Logging In Tokyo.....

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Well maybe not "Logging" but I'm getting some logs of sorts and some VERY nice wood!!
Here is a Link (http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/woodlot.htm) to my page on the subject.

Recently a very large house and the surrounding grounds have been scheduled for demolition, so they can rebuild and put up yet another apartment building. We are losing a very big chunk of green space in out neighbourhood. It is all private property, so there is nothing we can do about it. My lovely wife was walking by the place the other day, and she went and asked the foreman if I could have some of the trees they are cutting down. The guy said "sure thing". :)

I've gotten a number of loads, and I should be able to get a heck of a lot more. The wood is mostly "Japanese Evergreen Oak" which is a hardwood and seems to be in the beech family, but looks a lot like Oak as well. I can't beat the price!

I got one tree that was bug damaged, and the wood is REALLY nice looking....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/3rd_load_close_up.jpg
It is the one in the middle that looks like a rose

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/nice_grain.jpg
This pic does not do the wood justice.

I've made up my own mini chainsaw mill........
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/csm_just_finished_cut.jpg
and with a guide board, I can get the logs down to a size I can run through Big Blue, my resaw bandsaw...

(I don't know how many pics I can post at once, so I'll continue this in another post)

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

OK, on to my Resaw Bandsaw, known as Big Blue (it is an old Hitachi saw that I rescued from a going out of business auction).

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/bb_slicing2.jpg
Here we can see Big Blue earning his keep!

Some of this wood is VERY hard and VERY heavy, but Big Blue just hogs through it like no ones business!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/ends_painted.jpg
about an hour and a half's work.

Many many more trees to harvest on the site as well....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/row_of_trees1.jpg
All of these....

and...

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/big_oak_metal.jpg
this nice big on as well

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/maybe_keiyaki.jpg
even one Zelkova tree!!

Cheers!

[Jerry Clark]

WOW Stu, that is a great find-- how did you move the logs? Looks pretty heavy. Thanks for showing.:D

[Don Baer]

Stu thats a super find. Glad to see someone recuing and urban from extintion.

[Bruce Page]

Very cool Stu! You'll be opening your own lumber yard soon!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

WOW Stu, that is a great find-- how did you move the logs? Looks pretty heavy. Thanks for showing.:D
Good old grunt work. I have a limit of the length that I can cut (just under 4') so I get them to cut the logs to that length. I then put them in the back of my little van.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/2nd_load.jpg

and then I use my electric hoist to put them down into the Dungeon.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/hanging_around.jpg

But down in the Dungeon, I'm running out of space!!!

I need to clean up my storage area, so I can sticker this lumber and leave it for a couple of years.

Cheers!

[Vaughn McMillan]

You never cease to amaze me, Stu. Obstacles just don't get in your way, do they? From logs to lumber, all in the middle of Tokyo through a hole in the floor. Brilliant stuff...my hat's off to you.

- Vaughn

[Ian Abraham]

Cool :)

I guess you are in trouble if you get given a tree over 3ft dia though ;)

For the drying do you have some fans and a dehumidifier? Each 100kg of green wood probably carries 30-40 kg of water you will have to get rid of. It can be done, but you need to be able to get rid of the water.

Cheers

Ian

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Cool :)

I guess you are in trouble if you get given a tree over 3ft dia though ;)

For the drying do you have some fans and a dehumidifier? Each 100kg of green wood probably carries 30-40 kg of water you will have to get rid of. It can be done, but you need to be able to get rid of the water.

Cheers

Ian

Very good point.

The wood is going into the Dungeon Annex ;) the storage area beside the Dungeon, that is accessed from another hatch under my large van (that hatch is steel reinforeced concrete and weighs about 200 lbs for each piece, there are 3 pieces) or through the hole in the wall behind the shelf.........

I'll be putting an aircon in there, and it has a dry setting which will pull the water out of the air, the dry setting is designed for hanging you laundry up in a room and drying it out.

I'll then have to put a sump pump in to get rid of the water, like I have in the Dungeon.

Cheers!

[Gail O'Rourke]

Awesome...but I want to know what it's going to come OUT of the Dungeon looking like.

