What kind of mill is this?

[Bob Rooker]

I recently bought this mill and Stihl 090 chainsaw on the internet. There was no instruction manual with it but I "think" I have it put together right. I cannot figure out where the rollers go. I believe their purpose is to keep the front of the saw from bumping and riding along the log when you saw but I wonder if some part or parts are missing that allow you to attach them to the mill. I was told it was a Granberg mill, by the seller, but it looks like a Sperber I saw a picture of on this site. That one had 4 rollers on it instead of three like this one has. I tried to get some help from Granberg but they were not interested in doing so! It has been my experience that the people on this site are very helpful, so once again I ask for your help. Thanks! Bob R.

 

[john taliaferro]

Welcome ,yes i believe the rollers mount on the front of the saw . When the 90 is getting a bite its not going to move very easily at all . my 88 would wear me out pulling back tell i opened my eyes and saw Bob's rollers . Sometimes ive even wanted a smooth surface like a 2x4 nailed on to help .I don't see a chain ,a sweet rig for shure

 

[BobL]

I'd say its a 1970s/80s Sperber.
It looks awkward to use as there is nowhere practical to apply pressure to the mill except via the saw.

 

[Bob Rooker]

Welcome ,yes i believe the rollers mount on the front of the saw . When the 90 is getting a bite its not going to move very easily at all . my 88 would wear me out pulling back tell i opened my eyes and saw Bob's rollers . Sometimes ive even wanted a smooth surface like a 2x4 nailed on to help .I don't see a chain ,a sweet rig for shure

Could you be more specific as to how the rollers mount on the front of the saw. I'm sure they mount in front of the saw but it looks like to me they have to mount on the mill frame but I believe there must be something missing that attach the rollers to the frame. If I could get an "assembly sheet" that would be great. Thanks for your response. Bob R.

 

[Bob Rooker]

Welcome ,yes i believe the rollers mount on the front of the saw . When the 90 is getting a bite its not going to move very easily at all . my 88 would wear me out pulling back tell i opened my eyes and saw Bob's rollers . Sometimes ive even wanted a smooth surface like a 2x4 nailed on to help .I don't see a chain ,a sweet rig for shure

I have the chain but did not feel it would be necessary to include it in the picture. Having never run this set-up I don't know if one can push against the upright pipe that goes through the frame next to the 090 and help push the saw along or if I need to weld a pipe somewhere on the square tubing next to the saw. An operator's manual and/or assembly instructions would be great. Wouldn't have one laying around, would you? Thanks for your response. Bob R.

 

[BobL]

My understanding is that the rollers mount under the bar and onto the inboard upright with the long part of the rollers pointing above the bar

Having never run this set-up I don't know if one can push against the upright pipe that goes through the frame next to the 090 and help push the saw along or if I need to weld a pipe somewhere on the square tubing next to the saw.

If you push on the upright that will tend to tip the mill/bar over and wear the bar and chain. Ideally you want a push handle as low down as possible near the bar but for ergonomic reasons this kills you back so a compromise is required. The more handles you have the better - I have both upright and horizontal handles on my Mills as I'm always changing position.
Here's what I have one my most comfortable mill - yep that is a motorcycle throttle handle mounted on the wrap handle of the saw!

An operator's manual and/or assembly instructions would be great. Wouldn't have one laying around, would you? Thanks for your response. Bob R.

You'll be lucky to fond one but you never know!

 

[Bob Rooker]

I'd say its a 1970s/80s Sperber.
It looks awkward to use as there is nowhere practical to apply pressure to the mill except via the saw.

My understanding is that the rollers mount under the bar and onto the inboard upright with the long part of the rollers pointing above the bar


If you push on the upright that will tend to tip the mill/bar over and wear the bar and chain. Ideally you want a push handle as low down as possible near the bar but for ergonomic reasons this kills you back so a compromise is required. The more handles you have the better - I have both upright and horizontal handles on my Mills as I'm always changing position.
Here's what I have one my most comfortable mill - yep that is a motorcycle throttle handle mounted on the wrap handle of the saw!
View attachment 336442

You'll be lucky to fond one but you never know!

Very interesting and creative set-up you have on your mill! I like it! I finally heard from Granberg. They claim the mill as their own, being a 1960's model. They also sent along an exploded view (assembly instructions and parts list) of their newer mill but did not have anything on this "Dinosaur" as the guy from Granberg called it. But Rob Sperber, from Sperber Tool Works, was extremely helpful and sent, via e-mail, a lengthy article in Fine Wood Working, Fall 1977 edition, that shows a beautiful, engineering drawing of a Sperber chainsaw mill that is nearly identical to our "Dinosaur" and that enabled me to put those rollers where they belong. In addition there were many instructions and tips on how to use the mill! Great stuff! Thanks to everyone for the help! Greatly appreciated! Bob R.

 

[BobL]

Pics?

 

[Bob Rooker]

Pics?

You bet! Will sent tomorrow, Sunday.

 

[Bob Rooker]

You bet! Will sent tomorrow, Sunday.

I want to be sure I send the right "pics" so could you be more specific?! Do you want pictures of my 1960's Granberg chainsaw mill with the rollers attached or copies of the article Rob Sperber sent me?

 

[kimosawboy]

Here is the page in question from FWW

 

[Assembler]

Here is the page in question from FWWView attachment 336917

Thanks a lot for the FWW page pdf as I have the same mill to work with.