Birch Milling

[MGoodwin]

Friend found this blow down in a gentlemen's yard who said we could have it. Originally we were bucking it for firewood but asked for the last ten feet (24" diameter). Sawing went well, a few details:

1) I sink a few screws through the wood to hold the ladder down, but also run some 1/4" lag screws through the wood just to the inside of the rails to act as outriggers. While extra time, it makes for a much more stable cut.

2) We got 6.5 slabs at 8/4.

3) Tried a new file geometry: inside top plate: 40°, outside top plate: 5°, roll: 10° with .025" raker depth. This chain worked well. Previously I have used 50°/10°/10° respectively and the new configuration feed very easily (it was easy to get too agressive). I think the change from 50 to 40 degrees really helped.

 

[SDB777]

Is that a tarp to catch the saw chips? Can say, I haven't seen that one yet....but then again, I probably need to get out more often.

How is it 6-1/2 slabs?



I wish I could say we get Birch that big around here....8-10 inches is on the big side, without being hollow from rot. What do you have planned for these chunks? Anything special....cause the grain looks pretty nice. Does Birch of that size move much?





Scott (great photo's and fun times) B

 

[rarefish383]

Wow, that log didn't look that big in the first pic, then it grew when you stuck the saw in it. These are some White Birch planks I mill close to 2 years ago. I used anchor Seal on them and they have not checked. I plan on making a coffee table out of them. This was a really big White Birch for MD. It was riddled with Bronze Bores. The planks seam pretty stable. I might get started on the table this year, Joe.

 

[Dave Boyt]

Nice slabs! Thanks for the info on tooth geometry. I haven't played with it nearly as much as I'd like. Like Scott, I don't see much birch, so I'm stuck with milling walnut. Life is tough...

 

[MGoodwin]

The log at that point had become relatively tapered so I only went down halfway. Figured having a triangular piece wasnt worth it. I put a tarp down to collect the chips for my friends wife's chicken coup. Actually worked pretty well.