Great pictures.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Awesome...but I want to know what it's going to come OUT of the Dungeon looking like.

Great pictures. Thanks Gail!

I'll let you know in a couple of years when it is all dry and ready to use!

I have to say, my lovely wife already has plans for most of it!!

I'm working like a dog getting this done, I went by the site again today, and the foreman pointed to a stack of logs waiting for me to pick them up!

I could not do it today, but I'll get at it tomorrow for sure.

I'm running out of space to put all of this, but where there is a will, there is a way, and I got to say, I've got the will!! :D

Cheers!

[RichMagnone]

Stu, I've been following this adventure on The Oak and here and, as always, I am impressed with your work. I wish I had half the ingenuity and work ethic that you do. I am usually happy to just actually clean up the garage.

It sounds like you need to build a dungeon below/next to the dungeon soon.

[Bob Noles]

Stu,

I have been following you around on several forums for about a year now and I am always amazed with your adventures. You are quite possibly the most amazing WW I have ever ran across and by far the most innovative human being for sure :D

I love reading your quests and adventures and really appreciate you taking the time to share them in so many ways and so many places.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Well thanks guys, but really, I'm just doing what I like, or LOVE to do and having fun too. I've never been the type to sit in front of the TV and drink beer on a Sunday (not that there is anything wrong with that, just that it bores me to tears!).

I'm really limited here for people who share my enthusiasm for wood working, and those who understand the challenges and the feeling when you overcome an obstacle, thus I kind of show off my stuff on a couple of forums, this one and The Oak mainly, as I like the feeling of both places, some of the other online forums are just too darn big :o.

I really feel that I'm just in the starting blocks, my main accomplishment has been to build a shop!!

When I look at the outstanding work that many of you produce, (I'll take Gail as an example!!) I'm in awe, I hope to get near that level of work some day, but for now, I'm still setting up my little Dungeon workshop! ;)

Seriously, I'm still just a wood hack, hoping to gain some skill and insights from many of the real craftsman and artists that populate this and other forums.

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Tonight I sit here reaching for the pain killers, man, my whole body aches!! I went today and got some more logs, there is more stuff there than you can shake a stick at!!

Today I got some more Sakura, (cherry) and a couple pieces of Kuri, or Chesnut, it looks super nice.......

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/big_load.jpg
Now my cap is about 10 inches or so long.
Those suckers were PAINFULLY heavy, they are over 300lbs each I think! These trees are from the "Medium Size" category....

I did drag the one out with the little van, but getting it into the van, that was hard work!

Moving on to bigger and heavier things.......
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/big_log1.jpg
Sorry, these images were taken with my cell phone....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/big_log2.jpg

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/big_log3.jpg
The guys told me that that backhoe thing with the claw on it would have trouble picking this one up, it would have to drag it, and then stand it up and tip it into the dumptruck, so being the kind sole that I am, I offered to take it off their hands, but to do so, I'll need to get something a little bigger in the saw dept.
I noticed that some of the other trees, the Oaks and such are nearly as big as this one. I asked the guys if I could cut them up on site to make it easier, they said "Sure thing" so the plan now is to get a bigger saw, make my mill, and start making (more) sawdust!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky1.jpg
I'm looking at this older Husky with a 2' long bar on it. It is a Model #185CD, it has a 85cc engine, and is supposed to run just fine, but it is hard to start. I figure a carb cleaning and a new sparkplug and it should be good to go. It is on auction now for $240, I hope I get it for that much!

I'll then make a larger version of the chainsaw mill I found at http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/tresl39.html

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/chainsaw_mill1.jpghttp://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/chainsaw_mill2.jpghttp://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/chainsaw_mill3.jpg

So am I nuts or what..........?

Don't answer that.... ;)

[John Hart]

Stu...The pics you took with your cell phone...the ones that have your hat on the log....What tree is that? The figure looks awesome! Please let us know how the chainsaw sawmill goes...I've heard a lot of negative press....but would like to try it.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

The tree is Sakura, you know the ornamental Cherry tree that has the nice blossoms in the spring.

