Operator Chip screen/guard

[Bullheaded]

I am curious as to what some of you are using for chip screens between the operator and the blade? I am thinking of using 3/4" welded screen with 1/4" hardware screen over that. I plan on hanging the "guard" allowing it to swing. Thank you.

[East ky logging]

I have a piece of 3/4" expanded metal screen that swings or on hooks that I can remove if necessary. Best thing I've found so far is a forestry helmet with a screen face guard with earmuffs. It keeps all but the finest dust out of your face with the added ear protection. 

[beenthere]

Do you now have a framework above your circle blade to hang a screen? I like the helmet idea to cover the bases.

[Ron Wenrich]

I worked one mill that had a piece of glass with screen on the inside of the glass.  Easy to clean, but it gets dirty quickly when the sap is running.  It will also take a shot to the glass without shattering.  That comes from experience I had when a slab that came back to the headsaw.  It also would swing.

I would think that the 1/4" screen would cake up with dust.

[Bullheaded]

Here is a pic of the current state. I was going to make a swinging screen but wanted to see if there was a better idea first.

[Bullheaded]

Concept sketch.

[Ron Wenrich]

How much of a problem do you have with the sun shining on your blade?  I know that my not seem like a problem, but I have always noticed that the saw doesn't perform nearly as good as it does on a cloudy day.  Even in buildings with a roof, whenever the saw can shine directly on the saw, it will perform differently.

To overcome the problem without building a building, I put a roof over the top of the saw.  I used slabs as roofing material.  Perhaps you could incorporate your window with that type of structure. 

What are you going to do to handle the dust?

[Bullheaded]

Ron, 
I have read about and am aware of sun heating the blade. In time, I will build a complete sawmill shed. I just found (4) utility poles and hope to have them planted within a couple weeks. I eventually plan to build a conveyor for sawdust.

My priority shifted a tad yesterday when the grandson of my cabins original builder showed up with a (10)cord load of red oak firewood. Knowing I had the mill he brought several nice bolts in the load. I am anxious to throw one on the mill!