iDRY Vacuum Kilns

Sponsors:

What’s the difference?

Started by Tacotodd, July 01, 2020, 10:56:58 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Tacotodd

I'm contemplating getting a small bandsaw mill for my family and to use for other people that I really like and care about.

My question, besides fuel, oil, and price: what is the ultimate reason for a bandsaw mill over a chainsaw mill?

I ask because I don't know, so please, enlighten me!!
Trying harder everyday.

YellowHammer

Without being too tongue in cheek, the difference in any bandsaw mill and a chainsaw mill is that a bandsaw mill is fun and and enjoyable, while a chainsaw mill is a full contact sport.  Put on your chaps, your face screen, your eye protection, ear protection and get ready to rumble.  

A bandsaw mill, even the cheapest, would cut faster, with less physical effort, less kerf waste, and produce many multiples of the amount of boards over a CSM.

A CSM can be set up to cut pretty much anything, even extremely large logs, which is one of its main advantages, is extremely portable, but cuts relatively slowly, and will bathe the operator in sawdust, noise, and vibration.  Plus the fact that if you don't spend money on a high end chainsaw, it will melt from the prolonged full throttle required.  I started with a chainsaw mill, I remember those days fondly.   It was like a rite of passage, and I would push that thing until lunchtime, or until I thought I was going to throw up.  So I called it the "Puker" and still have it tucked up in the barn loft and won't sell it for nostalgia reasons but would never use it again.

There are folks on the Forum who use a CSM routinely so take my advice with a grain of salt.  



YellowHammerisms:

Take steps to save steps.

If it won't roll, its not a log; it's still a tree.  Sawmills cut logs, not trees.

Kiln drying wood: When the cookies are burned, they're burned, and you can't fix them.

Sawing is fun for the first couple million boards.

Be smarter than the sawdust

Haleiwa

I'd say it's kind of like the difference between a garden tiller and a tractor with a disc.  Both will eventually get similar results, but at the end of the day the tractor driver will be in a lot better shape and have a lot more acres done. Chainsaws are designed to cut across the grain.  No amount of modification will change that. 
 
Socialism is people pretending to work while the government pretends to pay them.  Mike Huckabee

Southside

Not being a wise guy, but probably 10 minutes per cut vs 15 seconds in some cases. 
Franklin buncher and skidder
JD Processor
Woodmizer LT Super 70 and LT35 sawmill, KD250 kiln, BMS 250 sharpener and setter
Riehl Edger
Woodmaster 725 and 4000 planner and moulder
Enough cows to ensure there is no spare time.
White Oak Meadows

Resonator

The bandsaw mill is faster, and more versatile (squaring, edging, resawing, etc.). Plus you'll cut more boards out of a log with a thin kerf blade.
Under bark there's boards and beams, somewhere in between.
Cuttin' while its green, through a steady sawdust stream.
I'm chasing the sawdust dream.

Proud owner of a Wood-Mizer 2017 LT28G19

Walnut Beast

Quote from: YellowHammer on July 01, 2020, 11:41:33 AM
Without being too tongue in cheek, the difference in any bandsaw mill and a chainsaw mill is that a bandsaw mill is fun and and enjoyable, while a chainsaw mill is a full contact sport.  Put on your chaps, your face screen, your eye protection, ear protection and get ready to rumble.  

A bandsaw mill, even the cheapest, would cut faster, with less physical effort, less kerf waste, and produce many multiples of the amount of boards over a CSM.

A CSM can be set up to cut pretty much anything, even extremely large logs, which is one of its main advantages, is extremely portable, but cuts relatively slowly, and will bathe the operator in sawdust, noise, and vibration.  Plus the fact that if you don't spend money on a high end chainsaw, it will melt from the prolonged full throttle required.  I started with a chainsaw mill, I remember those days fondly.   It was like a rite of passage, and I would push that thing until lunchtime, or until I thought I was going to throw up.  So I called it the "Puker" and still have it tucked up in the barn loft and won't sell it for nostalgia reasons but would never use it again.

There are folks on the Forum who use a CSM routinely so take my advice with a grain of salt.  
Ok. Would you guys that have a dedicated wide slabber mill agree with this. ( not a regular chain saw mill) 

Walnut Beast

Quote from: Walnut Beast on July 01, 2020, 02:00:16 PM
Quote from: YellowHammer on July 01, 2020, 11:41:33 AM
Without being too tongue in cheek, the difference in any bandsaw mill and a chainsaw mill is that a bandsaw mill is fun and and enjoyable, while a chainsaw mill is a full contact sport.  Put on your chaps, your face screen, your eye protection, ear protection and get ready to rumble.  

A bandsaw mill, even the cheapest, would cut faster, with less physical effort, less kerf waste, and produce many multiples of the amount of boards over a CSM.

A CSM can be set up to cut pretty much anything, even extremely large logs, which is one of its main advantages, is extremely portable, but cuts relatively slowly, and will bathe the operator in sawdust, noise, and vibration.  Plus the fact that if you don't spend money on a high end chainsaw, it will melt from the prolonged full throttle required.  I started with a chainsaw mill, I remember those days fondly.   It was like a rite of passage, and I would push that thing until lunchtime, or until I thought I was going to throw up.  So I called it the "Puker" and still have it tucked up in the barn loft and won't sell it for nostalgia reasons but would never use it again.