I've seen some amazing work done by chainsaw mills, and the little one that I made up for my small electric chainsaw worked VERY well.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/csm_just_finished_cut.jpg
Just finished the cut

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/csm_1st_cut_close.jpg
Not bad I think.

Cheers!

[John Hart]

I think you're pushing me over the edge! Thanks Stu!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I think you're pushing me over the edge! Thanks Stu!

Oh yeah, sure, go and blame ME!!! ;):D

Cheers!

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Your site must be down, I get all red x's here and no page when trying to load it. I'll check back later...sounds like a very interesting project!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Works fine for me, I was just editing some pages.

The site is hosted in the US, and I'm in Japan, but I see it fine.

Hope you get a chance to see it later.

Cheers!

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Wow...there they are. They musta been offline just for a second, I see them all now. Very interesting indeed! I love the hoist through the floor. How large is the space downstairs? I'll bet the locals think you're nuts! I sure don't, if you have a place to store wood like that, you're in luck.

Very cool project! I'll go to the website and check it out.

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Excellent writeup and a great way to cut logs into boards....well done!! I'll be staying tuned until you make something out of them, I know it'll be awhile...:D

Big Blue is a very cool bandsaw and from the looks of that blade, you didn't have any triuble cutting the boards.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I will MAKE a place to store it!

The space downstairs is about...http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/do_pa/dopa_2.jpg

4.3 meters by 7.1 meters (14' x 23') or there abouts.

The pic is from a layout (http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/do_pa.htm) I had in a Japanese DIY mag, thus the nice wide angle shot (my digi camera don't do that!!)

Cheers!

(sorry about the large pic)

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Very cool! Congrats on both your shop and your wood haul!!

[Tom Horton]

Stu,
What do you do for work? It sure seems like you spend most of your time in the "dungeon", and out getting wood! The dungeon sure is clean, btw.....

Do you ever get a chance to get any cedar that is used for making shoji? And, is there any chance you can get some of the real shoji paper, and send it stateside?

I grew up in Japan, and have always wanted to find a source for some authentic Japanese materials.

Tom

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Tom we run a Liquor shop, www.masutoh.com (http://www.masutoh.com)

My wife's family have run this shop in the same location for over 100 years! :eek:

I'm sure I could send you some Shoji paper, they sell all kinds of it at the DIY place I go to, one they have you just use your steam iron to put it on, no gluing! :cool:

As for the cedar, sure, but I bet shipping would be killer, besides, the cedar that is used in Japan for Shoji comes from Northern California, and Oregon, it is called Port Orford Cedar.

I have a great book on making Shoji by a guy named Jay van Arsdale, ISBN4-7700-1364-7

Might be out of print?

Anyway, I work 12 to 16 hours a day in the L shop and then steal some time in the Dungeon when I can, I usually run on 4 to 6 hours sleep, on a good night....

Cheers!

[Ted Christiansen]

Stu,

Excellent story. I got bit by the lumber milling bug earlier this year. You can see some of the wood I have cut here:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=25692

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=20785

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=20785

or on the Logosol (www.logosol.com (http://www.logosol.com)) users forum. I have a Husky 385XP and the Logosol TimberJig. The only problem with this type of setup is that you get very tired pushing the saw through the wood, even with a sharp chain (I sharpen every tank full). About five hours of cutting is the most I can handle. I have designed a mill that will have a crank system to solve this problem.

All of the logs I have cut so far have been free - much like the score you have described here. I have also found a source for logs at $.50/bd ft from a tree service. My dad bought some of those which we cut.

I am happy with the results and have just started using some of the walnut, cherry, red oak and maple that I have cut.

Ted

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Hi Ted, thanks for the info!

I know that pushing the sawmill will be tiring, but this is a once in a life time chance to get some incredible wood for free, well I've given the guys on site a few cases of beer, but I do run a liquor shop.....;)

Also I have no practical way of moving these logs, so cutting them up on site is the only way to fly.

I guess I'm going to buy that big old Husky saw.

Cheers!

[Barry O'Mahony]

The dungeon is truly amazing. Watch out for nails in urban trees.

