Setting up a mini mill - cost effective for me?

[rustyb]

I'm planning to build a post and beam home using straw bales as infill. Being that there'll be quite a few larger timbers involved, I'm now wondering if perhaps I could save a little money by milling myself.

What could a guy expect to spend on the saw and attachements to do this with? I would not want anything too fancy.....just basic stuff for this one time deal.

Thanks.

 

[Lawn Masters]

Well, what size saw are you shooting for? and size of timbers to be milled?

 

[timberwolf]

Aside from the power head, 200-400$ would get you a Alaska mill or mini mill a longer bar and rip chain. For making softwood beams it's sane but hard work, for making lumber (2x4s) not realy.

power head 90cc+

One advantage is you can make up the dimentions you want. I just put some 13x 2 1/2 maple boards in the basement, made nice bar tops. They were 3 years drying though.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

And are you looking for new or used? Are you looking at an Alaskan Mill?

Jeff

 

[rustyb]

Thanks for the replies.

To answer the questions:

-I'd be inclined to buy used being that I likely wouldn't use this set-up for more than this one project. I wouldn't want to completely rule out new though.

-I'm not familar with the different terms and styles (Alaskan, Mini, etc). I just want something simple and easy that wouldn't require an army to operate.

-size of saw, I don't know. That's why I'm here;-). I would like the ability to cut softwood timbers up to 6" x 18". I would think most of the timbers would be smaller though.

Thanks.

 

[Lawn Masters]

probably, and 064, or 066 used would do you just fine, plus a mill and some power to pull the stuff with. maybe even an 056super if you can find one would be good to use.

 

[timberwolf]

An Alaskan mill holds the bar at both ends and cuts on the horizantal. Not easy to get nice square beams.

The Beam machine cuts on the vertical.

Works well to use the Alaskan to take of the first slab, then a beam machine to take the sides off, rotate 90 deg and cut the last side.

An 18 inch beam will need some Hp, 3120 088, or at least 066 or 395 with a 32-36 inch bar.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

probably, and 064, or 066 used would do you just fine, plus a mill and some power to pull the stuff with. maybe even an 056super if you can find one would be good to use.

My thoughts exactly, only that I'd add an 056 Mag II to the list.

And as far as making a square beam with the Alaskan mill, I've never had any trouble-

http://www.arboristsite.com/attachment_26102.php

Jeff

 

[bugfart]

My God, hes left nothing behind but rock and water.
Time to strip-mine.

 

[Lawn Masters]

Break out the D11s and track hoes lol. its time to start mining.

 

[jokers]

Hey Jeff,

Is that your boat in the background?

Russ

 

[bugfart]

I don't know weather I'm angry or prowd.

 

[Newfie]

I don't know weather I'm angry or prowd.

From your ability to spell I can't say that I'm surprised.

 

[rustyb]

Thanks guys!

Jeff,

Nice pic. Thanks. Which Stihl is that though? And what do they cost new?

Also, does anyone know of a website showing these type of chainsaw mills & their applications & general info to a newbie like myself?

rusty

 

[pitkas]

Chech out logosolusa.com . I have seen several in Alaska. I saw one tied to the floats of a beaver.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Jeff, Nice pic. Thanks. Which Stihl is that though? And what do they cost new?

That's a 660 with a full wrap and a 32". It's my buddy's and I think he payed $900-$1000 for it. There was some wheelin' and dealin' on it thoug.

They're all over ebay if you want to go that route. It's up to you. Ebay is good and bad.

Jeff

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Hey Jeff,

Is that your boat in the background?

Russ

Sorry to disappoint Russ. Not mine. The only thing mine in the photo is that helmet and that beat 044 on the log over my shoulder.

Jeff