Alaskan saw mill setup for a newbie

[jimdad07]

I am looking into milling my own lumber for woodworking. I am planning on starting with logs no larger than a foot in diameter. I am also buying a Dolmar ps5100s for cutting firewood and was wondering if it would also work for milling with a mini-mill.

 

[mtngun]

I already replied on your other thread, but I'll reply again to "bump" this to the top and maybe get some other responses.

A mini-mill is a good way to get started. A 5100 is reputed to be a killer firewood saw. You could use the 5100 on the mini-mill for small logs, but if you decide you enjoy milling, you'll eventually find an excuse to get more appropriate equipment.

 

[jimdad07]

Thank you for the advice. I am learning quite a bit on this site. I also have seen a couple of smaller milling setups on this site that I like and think I can make with maybe a few twists.

 

[Brmorgan]

I also replied over there, not realizing you had also posted here since. I won't bother duplicating all that here too.

Welcome though. There's a ton of information here - I've killed literally days' worth of time searching through this forum.

One big suggestion for you though:

Your camera is your friend!

LOL. We love to see pictures here. Whatever you do end up getting put together, be sure to show us!

 

[SilverBox]

I am looking into milling my own lumber for woodworking. I am planning on starting with logs no larger than a foot in diameter. I am also buying a Dolmar ps5100s for cutting firewood and was wondering if it would also work for milling with a mini-mill.

It will work for very small stuff, anything other then that and you risk blowing it up. I made a 10' pass on 12-14" cedar with my MS250 (40cc Stihl) one time in a mini mill. Took forever, won't be doing that again, very slow and felt like that lil saw was about killing itself.

 

[jimdad07]

Brmorgan,
I will be sure to show you guys whatever I come up with. I am going to start with rough stock no larger than ten inches and not much longer than 6', probably some of the smaller cherry logs I get every year when I buy logs for the wood stove. That will most likely be it until I can get a bigger saw more appropriate for the task. I don't want to drop four or five hundred dollars on a firewood saw and burn it up. Besides, it will give me a great excuse to buy a bigger saw.