I may be in Tokyo this spring; I might have to stop by at the store and buy a 5th of something. ;)

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

The dungeon is truly amazing. Watch out for nails in urban trees.

I may be in Tokyo this spring; I might have to stop by at the store and buy a 5th of something. ;)
Hi Barry, thanks for the props!!

If you do come to Tokyo and don't stop by for the nickel tour of the Dungeon, I'll take it as a personal insult....;):D

Seriously, if you can stop by, I'd be pleased to show you around, always fun to meet another wood worker!

I know about the nails, and my handy dandy Lumber Wizzard III has come in handy for sure!!
http://www.leevalley.com/images/item/woodworking/assorted/86k7835s1.jpg

I have the larger one, "B".

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

BTW, I went to the site today and I was talking to the guy felling the trees, he told me that the HUGE Zelkova trees that they are keeping, they will top them, and the tops are huge, so I'll get that too!!

While I was there, he was just about to cut down a Akagashi, the Japanese Evergreen Oak, that has two good 8 to 10' sections in the trunk that are about 18" in diameter, yep, he is putting them into my pile to cut up as well.

Man, when I want to make work for myself, I sure do find interesting ways of doing it!

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

OK, I got the Old Husky 185CD chainsaw, $220 US (85cc saw) now I got to get it, and make the chainsaw mill thing for it, and start slabing some of that big wood waiting for me....:D

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

OK, I got my dungeon cleaned up, and I got some wood that I cut stacked.

I'm rethinking my idea of keeping the wet wood in the Dungeon Annex, I think I'll end up putting the wood on the roof of my building. Here it will be under our solar panels, out of the rain, but it will get lots of air movement, and I hope that the typhoons will not take any boards away!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/solar_panel_1.jpg

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/solar_panel_closeup1.jpg

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/stack_end_view1.jpg
Here is an end view of the stack

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/stack_fan.jpg
Here is the stack and the fan I have going.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/chunks_4_turning.jpg
Here are some chunks I've kept for turning of a future lathe

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/what_wood_is_this.jpg
Here is a close up of the grain on the Sakura (Cherry) that I got, what do you think it looks like?

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Looks like a great place to keep wood! So what's it like living in Tokyo? I have a cousin who was born there while my uncle was in the military.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Looks like a great place to keep wood! So what's it like living in Tokyo? I have a cousin who was born there while my uncle was in the military.

The roof should be good, the Dungeon Annex, while good in someways, it would be expensive to run the AC and fans 24/7 for a few years, and there could be a bug problem as well.

Tokyo is not a bad place to live at all, for a city of 12 million people, it is very safe, and fairly clean too, but honestly, if I could just snap my fingers, I'd at the very least live outside the city, if not back in Canada.

Cheers!

[John Hart]

Nice pile of wood you've acheived Stu!!! You're getting a lathe? Cool!!!! You sure have some nice stuff to start working on.

[Bob Weisner]

What do building lots cost in Japan? What is the average price for an acre of land out in the country?

Thanks,

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Nice pile of wood you've acheived Stu!!! You're getting a lathe? Cool!!!! You sure have some nice stuff to start working on.

I'll eventually get a lathe, or build one!! :D

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

What do building lots cost in Japan? What is the average price for an acre of land out in the country?

Thanks,

An ACRE of land?

Man they don't measure land in acres :D

We measure land, here in the city, in "Tsubo". One Tsubo is 3.954 square yards.

Our the land our building is built on is 39 tsubo (154.2 squ yards) or 0.03186 acres.

The price of the landreally varies, depending on the area it is in, and things like the size of the road that goes by it, plus access to the land. IF you do not have a 4 meter wide access to the land, you cannot rebuild the house, and there are lots of old houses like that, they have a little pathway to the house, that is only about a yard wide, so they cannot rebuild.

Our building, built in 2001, cost about 1.1 million US, it is 7 floors high, and it is a VERY well built building, we DID not cut corners with the structural stuff. For example, there are 9 column of concrete with a load of re-bar, going down the equivalent of 9 floors down into the ground. These are about 2 meters round, this give us a lot of stability during an earthquake.

