Freehand Chainsaw Milling

[TexasTimbers]

I was going to post this a long time ago but just never did, because my camera would not record for more than one minute at a time. I was going to try and find out if any of my software would allow me to string all the vidoe segment together but I have played around with it for a while and can't figure it out. Here is a little clip of the final pass to drop the first slab off of it. I just now upload it to youtube so i don't know oif this will work yet or not.


youtube slabbing vid

[TexasTimbers]

I keep calling it a slab but it isn't a slab until I make the second cut. Maybe I will upload the final pass on the secon cut next.

Here is another clip that gives you a good idea of how a 395XP turns 60" of chain around the long bar. You here me say how I feel about it in the first 2 seconds of the clip.

More Slabbing

[metalspinner]

Hmmmm...
I think I wnt a bigger saw.

[beenthere]

kevjay
The first cut you make gives you the slab. The second cut in gives you a flitch.... ;D ;D

[TexasTimbers]

You are right of course. It's just that when I think of thick slabs for table tops I don't think of it as a flitch because everyone calls them slabs, so I don't feel like I have a slab until I cut out that first real thick flitch. :D

[breederman]

 Are you using a ripping chain?   Nice slab.

[Ianab]

You can call them slabs, it's the Southern hemisphere term for them. 

You dont see Peterson or Lucas selling flitchers do you  ;)  :D

Cheers

Ian

[KGNC]

When I try to do that I always end up with "twist" in my cut.
A few weeks ago I was cutting a white pine log in half for a couple of benches by the pond.  My wife tried not to, but laughed at my not so flat benches.

[beenthere]

Can't say for sure why that happens, but some things come to mind...

...chain not sharp and with equal cutting angles left and right...

...forcing the saw to cut, rather than letting it cut on its own...

...cranking (see-saw) down through the cut...


Maybe none of the above...

[Fla._Deadheader]

Down here, they use the walk back and forth method. Use the end of the bar to keep scoring deeper, then sawing some out, then end of the bar , etc. etc.  They get some pretty even cuts, most of the time. I've seen them go too far with the chain dull, and finally quit and file. By then, the damage is done.  : :

[TexasTimbers]

breeder yes its Woodsman Pro 38RP 10° ripping chain from Baileys. I think when you use crosscut chain to rip you make french fries instead of sawdust so that's one way to tell when you are watching ripping with a crosscut chain.

I did use "see-sawing" as part of my technique because I didn't know any better. The slabs are not as flat as what I would like but they came out pretty decent. I do not have any twist just rough spots where the chain was being see-sawed. I think a single pass with the router might take care of them but certainly 2 at the most.

I have a whopper of a crotch still lying on a trailer in Winnsboro that i still have not gone back for. I don't think the 6' blade will go all the way through it.  :-\

[samdland]

Yep I would have to have a bigger saw.

Like this V8 powered chainsaw.
V8 Chainsaw

[TexasTimbers]

CRIKEY!    :D  8)

[submarinesailor]

LOOK OUT, Texas has moved to Aussie land.  Or the Aussies have invaded Texas. :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D

[ljmathias]

How's that old saying go- too much money, too much time, not enough sense?  So here's my question- when do they put a diesel on a chain saw, maybe one out of an old Freightliner- that's what I'M talking about!

LJ

[customsawyer]

Some times there is a fine line between brave and stupid. I am not sure which side them guys are on.