Doing some part-time tree work now that I've retired from my regular job. I've looked at chainsaw mills (Granberg) for casual milling because it seems interesting, but no experience. Reading this forum confirms it's not necessarily as easy as it sounds. Found out yesterday I have a large black walnut that was blown down on my land, so the subject has come back up. The biggest saw I have right now is a Stihl Farm Boss 20" bar, and no mill. Here's a pic of the tree - about 20" in diameter. Guy who tends the land cut it off his fence; you can see a seven foot section he cut at the base lying perpendicular to the first branch.
What do do? Find an experienced mill guy? Invest in a bigger saw and a mill? What's it worth, as is, on the ground?
Thanks for suggestions.
Cliff
The angle in the trunk will detract from it's value. A fat straight log is what I seek, tho I mill half fat and other not ideal. To mill that log would cost much more than the wood/ lumber may bring if you lack large enough saw and the other equipment needed to do well. Then the cost of having the rough sawn planks kiln dried and planed. Most of the value in my milling comes from the individual, unique width or size that my mill can produce. See avatar the cannon bar in use is 60" and came a few months after it was ordered. Thursday evening UPS delivered six foot dual saw cannon bar that was ordered late October. With shipping that was about $460.
Milling our own bits is about self sufficiency. We cannot be more efficient money wise than commercial outfits. To come out ahead a fair size woodlot to turn out wood to build our own houses, sheds, barns, other out buildings or special sized beams and posts. This was said not to discourage you from milling, but expectations as to value of one tree are often larger than reality.
I love to see that green wet wood before it starts drying. The look will never be the same. The table top under my arm in avatar will not have those colors again. I enjoy bringing live edge slabs out of logs, commercial Mills are not likely to cut that way for a reasonable cost.
My point of view is mine others will offer other aspects from their experience. Just want you to have fair warning on part of what milling with a chainsaw may entale as I have $3500 or more into two Mills with four saws, bars from 24" to 72" & two reels of chain to turn out what may be required today. I enjoy what I do and look forward to having air dryer lumber in a year or three to make custom wood works.
Welcome hope you enjoy whatever choices you make