Building is expensive here, compared to the US, but, it is cheaper now than it has been in over 40 years.

Cheers!

[Bob Weisner]

I must have figured the math wrong:o That worked out to about 1,495 square feet, for just the building lot. Is that right?

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I must have figured the math wrong:o That worked out to about 1,495 square feet, for just the building lot. Is that right?

You are a little off, it is actually 1388 sq feet, by my math.

1 tsubo is 35.58317 square feet or there abouts :D

Not a big space, and we do not own the land, we lease it, which is another looong story... ;)

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Well Folks, I've been busy....

I got the chainsaw mill built....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/frame_weld_up.jpg
The frame

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/frame_guide_tubes.jpg
Guide tubes

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/bar_clamps_done.jpg
The bars that will clamp to the chain bar.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/test_fit.jpg

Mark I ready to go.....:D

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/test_fit_side.jpg
Another look

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/spacer_bar_clamp_tip.jpg
This is going to need a guard!!:eek:

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I do not know the pic limit, so I'll keep the pics per post down....

OK, I have the "Mark I" ready to go, let's see how it works...

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/maiden_cut_reversangel.jpg
Getting ready to fill the Dungeon with blue smoke!!:rolleyes:

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/no_longer_maidern.jpg
Exhaust fan on HIGH and still it is all blue!!:eek:

Don't worry, I beat a hasty retreat!

The saw cut well, the chain needs a sharpening, and the carb need some tweaking, plus old gas and oil = too much smoke!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/cut_done.jpg
That will do nicely :D

On to Mark II..........

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

The Mark II version....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/mill_markII_2.jpg

The middle bars will make it easier to use on the second cut (no overhanging starter board).

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/tip_guard2.jpg

Tip guard!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/mill_markII_1.jpg
I got to this point and the saw died would not start!!:(

I thought I was out of gas, but it turns out I was not.

The sparkplug wire is shot!!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/old_saw_problems2.jpg

Husky don't stock parts for this saw, and they say they cannot get them (?) so I'm looking for a sparkplug wire, I'll head to a bike shop and get some from a scooter, the 250cc dirt bike stuff I have is too big.

You can see more at my site....

Chain Saw Mill (http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/csm.htm)

[John Hart]

Stu,
I think it is just phenomenal how you've documented this process. And what a process!!!! You are to be commended. Thanks so much!! :) :)

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Stu,
I think it is just phenomenal how you've documented this process. And what a process!!!! You are to be commended. Thanks so much!! :) :)
Hey thanks, I'll take it where I can get it!!

As you imagine, I don't have a lot of buddies to share this with here.

The other day, a friend in the neighbourhood and his wife were at the L shop while I was on the phone to Husky Japan, when I got off the phone, they said to me "Chainsaw..???":eek:

You would have thought I'd bought an AK47 :D

I guess it is out of their realm of experience here in Tokyo.

I've learned so much from this place, and from others like it, that the little bit I can give back is only fair.

Cheers!

[John Hart]

It's interesting that you would kinda feel isolation in such a crowded place. Well...You got the CREEK!!!! It's my favorite place to hang out. ;) :)

[Kelly C. Hanna]

I like the new toy you built...very cool. Yeah I can imagine there aren't a ton of woodworkers in Tokyo. But like John said, you got us...(if that's any consolation :D).

[Ed Breen]

Stu,
I envy your wonderful luck in finding the wood and also living in a part of the world that I remember fondly.
Seriously though, when I moved wood or heavy machinery I used to borrow an engine puller from a friend who has a shop. I have since bought my own, it breaks down and the legs fold up so it doesn't take up too much room. I think I gave about $100. for it at one of those traveling tool shows. It is rated at two tons and would be a great help.
Ed:D

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I like the new toy you built...very cool. Yeah I can imagine there aren't a ton of woodworkers in Tokyo. But like John said, you got us...(if that's any consolation :D).

