Milled my very first log!

[WoodChucker]

Well one thing for sure, I have a lot to learn and need to go back and read the book again.  My first board was only 1/2" thick and the next one was just over 3/4" thick. The third one I got right. The log I used was not only bowed bad but had a internal split on two sides. So I didn't end up with many nice boards.

  I had fun and really enjoyed seeing those pretty red oak boards come off my new mill, but I'll admit I was a little nervous to.

 I don't like the log clamps on this LT15, not once was I able to just slide it up to the log and clamp it the first try and it hold. But I guess that's me more then the clamp. I was shocked at how well this machine works, if I knew what I was doing I could have had a much better day I'm sure. Can't wait till I'm as good as most of you guys/gals are. Hope I don't get carried away and end up with a 132 acre parking lot.

Well anyway, I'm open for any words of wisdom from you guys that might help me improve my operator skills? Thanks.

R.T.  

[Jeff]

Hey Chucker be sure to check out the knowledgebase link. There are several good articles under Milling-Bandmills including:

Hear that bandmill roar

Saw to the Heart Check

Removing Stress in a cant (Thick middle Thin end)

A Short Note on Wavy Cuts and Sharpening

Part-time Sawing is like being Slightly Pregnant

Some of Tom's Business Philosophy and "what works"

Do you have the apptitude for custom sawing?

Three important factors before buying your mill

[sawyerkirk]

I'll never forget my first log milled on a Mizer, big poplar log that had laid around for a few years, first cut was fine, the the log came loose from the clamp, fixed that second cut, had lost some blade pressure, had horrible wave, third cut needed water on blade, horrble wave, Whole log was a learning curve, and still to this day with over a million ft off that little mill I still learn new things each day.Built a chest out of my first log.

[Kevin]

The clamps work fine.
Slide the clamp to the log at the desired height, put your left leg or left hand against the left side of the clamp and swing the lever ahead while keeping tension on the clamp with your left leg.
Make sure the clamp stays in both holes on the bed bracket .
Always watch the dogs at the back after you`ve turned the log once.
If everything is square you shouldn`t have any daylight between the dogs and the cut surface of the log.

[WoodChucker]

Jeff, yep been there done that, lots of good info there. Thanks!

sawyerkirk, thanks for sharring that story, it makes me feel a little better!

Kevin, thanks for the tip, I'll be sure and try it tomorrow. That thing has given me fits for two days, I think I was pushing it forward, so maybe thats the problem. Thanks again!

Well today went much better then yesterday, the logs I did today was in good shape. I'm really enjoying this so far, but I'm really slow at it. But I'm sure I'll get faster as time goes by.

Question, I painted the ends of the logs right after I fell the tree, do I need to paint the ends again after it's milled? Thanks!

R.T.

[woodman]

   No once is all it takes.

[ARKANSAWYER]

  How much wood could a wood chucker chuck if he was not trying to chuck oak? :D   Really after the first 100,000 bdft it will come faster.   Now is the time to really look at the boards that you are making and notice where they are coming from in the log.  You will get an "eye" for where the good boards are and soon realize that there as many bad boards in there also.  The Good LORD made the tree, it is the sawyer who makes the boards.  And be careful about lusting for your neighbors trees as he may want you to saw them up for him.
ARKANSAWYER

[WoodChucker]

Thanks woodman, I kinda thought so but figured I'd ask anyway.

ARKANSAWYER, 100,000 bdft? Boy that sounds so far away, lol.  And yes, i hope I get an eye for a few things, right now I just put the log on the mill and where ever it falls is where I cut it, I'm sure theres more to it then that and in time I'll learn it. Thanks for your input!

R.T.  

[Bro. Noble]

WC,


     You will want to learn to "saw for grade" in order to get toe most good lumber from a given log.  I recieved valuable help from the Mo. dept of conservation-- forestry division.  They sent out a lot of videos on sawmilling, grading lumber, timber management etc. Just cost me the return postage.  I don't know if they send them out of state or not.  Check with your state forestery or conservation depts and university extension forester.  I'll bet the rest of the guys have suggestions on what you might need to learn and where you might get info.  If your interested you might need to ask on a new thread.

[WoodChucker]

Hey Noble, yep I've got a lot to learn about this saw milling, good thing for me I have a place like this forum and guys like you and all the others that have been such a great help. I really appreciate it. Thanks!

R.T.