StubornDutchman
ArboristSite Operative
First off, Chaikwa is one heck of a guy! I met him last year and had the pleasure of assisting him mill some logs on his homebuilt Lynn Mill. What an awesome set up he fabricated, overbuilt in many respects. For some reason he took pity on me and offered to help me build my own mill. I’ve turned out to be a great observer and general all around gopher though. The phrase “good help is hard to find” comes up often.
Seriously, the project is well underway and it’s time to share our story. The bed is 28’ long not counting the tongue, resulting in about a 24’ log capacity. The two main frame rails are made out of 8” high strength truck frame. It has one single torsion axle that is easily removable by detaching four bolts. The carriage wheel track is made out of 3/8” angle iron. The carriage is 90% complete and rolls down the entire length of track using only one finger. Chaikwa is a wizard when it comes to welding and heat control. Everything is true in all respects. This thing is super solid.
I have a couple pics I will try to post. I just need to set up a photobucket account and master the process of posting them here.
As mentioned in other parts of the forum, our woods was severely damaged by a tornado and the logger left behind about a hundred logs that have milling potential. Plus there are numerous shorter logs (4’/6’/8’) that can be milled for table tops, dog houses, benches, etc. . Lots of oak, cherry, hickory, and ash to be milled. No softwood to speak of. I have a couple neighbors that also took a hit from the storm and they seem interested in me doing some milling for them, probably on a share vs. $$$ basis. This mill will see a lot of use.
There is no way I can thank Chaikwa enough for all his efforts. I can’t tell you how excited this whole project has me. I’m surprised some of my relatives haven’t tired of hearing me go on about the project. I guess it helps that they are already making requests for stuff they want built.
Seriously, the project is well underway and it’s time to share our story. The bed is 28’ long not counting the tongue, resulting in about a 24’ log capacity. The two main frame rails are made out of 8” high strength truck frame. It has one single torsion axle that is easily removable by detaching four bolts. The carriage wheel track is made out of 3/8” angle iron. The carriage is 90% complete and rolls down the entire length of track using only one finger. Chaikwa is a wizard when it comes to welding and heat control. Everything is true in all respects. This thing is super solid.
I have a couple pics I will try to post. I just need to set up a photobucket account and master the process of posting them here.
As mentioned in other parts of the forum, our woods was severely damaged by a tornado and the logger left behind about a hundred logs that have milling potential. Plus there are numerous shorter logs (4’/6’/8’) that can be milled for table tops, dog houses, benches, etc. . Lots of oak, cherry, hickory, and ash to be milled. No softwood to speak of. I have a couple neighbors that also took a hit from the storm and they seem interested in me doing some milling for them, probably on a share vs. $$$ basis. This mill will see a lot of use.
There is no way I can thank Chaikwa enough for all his efforts. I can’t tell you how excited this whole project has me. I’m surprised some of my relatives haven’t tired of hearing me go on about the project. I guess it helps that they are already making requests for stuff they want built.
Chaikwa discovered that the up/down motor had increased in price from <$200 to over $400. He kept searching and discovered that a semi trailer tarp motor had similar specs and cost less than $140! It works great and even came with a fancy chrome cover, a nice little touch of bling. To say that I am a happy camper is an understatement. With luck we should be making test cuts next month.
