Idea For New Tool

[rarefish383]

Most of you guys reccomend using your guide rails for all of your cuts, not just the first one. Has anyone ever tried to make an L shaped bracket to screw to the ends of the logs, that is level with the previous cut, for a level in and out cut? Say, maybe 12 inches long, like a set of mini guide rails, just to get the cut started, Joe.

 

[BobL]

Most of you guys reccomend using your guide rails for all of your cuts, not just the first one. Has anyone ever tried to make an L shaped bracket to screw to the ends of the logs, that is level with the previous cut, for a level in and out cut? Say, maybe 12 inches long, like a set of mini guide rails, just to get the cut started, Joe.

Firstly that would require the log to be cut accurately vertically square to the cut surface of the log and not all logs are like that. This is no big deal but that is just another thing to do. Then the weight of a big saw and mill would mean the screws needed to hold the bracket in would have to be sunstantial. This would require drilling and that is just more work.

There are also many other benefits to having the mill run on rails for the entire length rather than the previous cut surface.
- it allows the operator to correct any twists arising from the previous cut.
- it reduces the transfer of surface irregularities from the previous to the next cut
- it allow wedges and a hammer to be placed on the previous cut surface for ready access by the operator
- it helps reduce friction between in some circumstances and contributes to self feeding if the log is on a slope

It could work for smaller mills.

 

[rarefish383]

Right after I posted it I thought, who in the world wants some thing else to carry in the woods, Joe.