To arrange the landscape design, I decided to build a beautiful gazebo, but since I had catastrophically little ready-made lumber, I decided to make it myself. I want to share with you the nuances of how the logs were cut into boards with a chainsaw with my own hands.
Source dorspetstekhnika.rf
Methods for cutting logs
Before sawing a piece, it is important to consider how to achieve a high-quality finished product with minimal waste. The wood is of uneven quality; the lower region of the core produces more expensive timber.
When sawing logs, you can obtain the following types of timber:
- Timber is a raw material whose dimensions are more than ten centimeters. The most popular type is a four-edged beam, which has a square shape when cut. It is used as a building material and in the manufacture of furniture;
- The board is a raw material, up to ten centimeters thick and twice as wide as the thickness. Boards are made from logs or beams and are used in construction and furniture production.
Having mastered the basic theory and practice, you can make boards and beams with your own hands.
Popularity rating
Now it’s worth considering the main models of chainsaws that are sold in Russia. This will allow you to choose the best option for performing a particular job.
Oregon
This is a well-known brand that produces some of the most reliable chains. Manufacturer company BlountIncorporation. It specializes in the production of accessories for professional and household chainsaws, so this brand can be trusted. A special patented alloy makes Oregon chains especially strong and durable. Most of the chains are chrome plated, which also extends their service life. A special vibration suppression system reduces the strain on your hands during operation.
Important Classification and principle of operation of front loaders
Here are the most popular Oregon chains:
Stihl
The German company Stihl offers not only chainsaws, but also chains with tires. They are often supplied as a set. Chains from this manufacturer are strong and quite reliable. There are models for household and professional chainsaws. Production facilities are located in Switzerland, which guarantees product compliance with European Union requirements.
Interestingly, even with intensive use of the chain of this brand, the carved element will not stretch. This effect was achieved due to the fact that saw chains are riveted on heated metal. The patented oil groove system ensures that the lubricant is evenly distributed over the entire surface, allowing the chain to last longer.
Here are the most popular Stihl chains in Russia:
Husqvarna
This company is not a global manufacturer of chainsaw chains, but it supplies several samples to the market. They usually come complete with branded saw models. It’s interesting that they develop chains at the Oregon plant, but under a different brand. Accordingly, the technology used is also different: only other people's production facilities are used. Husqvarna today offers chains for household and semi-professional tools.
Windsor
Another well-known organization that offers heavy-duty alloy chains. It's patented, so no one else uses it. The peculiarity of this alloy is that the chain is not subject to stretching. That is, its service life is quite long. At the same time, the material has excellent heat resistance. This means you can work in any weather. Stamped links and sealed rivets are used to ensure high reliability. You can purchase chains from this manufacturer in specialized stores.
Carlton
This is an American manufacturer that is focused on the production of chains for professional and semi-professional chainsaws. This means that the quality of the alloy is quite high. Shot blasting at the production stage makes it possible to achieve increased metal hardness.
Bison
Chains from a Russian company are quite reliable and affordable. They have increased strength, but are recommended for use on household and semi-professional chainsaws. If you use a chain every day for several hours, it quickly stretches and wears out. Therefore, this manufacturer cannot boast of excellent circuit properties for professional devices.
Sturm
This chainsaw manufacturer also offers its own chains, but they are not of high quality. They should be used for household or semi-professional tools.
Advantages of sawing logs with a chainsaw
The saw and ax as woodworking tools are now gradually becoming a thing of the past, losing out to fairly powerful gas and electric saws.
A manual chain saw operates thanks to a two-stroke gasoline engine; the main component is a sharpened chain.
Main advantages:
- Superior efficiency, greatly simplifying human work;
- Mobility, it can be easily moved to other locations, put in a car, it does not work from the electrical network;
- Can be used at high levels of moisture and even during periods of precipitation;
- Ability to use a variety of attachments to perform a variety of tasks;
- Ease of operation;
- Reasonable cost compared to special woodworking machines.
