point im upgrading to at least 20". The head design will be built around this future upgrade


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23715/20210115_185003.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1610763134)
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23715/20210115_185010.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1610763170)
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23715/20210115_185040.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1610763196)
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: jay_d on January 25, 2021, 09:42:35 PM
Figured I'd post an update. Got a lot done over the last 2 weekends. The tensioner is done. Very happy with the way it turned out.  All it is is a cut up torin trolley jack with a gauge plumbed into the cylinder.

Thinking about redesigning the roller bearings that the head moves up and down on, doubt it will hold up over time, will probably find a way to integrate the roller chain lift into it somehow.

Next update should show a mounted 22 hp engine. (Was backordered but showed up anyways).

Would love some input on how to tension the engine drive belts, and a better way to hook up my lifting chain so as to not have chain tails swinging when at max lift height.



(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23715/IMG_20210125_212425155.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1611628254)
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23715/IMG_20210125_212510185.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1611628226)
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23715/IMG_20210125_212452115.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1611628223)
 
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: Ljohnsaw on January 25, 2021, 09:56:16 PM
Does your lifting chain travel over a sprocket at the top and drop down the other side?  IF so, then put an idle sprocket at the bottom and attach to the bottom of the head to take up the slack.  My old lift motor was on the head and climbed the chain.  I had some trampoline springs on the bottom to keep them taunt over the mechanism.

Do you have a electric or mechanical clutch?  I mounted a timing belt roller on a springed lever hitting the backside of the belt.
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: jay_d on January 25, 2021, 10:04:34 PM
Quote from: ljohnsaw on January 25, 2021, 09:56:16 PM
Does your lifting chain travel over a sprocket at the top and drop down the other side?  IF so, then put an idle sprocket at the bottom and attach to the bottom of the head to take up the slack.  My old lift motor was on the head and climbed the chain.  I had some trampoline springs on the bottom to keep them taunt over the mechanism.

Do you have a electric or mechanical clutch?  I mounted a timing belt roller on a springed lever hitting the backside of the belt.
I was hoping to avoid looping and a using idlers. I've saw it done on an old clark fork lift but can't remember how they fixed the chains
As of right now Im planning on using a 2 belt pulley and and wracking my brain on how to make it engage and disengage the blade without using a centrifugal clutch
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: Ljohnsaw on January 25, 2021, 10:33:30 PM
Quote from: jay_d on January 25, 2021, 10:04:34 PMwracking my brain on how to make it engage and disengage the blade without using a centrifugal clutch
Make an over-center lever for the idle roller.
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: Crusarius on January 26, 2021, 06:39:10 AM
for the chains you could just run them over and into a PVC pipe. but I would definitely add an idler at the top otherwise it is far to likely to jump a tooth and ruin your timing.
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: jay_d on February 06, 2021, 10:05:15 PM
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23715/IMG_20210206_220126105.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1612666941)
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23715/IMG_20210206_215015757.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1612666855)
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23715/IMG_20210206_215021664.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1612666835)
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23715/IMG_20210206_215041343.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1612666827)
 
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: Crusarius on February 06, 2021, 10:10:28 PM
looks sweet. does the blade come down in front of the skates or are you going to have really tall bunks so you can have a 1" bottom cut?
Title: Re: Another mill build thread
Post by: jay_d on February 06, 2021, 10:19:31 PM
It comes down in front of the skates. It didn't use to, but 7 grinding rocks and 11 sawzall blades later....

Still have to put my back post in, but I'm waiting around trying to decide what kind of counter weight material I'm gonna fill them up with