Texas Members...

[JakeG]

Do we have any members IN or AROUND the Houston, Texas area who own a chainsaw mill?

I work 200 days a year and am very seriously considering a nice mill (and bigger saw of course). Before I make a decision, I'd really like to actually try my hands on a chainsaw mill. This may convince me to go bigger from the get go.

I'll bring some pecan and mesquite wood to smoke some meat as well as some flavorful cold ones (for afterwards). :hmm3grin2orange: What d'ya say?

When my CAD finds a larger saw, I'd love to tackle larger Pecan logs in the area. For now, I'm collecting 10" - 14" diameter 6' - 8' long red oak and pine logs.

If you're not in the area, I'd love to hear your take on the various mills available these days. I've done a fair amount of searching and will continue to do so!

Thank you in advance :msp_thumbup:

 

[excess650]

Welcome JakeG!

I'm sure that you'll find someone around your area with a CSM. Your 10"-14" logs are gonna yield 7"-10" square cants(70%), so even a 24" Alaskan will easily take care of them. Actually, the 24" Alaskan will cut 22" with a 28" bar, so a 31" log would be doable.....BUT, you'll soon encounter a larger log and be SOL unless you buy a larger mill to start, or buy the longer rail conversion to make it a 36" or larger.

What you need to remember is that the wider the slabs, the heavier they will be, and the bigger saw and bar you're gonna need to cut 'em. I have a 36" Alaskan, 42" bar in addition to 36", 32", 28", 24", and have pretty much decided that the 36" mill will slab out anything that I care to handle. You can cut wider crotch slabs if you get creative in your setup, but realistically, how often have you ever seen a 30"+ coffee table or bar top? A 36" Granberg will cut a 34" slab at max width....30" width makes the 90cc saws grunt.

 

[Yellowbeard]

200 days a year? What are you, a high school teacher or something?

Well, since we're no longer rivals, if you find yourself up NW Arkansas way, I am just setting my mill up, so I would be happy to let you take a stab at it. I also have relatives in Dallas that I may visit this summer (since I am a high school teacher who works 180 days a year). I know that may not be soon enough, but the offer stands.

 

[JakeG]

Welcome JakeG!

I'm sure that you'll find someone around your area with a CSM. Your 10"-14" logs are gonna yield 7"-10" square cants(70%), so even a 24" Alaskan will easily take care of them. Actually, the 24" Alaskan will cut 22" with a 28" bar, so a 31" log would be doable.....BUT, you'll soon encounter a larger log and be SOL unless you buy a larger mill to start, or buy the longer rail conversion to make it a 36" or larger.

What you need to remember is that the wider the slabs, the heavier they will be, and the bigger saw and bar you're gonna need to cut 'em. I have a 36" Alaskan, 42" bar in addition to 36", 32", 28", 24", and have pretty much decided that the 36" mill will slab out anything that I care to handle. You can cut wider crotch slabs if you get creative in your setup, but realistically, how often have you ever seen a 30"+ coffee table or bar top? A 36" Granberg will cut a 34" slab at max width....30" width makes the 90cc saws grunt.

Multiple great points! Thanks for your input.

I'm going to start with a 16 & 20" bar with my 562xp. I don't want to torture it too long so I DO plan on upgrading.

 

[JakeG]

200 days a year? What are you, a high school teacher or something?

Well, since we're no longer rivals, if you find yourself up NW Arkansas way, I am just setting my mill up, so I would be happy to let you take a stab at it. I also have relatives in Dallas that I may visit this summer (since I am a high school teacher who works 180 days a year). I know that may not be soon enough, but the offer stands.

180 days a year! I'm envious!

I saw the thread about your new saw and sawmill.. Congrats and thank you for the offers, I'd stop by if you were closer!

 

[Yellowbeard]

180 days a year! I'm envious!

I saw the thread about your new saw and sawmill.. Congrats and thank you for the offers, I'd stop by if you were closer!

It's sure nice to have summers (and Christmas) (and spring break) (and Thanksgiving) off....

I'll post pics when I actually do something. Dropped the saw off at my local dealer today and was feeling pretty psyched what with all that "I've never seen a saw that big" language going around. I guess people just generally don't need them that size around here. They're going to go through it for me and let me know what kind of shape it's in generally.

Too bad your state is so dang big.

Good luck!