Hey everyone,
Just got my first mill (Frontier OS23). Received it Friday and have gotten as far as the assembly manual. It says to assemble on level ground and that part I understand, my question is what would be the ideal way to set up the site. The mill will be a permanent fixture so no moving in the future other than to possibly upgrade. There is very minimal slope to the area that I have picked out for it. Should I use footers, just timbers, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Welcome to the forum. I have no experience with a stationary mill but what little I have on my portable with 6 jacks. the mill will move. when you run the head from one end to the other the mill flexes, also when you roll a log on it can hit the back stops and move the mill. my thought would be to mount it on permanent posts or pillars sunk in the ground with stringers and cross beams that way you will limit the movement and time spent readjusting. the base could be built on sloping ground with the logs on the upper side if a gentle slope. that could make easier log loading. I really do not like having any type of machinery loading logs directly onto my mill, to much chance of bending or breaking something.
Welcome to the forum, Fenton78
You will want a good solid base to anchor your mill to. Timbers should be fine, but I'd have something to keep them off the ground. Something around knee height or a bit higher would be ideal as a working height for your log bunks, it will make it easier on your back. It should also help with cleaning accumulated sawdust too. Good luck with your set-up.
Thank you guys, my initial thoughts were anchored concrete pier and cross members. I will keep you posted with my setup progress.
Welcome to the Forum Fenton!
If you can do a concrete pad... It's level, solid, makes for easier clean up under the mill...
I was thinking like Brad on the concrete pad if possible. Makes maintenance and clean up easier in the future. For your site look at all the access issues in and out. Where will you bring the logs in? Where will you stack the waste slabs? Where will you stack the lumber? How about the flitches waiting to be edged? What about the sawdust? Remember to use gravity if possible. Are you going to build a log deck to stage and feed the logs on to the mill. I'm portable but I try to park my mill downhill of the logs which makes them easier to roll on to my loading arms/mill. Good luck.
I purchased the same sawmill back in June, and after using it for a while I have a couple of insights on setup. First it needs to be solid, heavy logs will cause movement as they are loaded/ turned. Second, pay attention to the area under the vertical log supports. Putting a timber directly under them will greatly limit adjustability later. Other than that it's an awesome saw for the money and capable of producing very nice lumber with the occasional adjustment/ bolt check.
Welcome to the FF, Fenton78.
To avoid having to bend over so much, elevating the mill bed would be an advantage, also.