putting saw to wood

music_boy · November 12, 2003, 03:07:44 PM

Hey Phil,
I'd be interested in some of your ideas on setting up a jig for the smaller stuff. I've got a couple of ideas but experince has proved my first ideas aren't my best, and someone else has already been down that road.
Appreciate any ideas.
Ricki

fencerowphil (Phil L.) · November 12, 2003, 05:35:11 PM

Hey Music B./Ricki

I would defer to Arkansawyer on that. (If he hasn't done it, I'll be amazed.) Between him and Frank Pender, they have done the most experimental stuff imaginable.

Examples of what I have seen, but not done, include
   a) extra end-dog system which can be flipped up within
   a saw's frame, (adjustable or fixed length possible)
   b) an indexed log mounting system, much like something
   you might envision for a lathe, rather than a sawmill,
   ( The log is fastened, suspended and can be rotated
   in the jig.)
   c) and, a fixed-length frame of steel with its own dogging
   system which could hold a short log. This "cradle"
   could be maneuvered with log in it, or made to sit on
   the saw frame for the log to be rolled in and secured.

Where are you Frank and Arky ?
Phil L.

Fla._Deadheader · November 14, 2003, 05:28:32 AM

Our mill is set up for large logs. Our movable log stops are 24" high. We set our bunks at 32" center to center. We saw 24" long chunks all the time. We put a 2X whatever, flat on the bunks to set the piece on. We also use a piece of 2 X to stand up against the log stops and we allow enough room so the clamp will tighten against the piece we are cutting, that sits on the bottom 2X and is held from being pushed through the log stops, by the second 2X. That clear as mud ? :D :D :D

fencerowphil (Phil L.) · November 14, 2003, 04:38:21 PM

aLRiGHt fLoRida,

i tried to imagine that, 'til I hurt my head. :D

(Please send picture!)
Phil L.

Fla._Deadheader · November 14, 2003, 05:47:45 PM

Cmon, Phil. I read the post 4 times and it seems pretty easy to figger out. ???

solidwoods · November 15, 2003, 05:08:39 AM

Music boy.
For short logs on the mill, try making a Vee trough to put the log in. Plywood glued with Poly glue and screwed together (just enough to hold it together till the glue dries, then remove any screws that are in the cutting area)
ply bottom and a Vee with some supports connecting to the bottom. This will let you put a flat quickly on the log (even cut a few boards), then move down the track to a ply bed area with wood back fence.
Make the flat, move the log and head and work the log on the other table to complete.

If moving the mill head up/dwn is quick, make just one jig but make it two sided and flip it over for each table type.
JIM

fencerowphil (Phil L.) · November 15, 2003, 11:46:28 AM

aLRiGHt fLoRida,

When I got out the Lincoln logs and laid 'em out on the kitchen table. Then I read your post again. It was as clear as mud. And I didn't get dirty or sweaty!

That's definitely the simplest idea, especially if the feed is slow, huh? I like the plywood V-trough, too. Light weight and no damage to blades by accident.

Phil L.