Hi Guys, tried something different this weekend. I normally used BobL’s lifting the log and using gravity approach to cutting the bigger logs however sometimes its hard to get a large log up even with the jack. So I tried a simple approach, I used a ladder with a pulley at the top and a 10’ height and hung weights (35lbs) to pull the saw. I used a piece of nylon rope and ran it to the saw after starting the cut. I need to put another pulley at the bottom of the ladder and modify how I tie it to the saw but overall it worked great. I was cutting a red oak that was ~40 inchs to 52” at the flare and only had to touch it once or twice. Happy milling, bart
New hands free milling setup
- Thread starter Barthaigh
- Start date
Help Support Arborist Forum:
betterbuilt
I build stuff from milled slabs
Here's your pic's
Last edited:
Timberframed
ArboristSite Guru
Hmmmm....Very interesting. I think I will give that a go. Thanks
betterbuilt
I build stuff from milled slabs
Nice Job..
betterbuilt
I build stuff from milled slabs
TF for the logs you've been milling you'd need a really tall ladder. Maybe you could use a tree instead.
Dave Boyt
ArboristSite Guru
Nice design
I like the idea of getting back away from the smoke and noise. Never would have thought that the saw would track straight. I'll have to try it. Looks like you're using a spring clamp to hold the throttle? Nice looking slab!
I like the idea of getting back away from the smoke and noise. Never would have thought that the saw would track straight. I'll have to try it. Looks like you're using a spring clamp to hold the throttle? Nice looking slab!
Very nice slab and ingenious idea. You should have included the BobL style pic of you sitting back having a cold one while the cut was in progress!
I have done a couple of cuts like this using a pair of double wheeled pulleys and ~50 lb cookies as weight. That way you only need 6 ft of drop to cut about 12 ft of length.
A triple wheeled pulley and a larger weight would be even better.
I stopped doing this (and hands off milling on sloped logs as well) because I still think its better to be close up and personal with the saw.
betterbuilt
I build stuff from milled slabs
Yeah, I figured mutiple pulleys would make it shorter.
Somedays it is nice to be right with the saw. On those stagnate day where the exhaust doesn't move it's nice to back up and get some fresh air.
I agree with BobL that hands off milling does not make me feel all that comfortable. I really intend to use the ladder system when it is difficult to get a large log propped up in the air so gravity can do the work. This system will pull the saw thru with little effort on the millers part and leave you the needed stength for picking up the large slabs, thanks for the reponses, I plan to set up a doulbe pulley next, bart
betterbuilt
I build stuff from milled slabs
I like to lift the logs to some where between 12 and 19 degrees and use weights on the mill. I had some lead bricks in the shop but couldn't locate them. I just found them and hope to use them instead of rocks and logs. They weigh 27lbs a peice. I'm gonna attach a shelf to the mill so they don't slide off or create friction if they shift.
NuggyBuggy
ArboristSite Operative
I guess I don't see what's going on in the pictures. You mention a pulley at the top and hanging weights, but I can only see a rope running horizontally to the ladder, nothing to the top.
Also, BobL, what's the reservation with not being "up close and personal" with the saw ? I understand that it's important to be able to control the throttle, but with your remote throttle setup it would seem that should be doable without being near the saw and the noise.
There are many reasons to be up close and personal
- tacho and temp gauge on the saw and I like to monitor these.
- aux oiler control needs occasional adjustment during wide cuts.
- slope and the weight of the mill creates primary downward pressure but the top up pressure is provided with my arms and/or thigh/knee on the wrap handle.
- We get fewer straighter trunks than you guys do so I often have to negotiate my way around a lump or a dip in the trunk.
- if something is about to go pear shaped I might have a chance to see it and avoid before it happens.
- when something does go pear shaped I might be able to stop the saw before it gets worse - kill switch can be activated on my remote throttle.
- I like to feel the saw/mill and how its cutting
I agree noise is a problem but it becomes much less so with foam ear plugs and a pair of Peltor 10HB muffs.
Very nice job!!! Even though it is hands off I am sure you are watching closely. Does the saw ever over rev in knots??
I like my hands on the saw also, this is an easy option to take a break and still get work done.
I like my hands on the saw also, this is an easy option to take a break and still get work done.
Hi, I agree with BobL with regards to hands free milling. I use this pulley system to help save on the arms and it allows me to take my hands off the saw for a short period of time to do things like place wedges and stretch during a long cut. I too like to have my hands on the saw and control the revs and how hard to saw is working. I often find I need to negotiate around obstacles that cause the saw to get struck or drag more on the power head side of the saw. Overall it works well but there is no replacement for being on the saw most of the time. Have fun milling, Bart
Similar threads
