Sawmill Scale Measurements - Mistake Found/Corrected

[Cutting Edge]

After reading numerous posts in the archives and pics, I figured the easiest way to saw accurate/consistent lumber was to keep the one "yardstick" and just have these laminated and clipped on the mill.  If down the road I do decide to make "story poles" of the most commonly sawed dimensions, all the math is already done.  Hillbilly setworks!   

These Excell Spreadsheets are set up for 1/8" allowance for kerf and last board off is at 1" thick or matches chosen cut sequence.  One is for true dimensions, other is for dimensional lumber.  Referencing different scales assists in flitch thickness before cant is made w/ a nominal trim cut to bring everything back in sequence.  Not perfect, I know, but better than tryin to do in in your head.  All you need is a yardstick w/ 1/8" increments.

The formulas are still imbedded if you want to change 'em to suit your mill.  I shifted the common variables to the last page in each, so all you have to do is print the first 2 pages and you can just change the bottom number (fractional) to your desired last board thickness.  If you see an error, let me know, and I'll correct it (I am human).  Or if you need help converting them to your setup, PM me.  I figured if they would be handy for me, someone else could probably use 'em too.

[Ga Mtn Man]

Very cool, Richard.  Now that IS working smarter, not harder.

[macpower]

Interesting that you posted this today. I just came across an aluminum yardstick at a local hardware that is about 1 1/4 wide and about 3/16 thick, real heavy stock for a yardstick. The back side is unmarked and I was thinking of notching and marking it for  4/4 and 5/4 on each edge and mounting it either in place of, or on top of the scale on the mill. I could flip it over to the 1-36 inch scale when needed.  I have a rudimentary version of your spreadsheet that I have been using, it is in pencil on a pine board behind the seat in the pickup.

[wormy]

thank you for that i keep saying i was going to write them down but i never do and end up always doing them in my head as i go. now just one less thing to think about

[Delawhere Jack]

Another member (Jim Rogers?) posted some similar tables. They are VERY helpful, especially when you've got a customer who wants to chat with you after EVERY cut.... Forget where you were? Just look at the table....

Thanks rwthom279.

[Cutting Edge]

Well, I guess its handier than I thought! 

For folks that do not have Microsoft Excell....I used their Office Starter (free download) and saved it in this format.  I am under the impression it is universal.  If you do not have fast internet the download will be misery as it is kinda large.

I'm sorry, I don't have an Adobe account to convert them to pdf.  Maybe someone here has this capability.

I can try to get each one moved over to "Notepad" or "Word" if that will help folks out.   If this will work, lemme know....more than glad to help.

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

I read 'em fine. Rich, you did a good job coming up with these charts. 

I see now why you're up in the middle of the night. 

[Slabs]

I've made some handy scales with the aluminum yardsticls also.  You'll probably have  to notch out for the retaining screw but they work well.  I use a very fine felt-tip marker for the scale lines and coat the results with clear Krylon for durability.

REmember to take the kerf into consideration when you set up your scales.

Good luck

[bandmiller2]

Cheat sheets, I make them up for the circular and bandmill.Especially helpfull making the last slab cut so everything works out.Frank C.

[Cutting Edge]

Alright....I have them converted to Word for folks who need them in a different format.  Can't post them here (format not allowed), but will gladly send them out via. e-mail.

[OneEyedJackIndy]

Good stuff thanks.  I need all the help I can get.

[Cutting Edge]

Hey Y'all.  As I figured would happen....there was an error.  The Dimensional Cheat Sheet was 1/8" heavy.  I will call it computer error (seems feasible)    It seems when I was shifting colums/values around to put the scales on 1 page, one formula holding 1/8" heavy copied to ALL columns.  It is now corrected.

Thanks to POSTONLT40HD for the catch...Sorry for mistake all!

As per POSTON's recommendation, I will blame the mistake on the lack of A/C due to no power.  That covers the computer AND ME.  Now I won't have to eat any crow grits dead possum (sounds tasty) 

[thecfarm]

I have an aluimum yard stick with 3 differant color makers,one for an inch,1½ and 2.Works for me.

[Ga Mtn Man]

Here they are in PDF.

[kelLOGg]

I made my lumber scales with Excel, too. Transferred it to a metal strips, glued it on and sprayed clear lacquer on it. I occasionally have to re-glue the strips.

[colinofthewoods]

Thank you very much for working on this.  Those of us with low level math skills appreciate it.

[Cypressstump]

Thank you very much for working on this.  Those of us with low level math skills appreciate it.

Yeah Same here, Thanks ! My counting thumbs don't do fractions none too easy !

Appreicate ya posting this. I will laminate a copy to hang on the little mill.

[francismilker]

Thanks Richard, (rwthom279) for resurrecting this thread for me.  I'll be printing these babies out and laminating them for the clipboard that hangs on the mill!  I appreciate it.  Sure will save lots of time ciphering.