Thanks for allt he hint & tips. My mills maiden voyage........

[Holy Mackerel]

Last summer I started throwing around the idea of purchasing a chainsaw mill.

The feedback and advice I received from you guys was a great resource and all your help has been greatly appreciated!

Here are a few pictures of my saw maiden voyage earlier today.

The log is Weeping Cherry. This is the first time I have seen this species milled. I was dumbfounded by it's beauty. The grain around the burl and the crotch is unreal.

*I only own one pair of chaps. Felt it was a safer decision to have my father wear them as he was often on the opposite side were the chain was exposed.

New chaps and mask are the 1st items I will be acquiring.

Also of note, I was extremely reluctant to drill a hole in my brand new $350 dollar bar.
So I went to a local feed store and bought a small water bottle for a Gerbil cage.
As you know the water only comes out when it makes contact with something. So I zip tied the hose to the far end. Flow is great. Close enough to spread to both sides of the bar. My first impression was that it worked fine.

Anyhow. I am thrilled with the investment and look forward to learning and sharing ideas with all of you in the future.

Thanks again,
Wes

Here is a link to the pictures. Not sure if I added them correctly to this thread.
The larger, un-milled log is black walnut. 14' X 43". Soon to be the next victim.

Chainsaw Mill - a set on Flickr

 

[jeepyfz450]

Wow great work. I am also thinking about getting into milling. what model mill is that? what saw? looks like a 660.

 

[Holy Mackerel]

Wow great work. I am also thinking about getting into milling. what model mill is that? what saw? looks like a 660.

Indeed it is a new 660. My friend owns a seed store and is a Stihl distributor. Gave me a great deal.
Couldn't decide on the 660 or the 880. Figured the 660 would have better resale value and would still serve a purpose if I ever decided to up grade.
Not to many people in little 'ol Rhody need such a massive saw.
The mill is a 48" Grandberg I bought off Bailey's.

I have another question I have to ask. What is your target price you charge per/BF when milling someone else's logs.

 

[BobL]

That sure is some nice wood you got there and congrats on the maiden voyage..

Also of note, I was extremely reluctant to drill a hole in my brand new $350 dollar bar.
So I went to a local feed store and bought a small water bottle for a Gerbil cage.
As you know the water only comes out when it makes contact with something. So I zip tied the hose to the far end. Flow is great. Close enough to spread to both sides of the bar. My first impression was that it worked fine.

It's better if the oils pools on the cutting side of the bar as the excess oil on the non-cutting side will just get flung off at the nose. If you place the log on a slope the pooling on the cutting side will happen naturally (and the log will be easier to mill)

 

[Holy Mackerel]

That sure is some nice wood you got there and congrats on the maiden voyage..



It's better if the oils pools on the cutting side of the bar as the excess oil on the non-cutting side will just get flung off at the nose. If you place the log on a slope the pooling on the cutting side will happen naturally (and the log will be easier to mill)

That makes a sense. Mental note has been made. Thanks.

 

[mtngun]

That is some beautiful wood. Thanks for the pics.

 

[Hillbilly3995]

Sorta like buying a metal detector and finding a gold rolex the first time out huh?

Good Job!

 

[john taliaferro]

I was reluctant to drill but finely said ok and drilled 1/4 " holes its made changing chain sweet . I used 1/4 20 button head grade 8 from lowes cause Bob said it would work , it does . Drill slow ,oil , sharp bit, then kick your self for not doing it sooner . post pictures , nice truck.

 

[BobL]

I was reluctant to drill but finely said ok and drilled 1/4 " holes its made changing chain sweet . I used 1/4 20 button head grade 8 from lowes cause Bob said it would work , it does . Drill slow ,oil , sharp bit, then kick your self for not doing it sooner . post pictures , nice truck.

John, I don't think he was referring to drilling in the bar for the purpose of mounting to the mill but for aux oil delivery.

But I do agree that drilling the bar is the way to go for bar mounting.