Milling roots

[Dave Boyt]

Anyone have much experience milling tree root balls? I just milled up a walnut root from a tree that was down for a number of years. Biggest problem was rocks embedded in the wood. Ruined three band saw blades and a chain saw chain. Clamping on the mill was a challenge, but it held fine. I think the end result was worth it, though. The woodworker that bought several slabs was happy!

 

[hamish]

You spent your weekend milling that up!

Well worth it, yet another you never know till you open it up.

 

[discounthunter]

power wash. even that wont get everything. nice pieces though,looks like it was worth it.

 

[john taliaferro]

I like your mill , and i also think its a nice table. Thanks for posting .

 

[rarefish383]

Pretty slab. I used to save chains that were about shot, on their last leg, just for flushing off stumps. So, now I have a nail on the wall for old milling chains, in case I find a big stump to slab. One of the nice things about milling with my old Homelite 1050 is the .404 chain, low RPM, and lots of torque. With the lower rpm it seems if I hit a nail or piece of wire, it will nock the edge off one tooth and keep going. Seems to go through more dirt too. With my higher RPM Stihls, with smaller chain, the same nail will wipe out the whole chain before you can react. The old Homey just jumps once and the nail is gone. I think it was worth it, thanks for posting, Joe.

 

[1969cj-5]

This makes me want to get a couple of walnut stumps on my place bulldozed out and get them slabbed.

 

[Dave Boyt]

Rarefish, thanks for the suggestion. I've got an old Homelite, and just may bring it out of retirement. You make a good case for the low rpm saws that I hadn't thought of. Do you use a skip-tooth chain? Semi-chisel?

1969CJ-5, I see you're in Missouri. I live near Neosho (southwest MO). Bring some roots down and I'll slab 'em up for you.

The mill worked great, once I figured out how to clamp down the root!

 

[rarefish383]

Sorry Dave, time to get out the old specs, that's MD, not MO. I just use standard stihl chain from the local shop. Although, I think I'll start ordering from one of our sponsors. The last time I bought 2 chains, one 36" 404, and one 30" 3/8, he soaked me for $100 dollars even. He laughed and said that was the first time he ever had a tab come up to $100 even. I laughed too, because it's the last time he'll have it happen to me. I wouldn't mind bringing my 250 Savage over, I hear you guys have some big deer, Joe.

 

[1969cj-5]

1969CJ-5, I see you're in Missouri. I live near Neosho (southwest MO). Bring some roots down and I'll slab 'em up for you.QUOTE]

It will need to wait till this time next year. I am deploying again.

 

[Dave Boyt]

I'll still be here. Just make sure you are-- be careful & thanks!

 

[1969cj-5]

I'll still be here. Just make sure you are-- be careful & thanks!

I will be careful, wether I am here or not is up to Iran.

 

[Dave Boyt]

When you get back, we'll have some fun & slice up some logs!