Therefore, not only specialists with many years of experience prefer this product, but also owners of summer cottages are happy to use a chainsaw to solve daily problems in the garden and in construction.
Mechanized sharpening on a machine
In addition, each tool model has its own tooth pitch, the value of which for household and semi-professional models is associated with the power of the chainsaw and the torque that the drive develops. For example, for rip sawing, the pitch is taken smaller (for example, 0.325 inches). In this case, work productivity will decrease, but the required force will be significantly lower.
When purchasing a chainsaw, it is advisable to acquire a special template (see Fig. 3), with which you can easily set the optimal values of the tooth angles. It is used to control the values of the rear angles of the upper and end blades, as well as the front edge angle (it is indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions and can vary within 65...80°).
It is especially important to use a template to estimate the clearance angle of the upper blade. This chainsaw chain sharpening angle is otherwise very difficult to determine, and yet it must be maintained within fairly limited limits - from 50 to 60°
The sharpening angle of the chainsaw chain can be changed, depending on what work will be done. As the hardness of the wood increases, its value should decrease. In general, the optimal angle value is 10...12° for longitudinal cutting, and 25...30° for cross cutting.
Figure 3 – Appearance of a template for sharpening chainsaw teeth
Sharpening can be done manually using a round file with a working diameter of 4...5.5 mm, or on a machine
In the first case, it is extremely important to correctly position the tool relative to the tooth being sharpened. The upper edge of the working part of the file is located approximately a fifth above the upper edge of the tooth
The tool is positioned perpendicular to the chain axis, and at an angle of 25...30° to the upper edge of the tooth
Additionally: Chainsaw attachments will help you do everything!
Sharpening on a machine is much more convenient and does not require highly qualified performers. Technical characteristics of the partner 350 chainsaw. The partner 350 s is considered the most common saw from the “partner” series. This model is used for longitudinal and cross cutting of wood. Such machines are electrically driven and equipped with special grinding wheels.
For a household workshop, it is worth purchasing compact units that do not take up much storage space and are suitable for quick and high-quality sharpening of chainsaw chains from different manufacturers. Such units should operate from a stationary power supply with a voltage of 220 V, have low power consumption (up to 100 W) and be easy to install on the circuit.
When choosing a machine, you need to pay attention to the following technological characteristics:
- Possibility of processing teeth with different thicknesses of the upper edge and different chain pitches;
- The ability to adjust the sharpening angle, within the limits specified earlier;
- Availability of replaceable grinding discs;
- Constant value of the cutting width.
Optionally, the machines can also be equipped with a miniature electric light bulb, which illuminates the working area, as well as a hydraulic booster, which facilitates sharpening.
Safety of work is ensured by a folding safety shield.
Log sawing tool
The selection of equipment for sawing workpieces is determined by many factors.
These include:
- Scope of work
- Dimensions of workpieces for cutting,
- Quality and volume of timber.
To cut large batches of workpieces and make more high-quality raw materials, it is recommended to use a sawmill. This is a wood processing unit, the functional part of which is a variety of saws.
The best option for longitudinal sawing of logs up to six meters long and with a diameter of 0.2-0.8 m.
At large woodworking plants with huge production batches, special points for sawing wood are used. You can cut logs of any diameter point by point, obtaining timber of the required parameters with a well-processed top layer. The lines are characterized by excellent efficiency.
For longitudinal cutting, you can make your own wooden stop - the main ruler that helps you cut the log perfectly. The stop consists of 2 wooden boards, one of which is fixed at the end in the central part of the other.
The structure is attached to the workpiece with self-tapping screws so that the outer edge of the vertical board is located below the outer border of the log. The interval between the top area of the log and the top area of the board calculates the thickness of the sawn slab.
Other goat options
The most widely used for sawing single thick logs with chain saws are various sawhorse designs with fixation of the rear part of the log.
