CSM limits

[Wood Hick]

How short of a log can you slab up with a csm? I have a cherry stump thats free if I want it. It will only go about 4 feet long, and about 50" around. This tree had three mature trunks coming out of the stump. I think the slabs would be something special, but can you slab a log that short?

 

[BobL]

Sure - I do it all the time.

When logs are really short you really need some way of holding them so they don't move. This can be as simple as tek screwing a board to the bottom of the log and holding that in a vice, through to something like this . . . .

Which is a CSM in a frame and a set of grippers holding the log.

Martrix mills his by holding onto the logs with a thingo called superjaws.

 

[stonykill]

I've milled shorts as short as 20 inches lng, about the same diameter. I just cradlethe log (saved from the OWB) in 2 -6 x 6's that are notched. Nail a 2 x 6 on the top, make your 1st cut, good to go!! I resaw antique mill flooring all the time also with the csm. 7 inches wide, 2 .5 inches thick. I haven't found a limit yet.

 

[wdchuck]

The smallest log I've sawn was 36" long by 10" diameter, cherry with no visible sapwood, the guy traded me a 4'x4' trailer full of firewood if I'd rip it in half for him.

If you go through with this, post some pics if possible, we love pics.

 

[Stihl-in-Ky]

Sutre thing I did a cherry this last week close to the same size it just had a single fork and some great figured grain.Make sure to seal the ends very good or you will lose more of the wood.

 

[Ianab]

As long as you can lock the log down some how then you can pretty much mill as short as you like. A fancy set of dogs like BobL's would be ideal, but you can nail some 4x2s crossway to the bottom ends of a short log to stabilise it, then attach them to a couple of lengthways 4x2s. Then the small log cant move and you can have at it normally.

Cheers

Ian

 

[carvinmark]

I use a slab under the short pieces I mill, like some burrells are only about 15" dia. . I just screw the piece to the slab and it holds pretty well.