log clamps

johnnyllama · February 14, 2015, 10:04:39 AM

I am running a Turner brand sawmill that for the most part I'm very happy with. One thing that could use some improvement is the clamps. Right now ther are 3 seperate clamps for securing logs/cants, 1 low for final cut and 2 taller ones. They are basically just 1" square steel sleeves sliding horizontally on a round shaft with a riser and with a rap of a cant hook or hammer theywill tighten against the log fairly well but have a screw type lock also to snug things up. I'm thinking about making up something a little different, either a cam type lever or something using a Bessey style quick auto adjusting lever clamp. What style clamps are on some of the other brand mills out there? I've only seen woodmizer's and that was on an older model. Can anyone offer any ideas, suggestions, or even phptos of what works for you? Thanks for any input.

Mm.kasco · February 14, 2015, 11:12:59 AM

I will try to post picks.

Joe Hillmann · February 14, 2015, 12:21:26 PM

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,81056.0.html

A fellow member just posted this last week. It is similar to a woodmizer style but easier to build with basic tools.

When mine breaks I plan to make something like his.

47sawdust · February 14, 2015, 02:05:48 PM

The single clamp system on the WM could not be simpler.Multiple options in/out,up/down.I have never felt that it needed improvement.My mill is 1997,don't know what vintage the one was that you saw.The one pictured in the referenced thread looks like a relative of the MightyMite clamp system.In my opinion the simplest,effective approach is the best.Sometimes the hardest part is waiting for the "aha!" moment to arrive.

DMcCoy · February 15, 2015, 08:08:23 AM

The clamp Joe mentioned is mine. So far I have sawed a grand total of 3 logs(12-30" dia.) with another big one today. The clamp works very good. I can hand tighten the 'X' handle by hand and it holds. On the cam I use a pipe cheater and it will push cants over tight against the stops. The cam will toggle over on cut surfaces which isn't ideal. I think a home made clamp 'wrench' is on the list, one end open pipe the other a prybar, for popping the toggled over cam loose. I have made some modifications and I will post a couple of pictures later.

Mm.kasco · February 15, 2015, 10:37:27 AM

If you do a search for (upgrade for the Kasco mill) you can see my clamps. I posted picks once but cant seem to manage it again. Sorry.
I can manage the new clamps with one hand.

Mm.kasco · February 15, 2015, 10:47:59 AM

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,80737.msg1228291.html#msg1228291

Joe Hillmann · February 15, 2015, 11:40:32 AM

Quote from: 47sawdust on February 14, 2015, 02:05:48 PM
The single clamp system on the WM could not be simpler.Multiple options in/out,up/down.I have never felt that it needed improvement.My mill is 1997,don't know what vintage the one was that you saw.The one pictured in the referenced thread looks like a relative of the MightyMite clamp system.In my opinion the simplest,effective approach is the best.Sometimes the hardest part is waiting for the "aha!" moment to arrive.

Simpler to build is what I meant not simpler to use. To build a woodmizer style clamp requires cutting about 20 1 1/2 inch holes with keyways in at least 1/4 inch steel which is quite a project for a someone building their own mill and their tools consist of a hand drill, a welder and a grinder.

Joe Hillmann · February 15, 2015, 12:11:56 PM

Quote from: Mm.kasco on February 15, 2015, 10:37:27 AM
If you do a search for (upgrade for the Kasco mill) you can see my clamps. I posted picks once but cant seem to manage it again. Sorry.
I can manage the new clamps with one hand.

With that type of clamp do you ever have a problem with the handle being in the way of the carriage?