electric chainsaw milling

NicolaeLapadus · March 30, 2014, 04:29:43 AM

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum so bare with me. I've been trying to find more info about milling with an electric chainsaw, and all i could find were some post and some photos. I understand that nobody wants to use an under power unit for such a demanding job...bu hey! I live In an residential area close to a forest, and while I have room to do some milling, the noise is a trade off. I dont have the money for an electric power unit (like those from logosol), so I'm left with what I have.
That is a Makita electric chainsaw, model number UC4020A, 1800W unit (2.41 hp give or take), 13.3m/s chain speed.
Now I've been ripping logs for about 2 years now, and although my hand got steadier, the amount of wood that is lost in the process is HUGE! So, been thinking about it and I said to myself to give it a try.
The first attachment was more like a jig.
The next one had the auxiliary oiler kit, because when I was milling with the first one I saw dust and SMOKE!
It runs good. NOt to slow not to fast. The chainsaw does not have the power or the speed to cut through the log in one motion (by pushing it straight forward), so I have to rock it left and right, hence the marks on the logs. The chain is not new, been sharpened 3-4 times at 30 degrees. (it's a stihl 3/8-28-1.1, 1.1 meaning 0.43 )
This are the results.
So...wat can I do to improve them? Been thinking about buying another makita chainsaw with 2000W, not much more power, but it looks that it is build stronger and will take the abuse better. What about chain options? There are none for this small chainsaw, so I would have to make mine, but what configuration? And is it worth it?
Thanks again guys! Let me know what you think!
P.S. The log is about 5 feet long, 10-12 inch diameter, and are hard, dense, and heavy. To the best of my knowledge from the maple family.

NicolaeLapadus · March 30, 2014, 04:30:33 AM

Refe to the NicolaeLapadus gallery for the pics.

thecfarm · March 30, 2014, 07:45:50 AM

NicolaeLapadus,Welcome to the forum. Good job getting the pictures into your gallery. I can't help you with your chainsaw question.This should show you how to put them in your post.

I like to go to whatever post or start a new topic first to include a picture.Go to your gallery,it will open in a new window.Click onto your album,then click onto whatever picture you want,it will get bigger,than scroll down a little to find,Insert Image In Post,click onto that,click Yes and that is it. Some have to copy/paste the link to work.I like to hit the enter key at least once or twice to move the picture down away from what I am typing. The enter key really helps to leave some white space if posting more than one picture. Somewheres I think it says to add 10,000 to your user number or something like that to make a clickable icon to your gallery under your user name. Use the preview button to see how it looks and modify it if needed.

Magicman · March 30, 2014, 07:57:05 AM

Hello NicolaeLapadus, and Welcome to the Forestry Forum.

The first two "sticky" threads on top will help you with picture posting; LINK

drobertson · March 30, 2014, 10:26:40 AM

howdy Nic, I know nothing about that type of sawing, your pictures show that you look to have it figured out, If this is the only acceptable way in your area, I would say stick to what works, especially if no one is complaining about the noise. I have to wonder what if you got a small manual band mill, with an electric motor, if this would work for you, david

iwiegian · March 30, 2014, 11:10:22 AM

Quote from: drobertson on March 30, 2014, 10:26:40 AM
howdy Nic, I know nothing about that type of sawing, your pictures show that you look to have it figured out, If this is the only acceptable way in your area, I would say stick to what works, especially if no one is complaining about the noise. I have to wonder what if you got a small manual band mill, with an electric motor, if this would work for you, david

Welcome to the Forestry Forum

My thinking too would be a home built or small band mill driven with an electric motor.

I bought a used Alaskan mill at a garage sale cheap and put a 25 inch bar with a milling chain on my 028 stihl(its too small). I cut three boards from a elm limb. All I can say you are a better man than I.

On the other hand if this is your only option go for it. From what I understand 10 degrees on the teeth cuts better for ripping. I bought a ripping chain from Baily's online. I do not know if they sell one for your pitch of chain.

You made some nice looking boards with very basic equipment so I'm sure you will settle on a good plan. Dave

Sixacresand · March 30, 2014, 01:23:11 PM

Welcome to the Forum, NicolaeLapadus

shinnlinger · March 30, 2014, 01:37:32 PM

I have seen guys take a chainsaw carcass and mount a hydraulic motor on it as a very cost effective alternative to a hydraulic chainsaw. You could do the same and have an electric hydraulic power unit that would become handy for lots of stuff or you could probably find a big electric motor and machine a coupling to fit a big saws crankshaft. Since portability isn't a concern, I don't see why it couldn't work. Find a blown up pro saw with a big bar and as big a motor as you can run on you electric service and see what happens....