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Ian Moone
09-25-2015, 6:36 PM
Looking to set up an Alaskan Mill for slabbing hardwood logs, some more than 3 feet in diameter (4 or 5 feet dia not uncommon).

This sort of thing!

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/troutylow/Timber%20work/KingJarrah.jpg

&

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/troutylow/Timber%20work/TimberMilling.jpg

Should I go Stihl MS 880 saw and 72 inch bar?

or

2 x Stihl MS 660's with double ended 72 inch bar?

Skip tooth ripping chain?

Hardwoods around 880kg/m^3 green.

Any particular brand of Alaskan mill better than another?

Many Thanks in advance.

Charles Randal Smith
09-25-2015, 10:06 PM
Ian, you are way out of my league -- I have both a Wood-Mizer bandsaw mill and chainsaw mill (Stihl 881) but don't go over 4 feet. The replies from others will be most informative and interesting. Where are you and what species are you sawing?
Charles

Ian Moone
09-25-2015, 11:42 PM
I am retired after 20 years at it Charles.

I live in Western Australia, and species is "Jarrah" (Swan River Mahogany) Eucalyptus marginata.

My Eldest lad lives in a timber town and wants to slab a few logs. He is a qualified experienced faller and gets access to private property logs from time to time, when farmers call him in to fell difficult trees that they aren't game to do themselves. It would be nice to have the ability to slab up the ones worth turning into furniture.

I used to do this in my past life...and the Lad wants to emulate what he saw growing up as a kid.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/troutylow/Timber%20work/RawSlabs.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/troutylow/Timber%20work/p3273583.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/troutylow/Chairs2.jpg

Longer term I'd like to get a portable Lucas Mill with slabbing attachment but to get started a alaskan mill would be fine probably!.

At least that's what I am thinking at the moment.

Benjimin Young
04-10-2016, 5:22 PM
OMG, what a big tree. Did you ever get your rig setup? Love to see picture of the that got cut.
No advise from my end, I'm just starting to play with my Mk III on tiny little 16" logs ;-) . Your tree picture has humbled me.

QUOTE=Ian Moone;2471572]Looking to set up an Alaskan Mill for slabbing hardwood logs, some more than 3 feet in diameter (4 or 5 feet dia not uncommon).

This sort of thing!

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/troutylow/Timber%20work/KingJarrah.jpg

&

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/troutylow/Timber%20work/TimberMilling.jpg

Should I go Stihl MS 880 saw and 72 inch bar?

or

2 x Stihl MS 660's with double ended 72 inch bar?

Skip tooth ripping chain?

Hardwoods around 880kg/m^3 green.

Any particular brand of Alaskan mill better than another?

Many Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]