Rookie questions?

[Bosco]

Well I got my LT15 Start put together,and fired up and drugup some logs to it, and it does cut wood!, SO I need some 4x4's how big a diameter a log do I need for 4x4 or 6x6? I'm cutting frozen wood and had to find out if the log clamp is harder then the frozen wood, and turns out it is! Also wondering if there 's a quick way to guess a log weight ? Diameter x length ? only gotta be ballpark.

[Florida boy]

The forestry forum tool box has I think all of the info you asked for.  Good rule of thumb is 1.5x the size of the can't for the log. 6x6 needs about a 10" small end. 8x8 12" so on and so forth.

[Bosco]

Thanx, but where's the "Tool Box"?

[Brad_bb]

Go to the top where the there is a row of buttons starting with the "Home" button.  Go to the "Extras" button and in there is "The Toolbox".  Go down the list and there is a button for calculating log diameter needed for a CANT.  A cant is when you make a log into the largest square timber it will make.

That calculator is pretty accurate.  It also assumes that your log is very straight.  You have to add if your log is not straight.

Rookie questions are always welcome.  There's a lot to be learned from the folks here and they are happy to share.

With experience, you will learn to eyeball a log and know how big you can get from it.  The same goes for making your first opening cut.  When I first started out, I agonized over leveling the log and making the first cut.  With time and experience I can eyeball it.  I will still use my tape measure to level the pith(center of the log) to the mill bed, but my opening cut is pretty easy.  Also, you can always take less off the first time and take a little more in another pass, but it's harder to put the wood back on the log. ;D

[PC-Urban-Sawyer]

Link to Tool Box is at the bottom of the left hand column, below the links to Forum Sponsors...

Herb

[Darrel]

Tool-box tip:

When calculating log weight, the list of species is only kinda sorta in alphabetical order.  If you go down the list and think what you are looking for isn't there, keep going it most likely is there when the alphabet kinda sorta starts over.    For example, redwood isn't there the first time around.

[YellowHammer]

Congratulations on the milling.  It's easier and generally less painful to learn the right habits from the start than learning bad and having to change, so questions are welcome.

[Resonator]

Depending on what its used for, you can make a 4x4 or 6x6 out of smaller logs too, if you don't mind some wane (rounded corner still with bark on it). And make sure you box the pith (cut with the center of the tree towards the center of the post). Good luck!

[paul case]

Did I read that right? you already cut into the clamp? I bet someone was there watching.

So a frozen clamp cuts harder than frozen logs? I guess I hadn't thought of that.

PC

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

So a frozen clamp cuts harder than frozen logs?

PC

Not with a Turbo 7. TaDa!  :D :D :D

[Darrel]

I've never tried cutting any parts of my frozen mill. I guess I just somehow knew it would be easier with a well thawed mill! 

:D ;D :D

[YellowHammer]

First 2 rookie questions answered:

1. To be the most productive, cut into the wood, and avoid cutting into the mill. :D.  It's hard to sell 4/4 FAS log clamp slices. 

2. Get some spray paint and cover up the offending Teachable Moment to avoid having to explain it ever again.  You'll need both a can of black and orange spray paint at some point.  If the cut is too deep into the metal, spooge a glop of mud into the kerf, then paint over it. 

[starmac]

Or just leave it as is as a reminder, that is what I do, and still have to try it out once in a great while.

[thecfarm]

Kinda like fishing with shoes on. Might just as well get your feet wet first thing. Then you won't have to be so worried about getting your feet wet.

[justallan1]

Bosco, welcome from another in Montana.
I'm in Colstrip, where abouts are you?

[Bosco]

I'm in the Bull Mts. south of Roundup ! Yep frozen log clamps are tougher to cut than thawed ones! I knew this new retirement hobby would get expensive, just got my new Mahindra with backhoe and loader just hope I dont need a bigger mill anytime soon!