Would it be feasible to rig a chain saw to an EZ Smart guide? I’m taking some trees down, and looking for ways to rough cut them into slabs. This is a one-time job, four logs about 11 ft. by 11 – 13″ diameter, plus a couple smaller ones. So buying a Woodmizer is out of the question. There aren’t any Woodmizer owners within hundreds of miles of LA, either. I found a shop in Burbank that has a big band saw, but they’re not too interested in trying to cut rough logs.
What’s the best choice of chain saw for this? The wood is Italian Cypress, quite dense and hard. I’ve made some test cuts on branches.
— J.S.
Replies
Hi John.
The Ez way to do this is using the SRK.
http://www.eurekazone.com/products/detail/srk.html
And attach the Chain saw to the sliding arm. You will need the captive slide on the SRK (the old one). And you have to use the chain saw vertical.
I can see a bridge over the log and the EZ Smart clamped to the bridge.
The sliding arm will allow you to reset the chain saw without moving the guide.
The connection of the chain saw to the sliding arm is better to be done with oversize nylon lock knots in order to rotate. (like the chop saw.)
Send some pictures.
YCF Dino
Thanks -- I'm going to order a 12 ft. EZ Smart and the SRK. And look for the special ripping chain.
-- J.S.
use an old chain, grind the guard 'tooth' down to flat, file or grind the teeth to about twice the angle of crosscut normal chain. Freehand like mentioned is the way to go, esp on a high warpage wood.
Luka put me onto an idea a few years ago not yet tried - using couple of old car wheels with tires on, make yourself a big woodmizer type bandsaw -- will have to try that when time available.
Dino --
Sorry, but the PayPal thing didn't work. I already have an account, but it refuses to use it unless I add a new credit card. I only have one card. So, we're SOL on this deal.
-- J.S.
Check the 2nd article and contact Eric Oldar to see if he has a source for local mills.http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/misc/utilizingmunitrees/Partnerships.htmAlso http://www.harvestingurbantimber.com/
Thanks, I sent him an e-mail.
-- J.S.
hey dino,i've loads of stuff about the guide and I'm thinking I should probably get one one day.would you ship to the UK when i get around to it??
Hi Kostello.
After spending 25 years facing and fixing problems and 3 years after that
(and $1m) to find a better way ..it better be all that.
You can get your Ez Smart in UK for the same $ that it will cost you to import.
http://www.woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/eurekazone.htm
EZ.
YCF Dino
and they are only up the road from me too!!!!!
i just read about your challenge on the website.you must be really confident about never losing if you ate putting your fiat up as the prize!!!!!I just got myself this as a new toy a couple of weeks ago
you must be really confident about never losing if you ate putting your fiat up as the prize!!!!!
The Ez-challenge is a win-win situation.
First. I be the first one to know of a better way.
Second. I get to buy a new car.
Your Alfa looks good. I have 3 over the years. I may get a new Alfa if I lose the Fiat...... Now I'm dreaming.
YCF Dino
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Win the challenge and take Dino's "Ferrari" OK...It's not a Ferrari, It's Dino's legendary Fiat...
Costello. Here is the win-win situation.
Do you think that you have an invention that is the best in it's class and you need assistance to develop it into a Eurekazone Product? Contact usRemember, the invention must be able to withstand the challenge
Edited 5/29/2005 8:43 am ET by YCFriend
italian cars get in the blood i've had one of some description or another since i was 18!!
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I paste this pictures from Ebay. This is what I call moving ART.
This lines.
Edited 5/29/2005 4:51 pm ET by YCFriend
John,I believe you will need to purchase a special chain for your saw. I looked into one of those adds for a chain saw mill setup once, and although it was suppose to work with "your chain saw", it required a special chain configured for ripping.
I have two Husky chain saws, and from experimenting with free hand rips of small oak and ash logs, I believe the add are right. Standard chains are designed for cross cutting. Short rips in dry logs are possible, but extremely slow. I think a search for and purchase of the rip type chain would be worth the time and money.
Dave
John, I know you didn't ask for an opinion on the usefullness of the wood, but FWIW, I recall another thread a few weeks ago on cutting up trees for lumber. I'm not sure, but I also think there was some serious criticism of the wood you mention.
I did some test cuts on small pieces from the top of the tree. I have a piece here in the office 1" x 1 1/4" x 18". There's a lot of stress that releases when it's cut, this piece is bent up 1/8" in the middle. So, I'll have to wedge the crap out of the kerfs as I cut it, and I'll leave it stacked and stickered for probably a couple years or more to stabilize.
Other than that, it's a hard fine grained wood, light in color with very dark knots. The summer growth looks like that of pine or Doug fir, the winter rings are warmer and darker.
All in all, I'm going to try to use it, mainly for the sake of having something made from the trees that grew out front.
-- J.S.
John, how about a "Alaskan saw mill " I bought mine out of northern tool & equip. catalog . Costs about 150.00 they make 3 sizes the largest takes a 3' bar . Mine works great for slabs and beams . But no good for lumber the kerf takes too much. good luck !! Bill D. quality Wood Chips . on the shore(western) of the Chesapeake Bay
Since you are only doing a few trees, could you just rent something?
I would try freehand cutting with the aforementioned ripchain. Snap a line and saw away. Figure on high waste, but low investment.