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General Forestry => Sawmills and Milling => Topic started by: outpost22 on April 09, 2016, 10:36:00 AM

Title: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: outpost22 on April 09, 2016, 10:36:00 AM
By now I've figured out what tool comes out of the tool box the most. Since mine's a manual mill, a mallet for manually setting the dogs is used most, followed by my 6' level for leveling the log.  The 3/4" wrench sets used to adjust my blade tension seems to get used a lot too, not counting my brain  :) 
What tool do you guys reach for most frequently?
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Kbeitz on April 09, 2016, 11:30:13 AM
Hatchet...
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: alanh on April 09, 2016, 11:36:57 AM
 I reach for the coffee mug a couple more times per hour than the cant hook.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: WDH on April 09, 2016, 11:41:10 AM
For me, it was the LogRite 60" cant hook.  Turn, turn, and turn again. 
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Magicman on April 09, 2016, 12:24:32 PM
I would have to say the tape measure.  If/when I have to help with the log handling, it is a Logrite cant hook.   logrite_cool
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: dgdrls on April 09, 2016, 12:53:38 PM
Quote from: outpost22 on April 09, 2016, 10:36:00 AM
By now I've figured out what tool comes out of the tool box the most. Since mine's a manual mill, a mallet for manually setting the dogs is used most, followed by my 6' level for leveling the log.  The 3/4" wrench sets used to adjust my blade tension seems to get used a lot too, not counting my brain  :) 
What tool do you guys reach for most frequently?

Hi outpost,  I would say My tape,

What is your thought for using the 6' level on the log?

Best
dan
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Sixacresand on April 09, 2016, 01:01:06 PM
Quote from: Magicman on April 09, 2016, 12:24:32 PM
I would have to say the tape measure.  If/when I have to help with the log handling, it is a Logrite cant hook.   logrite_cool
Ditto on the above.  Not a tool but a stool to sit on while using the hydraulics.  Add an umbrella for shade when it is hot.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Magicman on April 09, 2016, 01:13:41 PM
Quote from: Sixacresand on April 09, 2016, 01:01:06 PMNot a tool but a stool to sit on while using the hydraulics.  Add an umbrella for shade when it is hot.


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0383~0.JPG)
Seat....Umbrella??   :D
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: starmac on April 09, 2016, 01:19:49 PM
MM, somehow you just look different from what I had pictured in my mind.

I would say my most used tool would be the forklift, followed by a tape. lol
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Sixacresand on April 09, 2016, 01:28:52 PM
MM,  I could have never come up with a better photo my seating and shading arrangements.   Was that the news TV lady at Willie's Place?
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Keith Shirley on April 09, 2016, 01:40:59 PM
Tape, then cant hook.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Verticaltrx on April 09, 2016, 02:00:18 PM
These are really the only tools I use at the mill:

-42" and 60" Logrite cant hooks
-Stihl MS260 chainsaw
-tape measure
-sharp ax

Probably in that order too.

Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: WV Sawmiller on April 09, 2016, 02:12:09 PM
OP22,

   Cant hook (Logrite to load logs, old road warrior to flip cants on the mill)
   Tape measure
   Leaf blower
   ATV (when cutting at home)

Starmac,

   I think you are right about the MM. I never thought of using the mill as a chick magnet.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Bruno of NH on April 09, 2016, 04:04:15 PM
Peavey
Tape
Mill favorite
bark spud
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Chuck White on April 09, 2016, 04:11:12 PM
Cant hook and tape measure!
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Magicman on April 09, 2016, 06:14:34 PM
Quote from: Sixacresand on April 09, 2016, 01:28:52 PMMM,  I could have never come up with a better photo my seating and shading arrangements.   Was that the news TV lady at Willie's Place?
Yup it was, but it was still my sawmill, my seat, my umbrella, and my business picture.  ;D  :D
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: John S on April 09, 2016, 06:18:02 PM
Tape measure
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: DaveinNH on April 09, 2016, 06:35:31 PM
The one between my ears, but often it's dull :D
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: 47sawdust on April 09, 2016, 07:06:59 PM
Oh Dave..we can't always rely on that one.
Tools-Tape
         Cant hook
         Chain saw
         Bark spud
         leaf blower
       
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: starmac on April 09, 2016, 07:45:37 PM
I have to say I do use a blower probably as much as anything, not a leaf blower, but one of the milwaukii 18 volt portables.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: longtime lurker on April 09, 2016, 08:47:59 PM
Broom: its the job that never ends.

