Sawmill Questions

These are unanswered questions about the sawmill. If you have an answer please edit the page or send and email to jeremymaso at gmail dot com

Thank you!

=Questions=


 * What is the rationale for a circular saw instead of a bandsaw?
 * Both have strength and weaknesses. Circular saws are simpler to drive - they can be connected directly to a hydraulic motor though a belt might be required to increase the speed.  Circular saws are repairable (see below) and easier to fabricate.  OTOH, bandsaws have a deeper cut which means that bigger logs can be processed.  Most commercial portable saw mills are based on a bandsaw.

Homemade Band Sawmill at YouTube
 * Bandsaws have a narrower kerf because the blade is kept straight in tension, while a circular blade must be thick enough to resist bending. Therefore bandsaws both have less kerf loss (sawdust made while cutting), and require less power to run.  I would argue the point of easier to fabricate.  This video shows a home-made one, and I have worked with commercially manufactured Wood-Mizer bandsaws, and they are pretty simple devices. DanielRavenNest 16:56, 24 April 2011 (PDT)


 * Can new teeth be attached to a regular circular saw blade through brazing?
 * Yes, but it is a technique that requires some skill. They can also be welded back in place.  You need a fine point welder to do this and care must be taken to avoid warping the blade.  Blacksmiths used to forge-weld teeth onto broken circular saw blades.


 * How should the saws be attached to the vertical posts?
 * Maybe with square tubing.


 * How sturdy do the saw assembly, posts, and cage need to be?
 * The saws should be about 80 lbs, and with the posts and cage about 255 total.


 * What forces are going to be acting upon the frame?
 * Try doing a Finite Element Analysis test.


 * What is the industry standard for rollers/bearings on sawmills? How should the bearings be made?
 * http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/136942-homemade-dimensional-sawmill.html "Leejohn Leave the flat on the bottom and us the V on top with wipers to clean off the saw dust. I would use larger bearings and a good size V roller even if you have to make them."