These are the ones that are produced most industrially, besides the cruciform ones.
Their designs are so simple that they do not need detailed descriptions; everything can be seen in the photo. Such sawhorses for sawing firewood can be made by any home craftsman who is more or less able to hold a tool in his hands. The main thing here is the ability to balance the dimensions of the support platform with the size and weight of the logs being cut. It may not have a rectangular shape, or even be completely replaced by stops. I liked this goat design for its simplicity and minimalism.
Or this option, designed for very thick, but not long logs:
And finally, we will present a wooden structure that is very successful for home production, which is also guaranteed to ensure that the saw does not jam due to the small width between the saw stops at the cutting site.
In such sawhorses, the log is laid with equal overhang on the sides for stability, and is sawn in the middle. Next, do the same with the resulting pieces.
In all cases, when making a trestle yourself, you choose the height individually, so that, first of all, it is convenient for you.
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Types of working attachments
If necessary, the workpiece is sawed into boards with a chainsaw using special attachments. The frame for a gasoline saw is fixed to the structure and is designed to guarantee smooth movement when cutting workpieces horizontally.
The structure includes:
- The main frame moving along the outer layer, next to which it is necessary to saw the wood;
- A vertical stand where the material thickness adjustment system is fixed;
- Thickness adjustment system containing knobs for adjustment and a bolt that sets the required circumference;
The ability to set the exact diameter and competent cutting of the log helps to obtain boards of identical thickness and reduce the amount of waste. To cut wood for the first time, you need a main frame or a flat, straight board.
As an analogy, you can make a smooth foundation covering using an ax, an electric plane and a level. During further sawing, the main surface is the flat part of the board obtained during the previous work.
Band sawmill
This mechanism is one of the complex types. To manufacture it, you will need to purchase expensive materials, including an engine of the required power, prepare a machine movement system and carry out complete debugging and configuration of the equipment. Making it at home can be extremely difficult and expensive.
The principle of operation of a band sawmill lies in its name. The cutting element is a long saw blade rolled into a ring. This ring is installed on the pulleys. To prevent the tape from flying off during heating, car or motorcycle wheels are used as a pulley. They provide the necessary elasticity.
The main structural element that needs to be given priority attention is the frame. It is this that will hold the cutting elements, drive, engine
The frame also provides smooth movement along the guides and adjustment of the cutting thickness. The assembly of the structure should begin with the frame.
The engine plays an important role in the sawing process. An insufficiently powerful system will lead to frequent saw jams and low efficiency, while a system that is too powerful can break the cutting element. As a rule, electric motors with a power of 2 kW are used. The engine is placed on the side of the frame opposite the cutting mechanisms.
The easiest part is installing the guides. It is allowed to use any durable materials - rails, channels, I-beams. The distance between two parallel guides is the diameter of the largest log that will be sawed on this sawmill. The guides are mounted on supports installed every half meter. The parts are fastened together by welding.
Advice! Such designs are often used by small enterprises. At a relatively low cost, you can get an effective tool capable of longitudinal sawing a large number of logs. However, for one-time use the tool cannot be called effective - the costs are too high.
This video describes the process of sawing wood with a band sawmill. This will allow you to evaluate its effectiveness, as well as notice the main positive and negative aspects.
Using the above drawings and descriptions, you can make a carriage for a chainsaw with your own hands. It must be remembered that a chainsaw is an extremely dangerous tool. All parts of the structure, especially those holding the saw bar, must be reliable and strong. Parts should not “walk” when a load is applied. Otherwise, you may suffer serious cuts or traumatic amputations of body parts. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is recommended to entrust the assembly of the mechanism to professionals or purchase a ready-made kit.
Chainsaw sawing technique
Before turning a log into boards at home, you need to cut it correctly in order to get the largest batch of high-quality boards with the least amount of waste.
Markings are made on the wood that correspond to the specified task and the appearance of the intended timber.