Wish my crew were as easy on the eyeballs as MM's. I'm sure she's got more teeth then my lot have between them.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: cutterboy on April 09, 2016, 09:14:08 PM
Tape, cant hook, hand brush, and spray bottle of wd40.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: jmouton on April 09, 2016, 09:22:06 PM
you guys are forgeting one important thing ,,glasses to read the tape measure, :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


                                                                                                  jim

                                                                   
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: rjwoelk on April 09, 2016, 09:44:40 PM
I figure the tractor to get the log to the mill then cant hook (not sure why it cant hook, does it every time for me) then the measuring device, next would be the sawmill, after that it could start all over again  sounds like I am going in circles on a straight log😕
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Magicman on April 09, 2016, 10:04:17 PM
 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/Photo648.jpg)
Don't forget that you also need a sawdust scoop.  :)
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: killamplanes on April 09, 2016, 10:08:32 PM
I don't know if its a tool but my "BACK"
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: 4x4American on April 09, 2016, 10:24:54 PM
MM you could make a calendar...

-Tape measure
-Mill special
-speed square (i like square cants and I cannot lie)
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: terrifictimbersllc on April 10, 2016, 06:59:20 AM
Looks like MM uses his camera most.

1) Tape measure
1a) peavies
2) screwdriver end of chainsaw scrench
3) wire brush
4) 7/16" combination wrench
5) little sledge hammer
6) chain saw
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Peter Drouin on April 10, 2016, 07:05:36 AM
My brain. :D :D
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Larch on April 10, 2016, 07:12:58 AM
Quote from: 4x4American on April 09, 2016, 10:24:54 PM

-speed square (i like square cants and I cannot lie)

Glad somebody finally said a square.  My framing square is my most used tool.  Every time I turn a log I make sure the outside face is sitting square to the bed rails. 
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: outpost22 on April 10, 2016, 10:52:17 AM
Quote from: dgdrls on April 09, 2016, 12:53:38 PM
Quote from: outpost22 on April 09, 2016, 10:36:00 AM
By now I've figured out what tool comes out of the tool box the most. Since mine's a manual mill, a mallet for manually setting the dogs is used most, followed by my 6' level for leveling the log.  The 3/4" wrench sets used to adjust my blade tension seems to get used a lot too, not counting my brain  :) 
What tool do you guys reach for most frequently?

Hi outpost,  I would say My tape,

What is your though for using the 6' level on the log? 

Best
dan

I use the 6' level to gauge my first cut lengthwise down the log as a "sighter", measuring from the blade height. Until I get better at this I don't want to remove too much wood.
I didn't include the tractor in the list as I said "What comes out of your tool box the most". It won't fit in there without some sledge work  :)  It also serves as my Peavey when logs are larger.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Brad_bb on April 10, 2016, 11:00:08 AM
In order of most used
Wisk Broom
Tape measure
wedges
square
level
cant hook

What is MM's secret to scoring hot young chicks?  He really is a Magic Man!
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: rjwoelk on April 10, 2016, 12:07:13 PM
I missed a part of this operation. Its the wife that gave us the permission to do this kind of work.😇 I guess I am the tool that is most needed.😓


Hi Brad had another trip through Indianapolis came out of tulsa OK had fancy iron rail fencing. I am heading to green river OK with 2 large screw auger conveyors for a mine. Hope all is good.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: WV Sawmiller on April 10, 2016, 03:05:37 PM
   I don't know about the rest of you guys but if MM keeps posting pictures like these I'm coming to Mississippi to work and live.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Magicman on April 10, 2016, 03:12:08 PM
 :D  I just call um like I see um sooooooo, how about another??  Not a tool but "Lumber Graders" are important too!! ;D   :)


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0795.JPG)

Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: 4x4American on April 10, 2016, 06:39:46 PM
So MM when can I order the calendar?
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: tnaz on April 10, 2016, 07:01:22 PM
Quote from: 4x4American on April 10, 2016, 06:39:46 PM
So MM when can I order the calendar?
X2
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: justallan1 on April 10, 2016, 07:04:17 PM
I'd say my 60" cant hook for loading, turning, scooting and as a roller when placed under a log, because I don't have toe rollers.
Second up would be whichever hammer is nearest to set the log clamps before I flip the clamp handle.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: drobertson on April 10, 2016, 09:10:58 PM
case loader first, then the hook, then the tape, then the chain saw,  dust broom handy too, scoop, and wagon, but first thing on goes on the head,