Maybe not a "Consolation" but more like a "Boobie Prize" :D

[Rick de Roque]

Stu,
Is that a punching bag in the back of the shop? Is that for when you cut twice and its still too short:D

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/cut_done.jpg

Rick

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Stu,
Is that a punching bag in the back of the shop? Is that for when you cut twice and its still too short:D

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/cut_done.jpg

Rick

How did you know?

Oh I get it, you have one as well:D

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Well, that log in the pic above is no longer a log, but three very nice fat boards!! :D

I cut them to 6 cm thick thinking that when I got to use them, I'll get down to 3 cm each (Big Blue's territory) and with jointing and planing I should easily have the coveted 3/4" ;)

Or it may just get cut up as veneer, as the grain is REALLY nice!

I had a heck of a time with the Husky chain saw I bought, it ran fine once, then it would not start for love or money!

Turns out the spark plug wire was badly corroeded and the coil that goes on top of the sparkplug was worse, I bodged that with some motorcycle stuff, and then had carb troubles!

Eventually with help over at www.arboristsite.com (http://www.arboristsite.com) I got it all sorted, boy that big 85cc saw cuts like a champ, but all the pulling on that cord (no decomp valve either, it is a circa 1976 saw!) and I'm a hurting today. Must have pulled the bad boy at least a couple hundred times while I was fussing and fooling with it.

Pics tomorrow, and on to the wood lot on Saturday!

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

For all of you following along at home, some advice..........

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/let_it_snow.jpg
Chainsaw mills should be run OUTSIDE :D

I slabbed up that one large Sakura log I had in the Dungeon....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/got_wood1.jpg
got some decent wood out of it for sure!!

I then took out my newest toy.....ah tool, it IS a tool honey, honest...... well, and I got the edges off the boards....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/festool_1st_cuts2.jpg
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/festool_1st_cuts4.jpg
the only hicup was the slabs are 6 cm thick and the TS 55 will only do 5.5 cm, so I had to flip the boads.

I need to get a Panther blade, the fine tooth worked well, but I can see how the ripping blade would be better!

Off to the wood lot tomorrow!!

Cheers!

[John Hart]

For all of you following along at home, some advice..........
Chainsaw mills should be run OUTSIDE :D ...


heh heh...Stu, my first thought was..."That's how MY shop looks all the time!!!!":o I think the blue smoke would bother me more than the shavings and the dust. A dungeon sawmill....what a concept! You really did this up nice and your results are great. So, now, how long are you going to wait before actually using this wood? It would drive me crazy to let it sit for a year or two or three.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I'll tell you John, I need a shovel in the Dungeon, not a itty bitty dust pan!!

I'm done with chain saw milling in the Dungeon, for sure!

I got out to the woodlot today and got some stuff slabbed up!

I had to regrind my chain, as the normal cross cut was not working so good, I did 10 degrees and I cut off the top part of every 5th tooth to act as a clean out, boy did this mod work well!!!

The saw ran great, not a hiccup (touch wood!) and I did some outside milling!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/job_site/job_site1.jpg
Here is the pile of stuff they have for me, unfortunately they burried the really nice piece of Sakura I wanted to do soon, but it is still there, just buried.

I dragged out one medium sized piece of Sakura to do up first, you can see it there in middle of the pic.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/job_site/three_cuts.jpg
here I've done the three slabs from that log, the grain in it is amazing!!

Now it is on to the Akagashi (Japanese Evergreen Oak) that is setting on top of the pile. I decided to slab it where it lay.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/job_site/three_cuts2.jpg
Here I've cleaned up around the log and cut off the pieces I'm not keeping.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/job_site/going_for_big_oak1.jpg
Next I put my 2x8 starter board on the top of the log.

I decided to cut to a point and then cross cut down to release each slab, this worked rather well.

to be continued....

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Now that the starter board is in place, I could fire up the Husky and get cutting.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/job_site/going_for_big_oak_side_view.jpg
OK the top offcut is done, this now gives me a flat surface to run the mill on, without the starter board.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/job_site/big_oak_off_cut.jpg
I only got the one slab off of the log before I had to head to the L shop to do deliveries etc.

I'll be back on Monday doing some more!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/job_site/sitting_log.jpg

I also have to resharpen my chain.....