There are folks on the Forum who use a CSM routinely so take my advice with a grain of salt.  
Ok. Would you guys that have a dedicated wide slabber mill agree with this. ( not a regular chain saw mill)
I think YellowHammer is pretty much right. But I guess what I'm trying to say is the guys that have a Dedicated Wide Slabber are you happy with the results. Sharpening the chain constantly, the extra time cutting and everything else YellowHammer mentioned. At the end of the day are you happy with the results and would you buy another one 

Nebraska

When I was a year or so younger than you, I did some CSM. I found it something less than enjoyable. It wasn't a need thing as it was a progression of the disease had to try it..... I chewed up a pretty new 90 cc saw. (Ran lean on a fuel line crack).  It scratched  the itch and ecucated me ....I  saved some money and bought....My simple little manual mill is light years easier, cuts way nIcer, and is so much  easier on me. The only reasons I see for CSM are remote builds on a shoestring budget, dedicated wide slabbing machines as mentioned previously, or you just because have to saw some wood and space to put stuff is an issue. By the time you get a quality CSM setup, you are probably halfway too an entry level band mill.. I would buy a band mill.

Ianab

Quote from: Walnut Beast on July 01, 2020, 02:00:16 PMOk. Would you guys that have a dedicated wide slabber mill agree with this. ( not a regular chain saw mill) 


A dedicated slabbing mill is fairly hard work, but you are standing up away from the sawdust and exhaust fumes, have a quieter 4 stroke motor, and basically just need to lean on the mill to keep it feeding. It's no where near as hard on the body as running a chainsaw mill. It is slower than a band or swing mill, but you use it for situations where it's needed. Not many portable (or affordable) mills can slab 4 or 5 ft dia logs. 

It's not so much about which mill is "best", it's which mill suits YOUR needs better. 
Weekend warrior, Peterson JP test pilot, Dolmar 7900 and Stihl MS310 saws and  the usual collection of power tools :)

Walnut Beast

Thanks Ianab. Nice feedback on a Slabber

terrifictimbersllc

.....in terms of WORK to make boards.......

Bandsawing is like getting a GED or maybe a BS degree.

Chainsaw milling is like getting a PhD.....by kicking yourself in the behind.... (heard someone else say this)



Above was modified for clarity..... :)
Sorry no offense intended for those enthusiastic about CSM as I still can remember being. :)
DJ Hoover, Terrific Timbers LLC,  Mystic CT Woodmizer Million Board Foot Club member. 2019 LT70 Super Wide 55 Yanmar,  LogRite fetching arch, WM BMS250 sharpener/BMT250 setter.  2001 F350 7.3L PSD 6 spd manual ZF 4x4 Crew Cab Long Bed

Tacotodd

Gentlemen, thank you for the information!

DJ, I would think that assessment would be backwards, but again, just asking for personal information.

Good day and have fun in whatever you do!!!!!
Trying harder everyday.

SawyerTed

CSM 1 hour of work and you have a couple of slabs made if all goes right.  

Bandsaw mill in an hour you can have 200 board feet of usable lumber or a dozen 8/4 live edge pieces. 
Woodmizer LT50, WM BMS 250, WM BMT 250, Kubota MX5100, IH McCormick Farmall 140, Husqvarna 372XP, Husqvarna 455 Rancher

terrifictimbersllc

Quote from: Tacotodd on July 06, 2020, 09:40:08 AM
Gentlemen, thank you for the information!

DJ, I would think that assessment would be backwards, but again, just asking for personal information.

Good day and have fun in whatever you do!!!!!
I clarified it a bit  thanks ;)
DJ Hoover, Terrific Timbers LLC,  Mystic CT Woodmizer Million Board Foot Club member. 2019 LT70 Super Wide 55 Yanmar,  LogRite fetching arch, WM BMS250 sharpener/BMT250 setter.  2001 F350 7.3L PSD 6 spd manual ZF 4x4 Crew Cab Long Bed

Tacotodd

I've only done a little research on them but the least expensive one seems to be out my VERY strained budget, so I will have to scratch and strain it for a while to be able to get one. 

I guess that a sawmill of any kind is realistically out until the lottery that I don't play (won't waste money on) comes my way.

Thanks folks.

DJ, I'm not that flexible!😊
Trying harder everyday.

terrifictimbersllc

Quote from: Tacotodd on July 06, 2020, 10:46:14 AMDJ, I'm not that flexible!😊
The less flexible you are the more a bandsaw, and one with hydraulics, makes sense.
DJ Hoover, Terrific Timbers LLC,  Mystic CT Woodmizer Million Board Foot Club member. 2019 LT70 Super Wide 55 Yanmar,  LogRite fetching arch, WM BMS250 sharpener/BMT250 setter.  2001 F350 7.3L PSD 6 spd manual ZF 4x4 Crew Cab Long Bed

Tacotodd

I was referring to my own physical body, but I appreciate your input  
Budget still can't handle that expense.
Trying harder everyday.

Tacotodd

DJ, my knees can't even momentarily bend NEAR that far, at least not since 2nd grade. haha
Trying harder everyday.

Thank You Sponsors!