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Thread: The Mill Winch
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13th October 2013, 03:19 PM #1Intermediate Member
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The Mill Winch
I realise this isn't a new idea on this forum, but I've been so pleased with the results I thought I'd share it.
So after three recent full days of milling with my Alaskan CSM, I decided to look into the idea of attaching a small winch to the CSM. I did a lot of trawling through this forum, as well as 'arbtalk' forum. I noted with interest BobL's comments about fitting a winch, and after much consideration decided on a basic boat winch type setup, using a small snatch block pulley to run the winch cable back to the CSM. I made up an additional cross-member and attached a small eyelet to take the winch hook.
The results?... WOW ... With a properly sharpened chain, the difference in terms of effort required was quite staggering. Using just two fingers to slowly turn the winch handle, I was able to pull smoothly through the log, and ended up with a noticeably smoother finish from the cut.
...only wish I'd done this sooner! Thanks to those who have posted previously about this idea. Your experiences and feedback assisted me greatly...
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13th October 2013, 04:09 PM #2.
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Good to see someone trying something different again - It's been a while since anything like this has been posted.
You have probably seen all this before, but for those who have not I offer the following.
Of course it's up to individual preference but I found if the log is sloped there's no need for a winch as the weight of the saw and mill provides a constant downward force.
Sloping the log also means non-stop cutting and leaves both hands free to drive wedges in, or I can even just walk away from the log briefly and it still keeps cutting.
Non stop cutting means fewer gouges that can happen from stop-start cutting
On top of that a raised log it makes it much easier on the operators back.
However, sloping big/long logs is not so easy so a winch can be useful for these suckers.
For those wishing to use a winch, the attachment points of the winch rope on the mill may be better served by locating them at bar rather than Mill rail level.
Have a look at how Will Malloff's winch operates - what doesn't show in the pic is both sides of the mill are attached to the winch rope and it neatly includes an remote throttle control.
Anyway this is all in his book on "Chainsaw lumber making"
Will's setup also places the operator away from the saw thereby reducing the dust and exhaust smoke hazards - I use other strategies for exhaust.
Note how he has to place a weight on the mill. I suspect that is because he is using an 090 (a very heavy saw) and it will want to tip downwards on the powerhead side over the length of the cut. I also noticed this using the 076. 6One way to reduce this effect is to slightly tip the mill over but wheels are then needed on the side of the mill otherwise the mill will bog down in the cut.
Winch connection to the mill rails is fine for thinnish cuts but for cut more than about 2" of thick I would recommend Will's setup.
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13th October 2013, 05:57 PM #3Intermediate Member
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I'm intrigued by the setup in those photos above; looks like he's doing it reeeeal easy.
One of the downsides with my setup is that I need to make sure that the winch cable runs out as level as possible with the cutting line so that the CSM pulls as straight as possible. In the pics I've mounted the pulley to my 4WD, but could use another log or tree if needed.
And yep, BobL, I've also been looking into an effective respirator. Using the winch does allow me to be further away from the CS muffler, but still not far enough for my liking.
I was cutting 2" thick slabs in the pics (Ironbark), but did venture a bit bigger and tried a 3" slab.
Will run with this setup until I feel the need to "Improve" it (which will probably be reasonably soon!)
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13th October 2013, 08:17 PM #4.
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One of the downsides with my setup is that I need to make sure that the winch cable runs out as level as possible with the cutting line so that the CSM pulls as straight as possible. In the pics I've mounted the pulley to my 4WD, but could use another log or tree if needed.
Do you want me to post any other pics of his setup?
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14th October 2013, 08:24 AM #5
Great work Philthy, looks like you did a good job mate.
Bob, best thing I like about your pic, is the suspenders holding his pants up! all too many pants hanging low nowadays. No seriously, chainsaw milling while standing up is the best idea, really makes for a much easier day than the other optionsI love my Lucas!! ...just ask me!
Allan.
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14th October 2013, 10:32 AM #6.
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14th October 2013, 08:36 PM #7Intermediate Member
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I'd really be interested to see some different photo angles on the Malloff setup, thanks Bob. And yes, being 6'4" and heavily built my knees (& lower back) would much prefer to be standing, or at least as upright, as much as possible.
Gotta get me some chaps, too... Then I'd feel like a real timber-miller!
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18th October 2013, 03:54 PM #8
Bob
Your type of "suspenders" are not the first thing that comes to mind when such things are spoken of and I would post a pic or two for clarification, but I'm not going to do that either for a number of reasons .
I have BIL who wore what I call "braces" as he had a bad back and a belt was uncomfortable. There again braces also conjure up images of adolescent teenagers with multi-coloured devices on their teeth. The English language is such a pig!
I'm with PlithyMills on the chaps aspect. Even if I didn't cut better timber I would've looked more the part if I had worn chaps. However, I'm not sure I could have coped with them in the summer. In winter there were times I would have been happy to wear two pairs!
Regards
PaulBushmiller;
"Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"
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29th November 2013, 10:50 AM #9I don't like sanding!!
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I think I'll jump in straight away and fit a winch when mine is delivered.
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29th November 2013, 06:25 PM #10Intermediate Member
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Hey Gordo,
I'm far from experienced in the timber-milling stakes but really love this winch setup. I've been cutting more slabs and getting a smoother surface, not to mention the huge reduction in the energy required by the operator.
Hope yours works well!