Cheers!

[Mark Stutz]

Stu,
Do you plane to resaw the 6 cm slabs before drying? At 6 cm, I would think it might take 3 years to get them dry enough to use. I've never dried wood, but lots of discussion about it here.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Hi Mark

I honestly do not know....

Maybe, but then again, the plan is for a solar kiln on the roof of our building.

I understand if I do that correctly, I'll be looking at closer to 6 months.

Right now, I'm just looking at getting the wood!

BTW, Merry Christmas everyone, it is Christmas here in Tokyo!:D

[Andy Hoyt]

Stu - I've read that the Japanese treat wood with a high degree of reverance, and as such I'm surprised that they'd let you scarf this stuff up for free. Great for you, but contrary to what I've been led to believe.

Thoughts? Local perspective?

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Andy, "HA!!" would be a start....

I'm talking about "Tokyo" here, NOT "Japan" there is often a VERY large difference.

For the guys doing this work, they get paid a salary to do a job. For the company contracted to do the work, they make a bid and get paid to to the job, hopefully make a profit in the end.

The boss has some local nut Gaijin come along and give him some cases of beer (Yeah!) and takes some of the wood away, win win.

You see they pay by the truck load for the wood hauling, so if in the end I take enough wood away to equal 1 truck load, they save that much money, so the job comes in under the estimate, this makes the company more money, which makes the boss on site look good.

I hope that all makes sense, I just wrote it off the top of my head.

Cheers!

[Jamie Buxton]

Stu, this is wandering a long way off-topic, but in what other ways is Tokyo different from the rest of Japan?

[Alan Turner]

Stu,

What a thread, and what a load of work. I am impressed!!! Have you yet sawn the Zelkova? The reason I ask is that from an estate I bought (tools and wood only), which had about 40 or so slabs cut through the tree for table tops, there was one piece, about 47" wide by 52" long, irregular, that was labeled Zelkova. Glad it was labeled as I would have had no clue as to the wood type. I still have it, and it includes a crotch. I have not yet milled it to flat. It is cut about 8/4 heavy.

From reading, it looks like a prized Jap. wood. Can you provide any information on it. I read that it was known as Japanese elm. My slab seems to be highly figured. It is awaiting a coffee table commission, which has not yet come my way.

If you were in the US with this project, I know that there would be a few SMC volunteers you could tap in to, and I would be one of them.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Stu, this is wandering a long way off-topic, but in what other ways is Tokyo different from the rest of Japan?

Goodness, let me count the ways.....:D

Basically this is "THE" big city, Osaka and can try, but it ain't Tokyo ;)

The biggest thing I find is that in Tokyo things are (for the most part) convenient, and easy to get done, but you have all the big city problems, crime, no space, concrete Jungle, traffic jams 24/7, no one knows their neighbours etc. Sure there is a coke machine on every corner (the soft drink) and a 7-11 on every other corner, but it is a big city.

I do some motorcycle touring, and I always find people out in the countryside so nice and, for the most part very easy to get along with. A buddy was out touring with his wife, they got a little lost, and it was getting late and they were looking for a place to stay. They had been camping, but as it had rained most of the day, they wanted a Hotel or a B&B of some sort. Well they were WAY out in the countryside, and they stopped at a general store kind of place, the owner said the nearest place to stay was a good hour at least, through some mountain roads, and it was dark. The guy said "hold on a minute" he called his buddy that lives down the road a ways, and talked to him. The buddy and his wife show up 10 minutes later, they invited them to stay at their house.

They went to the house, a VERY large farm house. There was Grampa and grama, Mom and Dad and 5 kids, so they had dinner and then some beers and then they moved the kids out of one room to another and let my buddy and his wife stay there for the night. Even fed them breakfast in the morning.

My buddy is a Yank, speaks good Japanese, and his wife is Japanese. They had a great time, the family was very nice and the kids were beside themselves. The father had been to Tokyo when he as younger, and had actually seen some foreigners in the streets, but had never talked to one. For the rest of the family, this was the first time they had actually SEEN a foreigner, let alone have the foreigner stay in their house and eat dinner and drink beer together.

