Has the concept of a chainsaw jig been discussed as a chopsaw for beams? Does anyone have plans/links or remember a previous thread on this topic? I have searched but not been able to locate a thread on this.
I've kind of wondered the same thing.
I cut beams with a chainsaw sometimes. I use my mini mill and just run it along the edge of my speed square. I would be interested in finding out if any one has made a jig to use a chainsaw as a stack cutter?
If you want to cut off beams use a "Prazi" beam cutter.
If you do a search using "beam cutter" you may find some info here about it.
I use a Prazi and it works great.
It is a chain saw bar attached to a worm drive skil saw and will cut up to 12" beams, in one pass.
Jim Rogers
This thing maybe? The Isomec Log & Beam Cutter (http://store.baileys-online.com/cgi-bin/baileys/1072?mv_session_id=7UWCi9zY&product_sku=48520)
And then there's this one at about 1/10th of the cost...for a chainsaw I'd probably go with this one if it was me.
Beam Boss (http://store.baileys-online.com/cgi-bin/baileys/2017)
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=16489.0
Thanks to all for the info and links. I hadn't looked at the Prazi site for a while, when did they start selling conversion kits for non-worm drive circular saws? Kevin, your thread is the closest to what I was thinking about. I still have a while to ponder this before I make a decision. My father and brother are machinists so I am going to show them the links and pictures and see what suggestions they may have as well.
Nova
If I can get a picture shrunk down far enough I can show you what I use. I now have a Mac computer that is mostly bullet proof except that I cannot seem to manipulate pics very well.
Two slides bolted to the bar and a solid jig that screws onto the timber. Holds the chainsaw bar like a guillotine blade.
http://dreamdovetail.com/NewFiles/jig.html This is the one that does the dovetails..same idea but square. The jig will lay over the timber like a saddle. If you would like a picture email me and I will send you a non shrunk picture! Not shameless advertising, you can build your own.
hope this helps.dc
OK! with some advice from Sprucebunny I can deal with pictures. Here is a shot of the wquare cut device.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10601/square-cut-op.jpg)
And using this idea on the bar to control the saw.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10601/Topguide.jpg)
Thank you Sprucebunny.
Bailey's sells a jig for cutting timbers that works like a chopsaw, I can't remember the name of it but it's on their web site
for ripping I can see it, but for crosscutting I think a jig is spitting hairs. It should be possible to make good cuts by eye, and much faster too.
I'm with Mark on this one, I'll rip plane close with my timberjig.
But when it's time for a quick end of tennon cut I'll just run down the 2 lines I can see free hand and let the kerf guide me out the far side. If I need to be more precise I'll roll the timber and cut the other 2 lines. I have a Prazi but haven't reworked the chain on it, as it came the chain cuts too rough to allow good layout lines.
I've also started using my chainsaw off hand on long angled cuts, I just leave a 'line of white' and finish with a slick and/or plane.