Chainsaw Mills

[bowdonkey]

I started this topic elsewhere but thought it might be better off here. I promised you all updates as to my progress with chainsaw milling. Yesterday I worked my chainsaw hard, harder than what you would cutting firewood. Anyway after 4 hours of labor and 2 tanks of gas and a whole lot of horsing around I got 2 4x4x8 beams and a whole lot of firewood.  I used standard chipper chain, I'll put on some rip chain and give it a go in the next few days. I used a brand new Stihl 362. Actually it's to small. Slow going, you need at least the next model up, 461. Bigger would be better. A 461 costs around a grand by the way. But at this time I would have to say it's not worth the time and effort. I'll give the ripping chain a go. If the rip chains work, then I might be able to justify its use for larger beams. I entertained thoughts of milling out the wood for a 12x16 storage shed. No way ! Too much time and too much gas. Not to mention all the chain sharpening and wear on the saw. I think it would be more economical to pull out logs and have a sawmill brought in. Or purchase rough cut. At the moment I don't think this is a wise use of resources or time. Getting a second job if it's feasible and buying lumber at these inflated prices would be better IMHO. 

[bowdonkey]

OK, here's the low down on this project. If you have no other way, it will work. But it's a slow process. You will need a big saw and ripping chain, and lots and lots of gas and bar oil. Big saw meaning in the Stihl line a 661 or 880! I've been using a new 362 and it works, but it really works the saw. I can feel its pain! At this point I'm abandoning this idea, but it might be a good idea to have the jig just in case. It certainly is affordable, mine was less than $30. But I know this much, as long as I have a vehicle running, the trip to the lumber store (19 miles) will be the first plan of action. Even if its for one 2x4!