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30023/IMG_0970.JPG)  my radio headphones, a must have, don't saw without,  lost Dixie sometime back, sure miss the girl,
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Magicman on April 10, 2016, 09:19:44 PM
Thanks for bringing up Safety David.  I don't have radio phones, but I absolutely do not saw without ear plugs, safety glasses, dust mask, steel toe boots, gloves, and a hat.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: 4x4American on April 11, 2016, 04:54:18 PM
Yea I always use ear plugs.  I have found that the 3M Classic E-A-R earplugs to be the best.  I think they reduce 30db of noise, and I get many uses out of them.  I buy them bulk and they are worth every penny.  Each one comes with a cardboard case that I flatten and keep in my pocket when they are in my ears.  I've tried many different ear plugs, and these are the best, IMO.  I hand them out at the sawmill and when people use them they always like them.  One thing I've noticed with them is that once you put them into your ears, it makes everything hard to hear.   
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: drobertson on April 11, 2016, 08:56:59 PM
Man, I have to admit something,, here,  I use these cause I like to jam while sawing, whether with the mill, weed eater, mower, tractor, whatever makes noise,  I like music, I wear safety glasses, have since bout79' but the tunes are a must when whacking anything.  I am hard of hearing, part environmental, a lot hereditary, and will add, with these, I can here sounds that most cant while sawing.. plus a good song ;D 
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Bruno of NH on April 11, 2016, 09:14:58 PM
I use the radio head gear at the mill and in the shop . I love music and like to sing .
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: ncsawyer on April 11, 2016, 09:20:46 PM
I would have to say the most use tool at my mill is me.  After a day of sawing I might put 12 hours on my hour meter, 8 hours on the sawmill, and probably not even an hour on the tractor (if I'm sawing at home).

I've definitely got more hours on my hour meter than any other tool or piece of equipment I own.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: starmac on April 12, 2016, 12:03:18 AM
Lordy, if I am equipped with an hour meter, I sure hope the DOT never finds it. lol
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: rl on April 12, 2016, 07:19:17 AM
  brain then tape measure   after 8 hours I cant even think any more.  tape could go for another 8 hours if I could.  I tell my help they are physically tired but I am brain tired
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: WDH on April 12, 2016, 07:50:36 AM
Quote from: Brad_bb on April 10, 2016, 11:00:08 AM
What is MM's secret to scoring hot young chicks? 

G.R.I.T.S.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: POSTON WIDEHEAD on April 12, 2016, 08:12:16 AM
Quote from: WDH on April 12, 2016, 07:50:36 AM
Quote from: Brad_bb on April 10, 2016, 11:00:08 AM
What is MM's secret to scoring hot young chicks? 

G.R.I.T.S.

You have hit the goat nail on the head.  :D
Grits will do it every time.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Magicman on April 12, 2016, 08:24:51 AM
 I never realized that there were not cute chicks at all sawing jobs.  smiley_headscratch   Maybe you guys are sawing for the wrong customers??   ???
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Sixacresand on April 12, 2016, 08:28:39 AM
Quote from: rl on April 12, 2016, 07:19:17 AM
  brain then tape measure   after 8 hours I cant even think any more.  tape could go for another 8 hours if I could.  I tell my help they are physically tired but I am brain tired
When fatigue sets in, then I get tired-stupid and begin making mistakes.  That is when it is time to quit.  I have  a friend Carl, who hangs out with me on sawing jobs.  He is very senior physically but he is my Eagle Eye who watches clamp, loading arms and log stop heights.  Recently, se were down to our last log and it was late.  He reached over and turn off the mill engine and told me that we needed to take as much time and be just as careful on this last log as we were on the first one that morning. 
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Kbeitz on April 13, 2016, 08:47:09 AM
Quote from: Magicman on April 12, 2016, 08:24:51 AM
I never realized that there were not cute chicks at all sawing jobs.  smiley_headscratch   Maybe you guys are sawing for the wrong customers??   ???

I think there would be a lot more safety problems if there was.
You gotta keep your eyes on your work.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Magicman on April 16, 2016, 12:21:20 PM
 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/Photo650.jpg)
The correct tractor driver to properly load a log onto the sawmill loader is also very important.   ;D
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: plowboyswr on April 16, 2016, 01:13:59 PM
 :D :D :D
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: ozarkgem on April 16, 2016, 06:33:17 PM
most used tool BOBCAT. use it more than the a tape measure. Maybe the chair but that is not a tool.
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: plowboyswr on April 16, 2016, 10:06:34 PM
Not the same as Magicman's but was my hand today. ;D


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/28346/20160416_152809.jpg)
Title: Re: What tool do you use the most at your mill?
Post by: Magicman on April 16, 2016, 10:14:42 PM
Hey, good help is a very valuable and important element to sawing.   8)