I have been thinking about building a band mill for a few years now, and it most likely wont get build this year either. I have way to many things going on right now to start another project. I do have a few questions I want to ask so I know what to keep a look out for as I am running up and down the highway trying to make a living.
First off, I want a mill large enough to saw out a table top so I am thinking about making a mill capable of handling a 4ft dia log. I know, I probably wont see many trees that size, so what are the drawbacks of having a mill capable of sawing 4ft when most logs would probably be 2ft or less. I am thinking a 24ft bed for 20ft long logs with plans for extensions if I find the need.
Second. How wide/thick of a blade should i be thinking about using, and what dia wheels for the blade to ride on.
Third, what kind of HP should I be looking for. I have a 50hp iszusu diesel not doing nothing I was thinking about using. It being water cooled I might try to find something else to use. Just need an ideal of what size I should be looking for.
I figure on running the saw off the diesel engine, but use hydraulics to pull the saw thru the timber. Probably build a log lifter and clamp system using the hydraulics as well.
I can use all the ideals I can get, so lets hear what you have to say.
First off, I want a mill large enough to saw out a table top so I am thinking about making a mill capable of handling a 4ft dia log. I know, I probably wont see many trees that size, so what are the drawbacks of having a mill capable of sawing 4ft when most logs would probably be 2ft or less. I am thinking a 24ft bed for 20ft long logs with plans for extensions if I find the need.
Second. How wide/thick of a blade should i be thinking about using, and what dia wheels for the blade to ride on.
Third, what kind of HP should I be looking for. I have a 50hp iszusu diesel not doing nothing I was thinking about using. It being water cooled I might try to find something else to use. Just need an ideal of what size I should be looking for.
I figure on running the saw off the diesel engine, but use hydraulics to pull the saw thru the timber. Probably build a log lifter and clamp system using the hydraulics as well.
I can use all the ideals I can get, so lets hear what you have to say.