Yes, chain saw mills do work. They are used to cut down trees and turn them into lumber, a process also known as sawmilling. A chain saw mill consists of guide rails and a chain saw, mounted onto the rail.
When the saw is activated, the chain saw pulls the saw along the guide rails, cutting the wood into evenly sized planks.
The key to making chain saw mills work is to use the correct chain saw and sharpening chain, lubricating the chain appropriately, ensuring that the saw and guide rails are level, adjusting the depth of cut to avoid kickback, and choosing the correct type of logs for the saw.
Chain saw mills are a cost-effective way to turn trees into usable lumber for the construction of small-scale projects such as sheds, furniture, decks, etc. In comparison with traditional sawing methods, chain saw mills can save time and energy, deliver more production, and be operated with only one operator.
Is buying a saw mill worth it?
Buying a saw mill can be an expensive purchase, but it may be worth it depending on your individual needs. If you are looking to produce lumber, furniture, and other woodworking projects on a regular basis, then a saw mill may be a great investment.
With a saw mill setting up operations can be done much more quickly, as a saw mill can cut your own raw materials, such as logs and milled lumber, to the size you need. Additionally, a saw mill can help you save time and money when cutting wood as you won’t need to lug logs to a retail lumberyard or sawmill to have them cut for you.
With a saw mill you can cut a variety of woods for different projects or needs, even those that a retail sawmill may not have access to. Ultimately, the benefits of a saw mill can be well worth the cost, provided you are able to utilize it and the capabilities it provides.
How long does it take to mill a log with a chainsaw?
It depends on the size of the log and the size and power of the chainsaw. Generally, milling a log with a chainsaw can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. If the chainsaw is large and powerful enough, the time needed to mill the log can be significantly reduced.
On the other hand, if the chainsaw is small or not powerful enough, the time needed to mill the log can be much longer. It is also important to consider the skill level of the operator in using the chainsaw.
A greater skill level with the chainsaw can lead to faster milling of the log. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that milling a log with a chainsaw is a labor-intensive process and can be dangerous if done incorrectly.
Therefore, it is important to take necessary safety precautions and use the proper safety equipment when operating the chainsaw.
Is milling hard on a chainsaw?
Milling with a chainsaw can be challenging, depending on the material and type of chainsaw you’re using. A chainsaw is designed to cut quickly and easily through wood, so it’s not necessarily the best tool for milling.
A chainsaw can cause a lot of bouncing and vibration while milling, which can lead to inaccurate cuts and create dangerous working conditions. Additionally, chainsaws are designed to cut with a down stroke, while milling usually requires an up and down sawing motion, which can be difficult to achieve with a chainsaw.
Using a sharp chain and a sharpener designed for the type of chainsaw you’re using can help to minimize these issues. It’s also important to use the proper chain for the job, and to ensure that there is enough power to drive the chain at the proper speed.
Additionally, having a good thickness gauge to measure your lumber before you begin milling can help keep cuts straight and consistent. Overall, milling can be hard on a chainsaw, due to the extra force and vibration required to cut through hard materials.
Taking the time to make sure that you have the right tools, a sharp chain, and the knowledge to safely and accurately mill your lumber will go a long way toward making the job easier.
What size chainsaw is for milling?
When it comes to milling, it is important tochoose the right size chainsaw. Generally, a chainsaw that is at least 20 inches in length is recommended for milling. This size saw will give you power, accuracy and precision while still allowing you to maintain control.
Depending on the project, larger size chainsaws such as 24 or 32 inches may be necessary. Make sure to use the correct safety gear and read the operating instructions before using a chainsaw. It is also important to ensure that the chainsaw has sharp teeth that are properly maintained for maximum performance.
Will a portable sawmill pay for itself?
Yes, a portable sawmill can pay for itself if it is used properly and frequently. Sawmills are a great way to turn logs into lumber and other woodworking products. Depending on the size of the sawmill and the output it is capable of producing, it can be a great investment.
The lumber produced can be sold to customers or used in projects that can bring in income. Additionally, many sawmills can be used for a range of other tasks, such as creating furniture or other products.
Therefore, if a sawmill is properly utilized, it can greatly increase a business’s earning potential and pay for itself quickly.
Is it worth it to mill your own lumber?
Yes, it can definitely be worth it to mill your own lumber. If you have the time and resources, milling your own lumber can provide a number of benefits, including:
1. Cost savings – Although the initial cost of purchasing and maintaining a sawmill may be high, in the long run, you can save a lot of money when milling your own lumber. By making your own boards, you can save on purchasing prices, as well as materials, since you get to choose exactly how much you need and don’t have to overbuy to account for wastage and mistakes.
2. Higher quality materials – When you mill your own lumber, you get to choose the exact quality of material for each board you create. This can provide better craftsmanship and results since you know the exact species and grade of lumber used for each job.
