Looking for Some Pointers

[agreb12]

Been reading a lot on the site and finally got my feet wet with my mill I have had sitting for a little while. I bought a beautiful used MS660 with 32" bar and the mill off amazon maybe 6 months ago, waiting for a nice tree to fall. Finally a nice little 18" cherry. Did my first milling last night and had a few questions. I used a full skip chisel chain (didn't want to spend more money on a chain). Used the chain on maybe 20 cuts on previous downed trees. First cut went smooth, let the saw do the work, resting on the ladder. Did not sharpen the chain or even kiss it off, second cut was very bouncy, in and out of pressure. Is this a result of a dull chain, or running the mill along the bark, or non ripping chain? Next question, should the saw run perpendicular to the log or on a slight angle/nose first? Planning on cutting 3 more pieces this size and a few other trees similar in size, what would be money best spent? (Aux oiler, ripping chain, thermostat, tach?, or just gas oil and some sweat?)
Hopefully you all enjoy the photos!

 

[Brian72]

I like to get one end up and mill downhill. It's less physical. Let gravity help. Try to keep the bar straight and let it pull through. Rocking back and forth will create a sloppy finish. An auxiliary oiler would be a good addition. Many make their own for just a few bucks. I have a few loops of Woodland Pro ripping chain. It does work well but I mainly stick to Stihl RS. It's just more convenient for me. Keeping the chain sharp is really more important when milling.

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[BobL]

Been reading a lot on the site and finally got my feet wet with my mill I have had sitting for a little while. I bought a beautiful used MS660 with 32" bar and the mill off amazon maybe 6 months ago, waiting for a nice tree to fall. Finally a nice little 18" cherry. Did my first milling last night and had a few questions. I used a full skip chisel chain (didn't want to spend more money on a chain). Used the chain on maybe 20 cuts on previous downed trees. First cut went smooth, let the saw do the work, resting on the ladder. Did not sharpen the chain or even kiss it off, second cut was very bouncy, in and out of pressure. Is this a result of a dull chain, or running the mill along the bark, or non ripping chain?

Probably a cut width thing. Every now and then, with as many of the multitude of variables as possible under control, I feel this effect - I reckon it a similar thing that causes washboarding - the chains speed, cut width and chain setup, hit some sort of resonance point that causes a bit more vibe than usual. Next time that happens try angling the bar just a few degrees and see if it goes away or reduces.

In hard woods I touch up the chain whether it needs it or not after every tank of mix, that way there are never any more than a couple of cutter swipes needed and the chain is always at it max sharpness. I haven't cut much soft wood but even there its about every second tank. If you leave it too long between touch ups the number of swipes to get a glint free edge will increased more than the two swipes x the number of tanks.

Next question, should the saw run perpendicular to the log or on a slight angle/nose first?

It doesn't matter - as long as the milling held steady through the entire cut.

Planning on cutting 3 more pieces this size and a few other trees similar in size, what would be money best spent? (Aux oiler, ripping chain, thermostat, tach?, or just gas oil and some sweat?)

unless its 90º+ if you are sweating somethings not right.

Don't know about money but time spent on sharpening and learning progressive raker depth setting will give you more productivity than anything else. I used skip chains for about 30 logs and then switched to regular full comp semi chisel chainand haven't ever gone back to skip. But everyone has their own preferences that work for them.

 

[Brian72]

Probably a cut width thing. Every now and then, with as many of the multitude of variables as possible under control, I feel this effect - I reckon it a similar thing that causes washboarding - the chains speed, cut width and chain setup, hit some sort of resonance point that causes a bit more vibe than usual. Next time that happens try angling the bar just a few degrees and see if it goes away or reduces.

In hard woods I touch up the chain whether it needs it or not after every tank of mix, that way there are never any more than a couple of cutter swipes needed and the chain is always at it max sharpness. I haven't cut much soft wood but even there its about every second tank. If you leave it too long between touch ups the number of swipes to get a glint free edge will increased more than the two swipes x the number of tanks.


It doesn't matter - as long as the milling held steady through the entire cut.

unless its 90º+ if you are sweating somethings not right.

Don't know about money but time spent on sharpening and learning progressive raker depth setting will give you more productivity than anything else. I used skip chains for about 30 logs and then switched to regular full comp semi chisel chainand haven't ever gone back to skip. But everyone has their own preferences that work for them.

Hope you're feeling better Bob!

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[BobL]

Hope you're feeling better Bob!

Thanks Brian. The knee comes and goes - still some ways from milling. Yesterday I worked the (metal) lathe for about an hour and a half and now ((its 4:30am) I'm paying for it - keeps me awake. . I'm at the point where I might just have to bite the bullet and go see a specialist about it.

 

[Brian72]

Thanks Brian. The knee comes and goes - still some ways from milling. Yesterday I worked the (metal) lathe for about an hour and a half and now ((its 4:30am) I'm paying for it - keeps me awake. . I'm at the point where I might just have to bite the bullet and go see a specialist about it.

Definitely get it checked Bob. No need to suffer anymore than you have to. Wishing you the best!

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[agreb12]

Thanks to both of you. Sharpened the chain and smooth sailing for two more cuts. Man does the 660 empty that tank quick. Definitely had to fill the tank up after every cut to not run out. Pretty addicting, have a few more logs need milled around here and need to find more space to dry.

 

[Brian72]

Thanks to both of you. Sharpened the chain and smooth sailing for two more cuts. Man does the 660 empty that tank quick. Definitely had to fill the tank up after every cut to not run out. Pretty addicting, have a few more logs need milled around here and need to find more space to dry.

Looking good! Looking forward to more pics of your adventures! You'll learn quite a bit as you go. Plenty of great info in these forums.

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