copedirector
ArboristSite Lurker
Got the mill done now I'm hunting for ideas for homemade slabbing rails. What works for you guys?
Unistrut is also available in 20' lengths, though it may be harder to find -- check your local metal supplier or electrical wholesaler.Whats a good way to attach the struts together to cut further than 8-10'?
I asked the same question a while back and got a bunch of great replies and pictures.
http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=140538&page=2
http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=141708
I'm building some new slabbing rails out of extruded aluminum from 80/20. Yes, it is significantly more expensive than steel, but I have limited length capacity in my truck (5') and sometimes have to carry my equipment quite a distance into the woods (1/4 mile plus), so keeping the weight down is important.
I have designed mine with 1" x 3" vertical rails and 1" x 1" cross members in two 5' lengths that I can bolt together for a 10' rail. Since I am usually cutting 8-9' lengths I have enough space to let the saw idle and cool down after each cut.
I have also designed in a couple of improvements:
- Flip-down plates with screw holes to attach to the ends of the logs.
- Brackets so that after the initial cut I can flip the rails over and screw them into the log at either end. I prefer to use the rails for every cut, not just the first.
- Extendability... should I get a larger truck (8' capacity) or get serious about a timber framed cabin I can just order some longer rails to bolt in-between all of the components I already have.
I've got a SketchUp model somewhere around here. I'll track it down and attach a couple of pictures.
They also make uni-strut couplers, as well as many other uni-strut compatable widgets....
Used aluminum extension ladder off craigs list or ?
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