- Before starting work, you need to fix the workpiece well in order to achieve excellent quality of covering the boards. Sawing of logs is carried out mainly horizontally.
- You can cut the workpiece along the chainsaw using equipment for longitudinal sawing - a wooden stop - a structure made by yourself.
- When using a rip saw attachment, you need to securely fix it to the chainsaw frame. Before starting work, you need to worry about making the base coating, which will be used for sawing with a chainsaw.
Wedges are placed in the longitudinal cut to prevent the sawn edge of the board from pinching the parts of the chainsaw. The unit must move slowly and do not press on it.
It is recommended that two people take on the task of sawing logs, since additional hands will be needed to move and fix the workpiece in order to place the wedges in the cut.
Basic safety rules
How to use a chainsaw of a particular model is not written anywhere better and more accurately than in the corresponding instructions from the manufacturer (and instructions always accompany such products).
A detailed study of it will clearly not be a waste of time. The main components of the instrument, features of startup and maintenance, and safety precautions are indicated there.
On the other hand, there are general rules for working with a chainsaw and safety principles that must be followed regardless of the brand of the tool and the experience of the master.
Equipment
Even if you only need to cut a few logs into firewood for the stove, it is worth wearing protective equipment. The head must be wearing a helmet with a face mask and headphones. Gloves made of hard material are put on your hands.
When felling trees, wear a brightly colored jacket made of durable fabric and cut-resistant pants. Of course, more requirements are placed on the equipment of a professional feller than on the clothing of an ordinary person. But in any case, it should be comfortable, wear-resistant, breathable, and should not hinder movement during work.
It is advisable to wear boots or other closed, comfortable and durable shoes on your feet. The lower part of the trouser legs should not flutter in the wind. For professionals, they produce special boots with steel plates that protect the lower leg from possible cuts.
Photo instructions on how to cut logs into boards
Yield percentage
The average volume of output that should be obtained can be calculated in the following ways:
- According to the diameter of the trunk. Suitable in cases where all the sawlogs are the same size. To make the calculation, calculate the volume of one trunk and multiply it by the entire cubic capacity. The method has a slight error. The downside is that it takes a lot of time and human resources to accept products.
- By volume of transport. With this method, the volume of finished lumber for each type of transport is calculated separately. The method is used for large volumes of lumber, as it significantly speeds up calculations. Has a large percentage of error.
- Using measuring frames. This method has a high level of accuracy. When measuring, the curvature and thickening of the trunk are taken into account, which is impossible when calculating manually. The method also allows for immediate sorting of lumber, taking into account its further consumption.
- By multiplying the stack volume by a certain factor. The calculation has a high level of error. The method is used when measurements need to be carried out urgently.
Correct calculation of output affects the cost of future products. This indicator largely depends on the type of wood and how the wood was cut.
Sawing map
The sawing map is a calculation of the optimal amount of finished lumber from one log. You can calculate it yourself for each specific log diameter, or you can use a computer program that greatly facilitates the calculation, and the price of which is quite affordable.
Material yield after cutting wood
Or the source could be a regular sawmill reference book. The result is a table that is used as a basis. The sawmill attachment should always be oriented to its data in order to obtain more lumber of any type of wood.
Some useful tips
A sawmill is an impressively sized unit that is quite dangerous to operate, so before you start assembling it, you should carefully consider the place where it will be used. It should be well lit, ventilated and have free space. The nearby warehouse for finished boards will greatly facilitate the process of processing the material. For a sawmill with an electric motor, you should very carefully install the necessary switches and automatic machines, as well as install the wiring.
Since the most dangerous elements of the unit are all its cutting and moving parts, when assembling the structure they should be given special attention. Before using the assembled equipment, it is necessary to check all fastenings and components, as well as the stability of the structure.
Before starting to operate the assembled equipment, it is necessary to check all fastenings and components, as well as the stability of the structure.