3. Personal connection to the project – Mill your own lumber also gives you a personal connection to your project. Not only do you see the entire process from start to finish, but you can tweak and customize the boards to your exact wishes.
Overall, milling your own lumber can be a time-consuming endeavor but it certainly can be worth it. Whether you’re looking to save money, need higher quality materials, or just want a closer connection to your woodworking projects, milling your own lumber can provide great benefits.
Is a small sawmill profitable?
The answer to this question is that a small sawmill can be profitable, but the profit potential is largely dependent on a variety of factors such as the size and type of the mill, the location, access to the right customers, operational costs, and the amount of wood resources available.
Generally speaking, smaller sawmills are best suited for niche markets and specialty products. To maximize profitability, small sawmills must utilize efficient technology, keep labor costs low, attract new customers, and produce high-value products that are competitively priced.
Additionally, sawmills should invest in marketing and sales efforts to establish consistent demand for the lumber and by-products produced by the mill. By understanding the business environment, exploring customer needs, and cautiously managing costs and resources, small sawmills can achieve profitability and long-term success.
How much is a portable sawmill worth?
The value of a portable sawmill depends on a variety of factors, including the make and model of the sawmill, its age and condition, the availability of parts, and the amount of use it has had. In general, prices for a basic, entry-level portable sawmill typically start around $3,000 and can reach as high as $10,000 or more, depending on the features of the sawmill and the brand.
More advanced sawmills may be more expensive, especially if they feature increased automation, diamond blades, and higher power capabilities. A used portable sawmill may be less expensive than a new one, however, the condition and availability of parts and the ability to upgrade the saw to the latest technology may affect the final price.
Ultimately, the value of a portable sawmill depends on the needs, budget, and goals of the individual looking to purchase it.
How fast are chainsaw mills?
Chainsaw mills typically cut at about 1 to 4 metres per second, depending on the type and size of the mill, the type of blade, and the material being milled. Some commercial models can achieve up to 8 metres per second, but are usually cut at slower speeds to help keep the saw from overheating.
Generally, a chainsaw should provide a good cutting speed when milled correctly. The speed of a chainsaw mill is determined by its bar length, chain pitch, chain speed, and amount of power applied to the chainsaw.
The length of the bar will determine how quickly a chainsaw mill can go through a given material. A longer bar will allow more power to be applied, cutting at a faster speed. The chain pitch and chain speed of a chainsaw mill will also affect cutting speed.
A smaller chain pitch will cut slower than a larger chain pitch and a slower chain speed will result in the chain lasting longer and producing a better cutting result.
How many board feet can a portable sawmill cut per hour?
The exact number of board feet a portable sawmill can cut per hour will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of sawmill, the type of lumber being cut, and the experience level and skill of the operator.
Generally, a well-maintained, high-quality portable sawmill can cut between 500 and 1,200 board feet per hour, with an average rate falling closer to 1,000 board feet per hour. Some operators are able to increase their board feet output by cutting rough lumber and by running two or more sawmill heads simultaneously.
An experienced operator with the right conditions can cut up to 3,000 board feet per hour, but this is the exception rather than the norm.
How much does it cost to have wood milled?
The cost to have wood milled depends on a variety of factors, such as the type and size of the wood, the type of milling operation, and the amount of labor required. Generally, the more labor-intensive and specialized the operation, the higher the cost.
For example, milling large beams may cost more due to the amount of time, skill, and equipment needed. Likewise, complex milling operations such as curved cuts, bevels, or special shapes will also increase the cost.
For basic lumber milling, such as cutting 4x4s to 6x6s, and planing them, the cost might range from around $0.50 to $1.50 per linear foot. For more complex milling operations, such as cutting complex shapes in solid wood beams, you could pay up to $7 per linear foot.
You should also keep in mind that you’ll need to pay more for shipping if you need the wood to be sent to your location after being milled. Additionally, unless you’re an experienced woodworker, you may want to pay the sawmill to stack and dry the wood, which could be an additional cost.
Overall, the cost of having wood milled can vary greatly, depending on the material, size, type of operation, and other factors, so it’s important to discuss your project requirements with the sawmill and get an estimate before having them complete the job.
How long should a sawmill blade last?
The lifespan of a sawmill blade will depend on several factors, such as the quality of the blade, the type of wood being cut, the size of the tree being cut, and how often the blade is sharpened. In general, if the sawmill blade has been made of high quality hardened steel and all other factors are in line (during a normal working day), it should last six to eight months.
However, if the blade is used for cutting large timber, or if the frequency of sharpening is reduced, then the actual lifetime may be shorter. In addition, some blades may degrade faster due to wear and tear, which can be caused by incorrect sharpening or poor storage conditions.
It is therefore important to regularly inspect and sharpen the blades to increase their lifetime.
