Need some advise on first mill ?

[Dog_River]

I want to order a new Alaskan Saw mill. I have a powerhead w/ a 30" bar. My question is what size of mill should order ? Do I need an auxilary oiler ? Also I would like to have a mini mill for side cuts, any suggestions there ? I will be milling beetle kill pine and some spruce.

Thanks in advance !

Dog_River

 

[mad murdock]

I want to order a new Alaskan Saw mill. I have a powerhead w/ a 30" bar. My question is what size of mill should order ? Do I need an auxilary oiler ? Also I would like to have a mini mill for side cuts, any suggestions there ? I will be milling beetle kill pine and some spruce.

Thanks in advance !

Dog_River

What size is the engine of your powerhead? I do most of my milling (Alaskan) with a Husy 372XPW. I started with the woodsmans pro 3/8 pitch ripping chain that Bailey's sells, and after milling around 5,000 bd ft over the last couple years of spare time, I needed more chain and a new bar, I just started a thread with pics of my results here. http://www.arboristsite.com/milling-saw-mills/215376.htm I would suggest you get the Stihl picco chain that Bailey's sells, and rig up to run it on your P/H, and if your bar is not /050" get one that is. Depending on the average size of the logs you intend to mill, I would go with at least a 24" mill. that is what I started with, on a 28" bar, my new set up is a 32" bar and I have extended my mill to 36". I have a Stihl 075 with a 36" roller nose bar, if I need to make a bigger cut. The oilomatic picco chain does really well without the tip oiler. They suggest the tip oiler if you are going to go longer than 36". I am really really pleased with the po profile ripping chain, requires less power, cuts faster, and less kerf, yeilding more boards, and less sawdust. All around a win/win for a CSM!!

 

[Dog_River]

Thanks for the input MM !

My powerhead is a 153 Dolmar. It is in excellent condition completely rebuilt with only a few hours on the rebuild. It runs very well and starts on the second pull. The saw is around 100 ccs and should be decent for milling. It has a 36" bar with a roller tip on it. There is a manual oiler but it does automatically oil as well. The are a few guys on this site using them for milling and they say they work great with lots of low end grunt. The logs are not that big and am guessing my biggest will be around 24" or so. I want to get this sorted out so I can order my new mill and get to work !
I am up in northern BC so the temps will be fairly low at time, say minus 20. I guess I will try differant bar oils and see what works best for these temps and dry beetle kill, lots of dust. What are you useing for a side mill ?

I checked out your thread and enjoyed it. I have an old 71 F250 4x4. I love them old Internationals, post up some pics of that old beast and I will do the same.

Thanks, Dog_River

 

[BlueRider]

Your a bit of an anomaly around here. Most guys have more bar than their saw will pull, but with that power head you could pull a 42" bar. Acordingly if you think there is ever a chance you might want to go with a bigger bar you might want to consider going with a 48" mill.

I have a Granburg and I like its desgn. Mine is so old it has pat. ped stamped on it rather than a patent number and it has a lot of use on it. I replaced the rails a few years ago and now it is like new again, great customer service.

I like having the rails of the mill stick out as far or even a few inches farther then the bar just so I have a good visual refrence of where the end of the bar is. Somtimes I transprt the rig with the mill mounted to the saw and that tends to protect the chain/ bed of the truch from each other.

I mill with a Stihl 075 witch is about the same size and weight as your saw. With a 42" bar and a 48" mill I can handle it single handed. Also don't be afraid to order the 48" mill and cut it down if you don't like the extra length.

As far as mini mills the very best one I have ever seen bar non is the one made by wards820. He is a member here and he does not make them as a business, but with a bit of sweet talk he will give you a price quote. His work is top notch and if I was in the market for a mini mill that is the route I would go. Do a search and look at the pics of his mini mill(the pics of his full size mill are also nice to drool over). It comes with a remote triger mount and a dust deflector as well as the track.

 

[Dog_River]

BlueRider,

Thanks for the input. I was considering a 48" mill. The guy at the local CS shop also thinks thats the way to go. I am going to order it this week. I would like to see some pics of your set up if you can ?

Thanks, Dog_River

 

[BobL]

Thanks for the input MM !

My powerhead is a 153 Dolmar. It is in excellent condition completely rebuilt with only a few hours on the rebuild. It runs very well and starts on the second pull. The saw is around 100 ccs and should be decent for milling.

One thing you need to be aware of is that the 153 is a relatively low revving saw so it's cutting speed will be chain speed limited (ie slow) unless the rakers are set lower than usual. and (as for all saws) using progressive raker depth setting throughout the life a the chain. The working raker depth will depend on the width of the cut (and type of tree) but for new chain in around 20" wide logs I would start at a 30"' and vary it up and down from there.

 

[Dog_River]

I ordered my new mill and should be here soon. I cant wait to start milling. I have alot of projects on the table and lots of timber on my place. First off is I am going to make a new mantle for our fire place.

Thanks for your input. Stay tuned

Dog_River

 

[Dog_River]

Got er

I picked up my 48" Alaskan CS Mill and a Mini Mill. I have them together and all the saws serviced and ready to go and I cant wait. None tomorrow tho, maybe get started Boxing Day !

Merry Xmas to all !

Dog_River