Introduction
This post outlines the journey of constructing a portable chainsaw sawmill. It delves into the author’s inspirations, the support received from local businesses in Fort Smith, and explores the various sawmill types, highlighting the project’s duration and the meticulous planning and construction phases.
The Motivation Behind the Project
Choosing the Sawmill Type
Sawmill owners often debate the merits of different sawmill types: chainsaw, bandsaw, swinger, and circular mills. The author emphasizes that the choice largely depends on personal preference and intended use, leading to the decision to construct a chainsaw sawmill tailored to his needs.
Construction Journey
Planning and Design
The mill’s journey began with an 18-month planning phase. This period involved thorough research, design iterations, and gathering necessary parts. The Sawmill is powered by a modified Stihl 066 chainsaw with a 32 inch bar.
Building Process
The construction, spanning 3 months, was a collaborative effort with Chuck. The extended timeline was attributed to continuous modifications and enhancements to ensure the mill met the author’s precise requirements.This is Chuck getting the chopsaw lined up to cut the steel for the carriage.
Making the first cut on the inch and a half tubing that will be used for the carriage frame.
This is me cutting the rest of the tubing to length.
One side of the frame welded.
Adding the top pieces.
Tacking it all together.
Frame is almost finished, we thought.
adding the corner braces
Adding the 2X4 tubing that the wheels bolt to.
Ready to weld them.
Once again, I was thinking that the frame was almost finished.
Starting to bolt the hardware on that will raise and lower the saw.
Close up of the sliding bar clamp.
Bolted the chainsaw on for the first time and decided the frame is not wide enough for what I want it to do.
Widened the carriage…