The diff with Tokyo? Well too often I'll find myself somewhere in need of directions, most most people will not even talk to me, let alone give me directions, that is Tokyo. Out in the countryside, I've never had the problem, people are ALWAYS ready and willing to help you out. I've been invited in for tea and had bags of oranges, or such pressed on me, just for saying hello.

Well I've rambled long enough.

Back to the wood lot for me in the morning, what are you guys doing on Boxing day :D

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Stu,

What a thread, and what a load of work. I am impressed!!! Have you yet sawn the Zelkova? The reason I ask is that from an estate I bought (tools and wood only), which had about 40 or so slabs cut through the tree for table tops, there was one piece, about 47" wide by 52" long, irregular, that was labeled Zelkova. Glad it was labeled as I would have had no clue as to the wood type. I still have it, and it includes a crotch. I have not yet milled it to flat. It is cut about 8/4 heavy.

From reading, it looks like a prized Jap. wood. Can you provide any information on it. I read that it was known as Japanese elm. My slab seems to be highly figured. It is awaiting a coffee table commission, which has not yet come my way.

If you were in the US with this project, I know that there would be a few SMC volunteers you could tap in to, and I would be one of them.
The Zelkova is called Keiyaki in Japanese, all I know about it is that it is highly prized.

I took a pic of a very large slab of it out at the DIY center today, I'll post it later.

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Boxing Day Specials!

As there is no "Boxing Day" in Japan, well not the cultural part, I made some specials for myself...

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/job_site/using_wedges.jpg
I got some wedges to use, make the cut go smoother.
I also got a proper file guide and some files,
as well as the correct depth gauge for the raker teeth,
this made a big difference, as the saw cut really well today.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/job_site/boxing_day_haul1.jpg
My Boxing day haul of wood, some of it is highly figured,
but there was some pith in the middle, so I ended up with some thin boards.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/job_site/boxing_day_haul2.jpg
Loaded up ready to go.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/job_site/stump.jpg
The log used to go to the tree on the left side, not any more!
I'm done for now, there are no pieces that I can get to at the
moment, I'll be busy at the L shop anyways, so I'll wait until next year.

[Kelly C. Hanna]

That sure is a nice wide slab on the bottom Stu!!! I sure would like to have that one for a tabletop!

[John Hart]

Yep...pretty great! Most of the wood you got has e drooling a bit. I've learned a lot from all this....including the wedges! Guess you got tired of your chain seizing up eh?

[Jerry Clark]

Hey Stu, That was fun and interesting-- Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year.:D

[Tim Wirtz]

Did you ever get the Zelkova tree? That's Keiyaki in Japanese, isn't it? If so, there are people who will kill for that... My father-in-law got a huge stump out at one of his construction sites and cut it into table tops. People were offering him 300,000 yen and more for the slabs he had. He just gave them away to his friends. He did keep two, though, and made tables for his wife and his daughter out of them. He said it was the hardest wood he had ever tried to cut. Good luck. I'm sure your wife is looking forward to all the things you can build her with the wood you have collected.

Tim

[Alan Turner]

Did you ever get the Zelkova tree? That's Keiyaki in Japanese, isn't it? If so, there are people who will kill for that... My father-in-law got a huge stump out at one of his construction sites and cut it into table tops. People were offering him 300,000 yen and more for the slabs he had. He just gave them away to his friends. He did keep two, though, and made tables for his wife and his daughter out of them. He said it was the hardest wood he had ever tried to cut. Good luck. I'm sure your wife is looking forward to all the things you can build her with the wood you have collected.

Tim
Tim,
Tell me more about the Zelkova as I have a slab, and know nothing about it. Any pix of those tables? Thx.

And, more importantly, welcome aboard.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Yep...pretty great! Most of the wood you got has e drooling a bit. I've learned a lot from all this....including the wedges! Guess you got tired of your chain seizing up eh?

John, the saw did not seize up, but it did drag a bit, hard to even bog this big old Husky, it sure has some power, and torque.

The wedges just make it easier to move the saw along, less drag.

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Did you ever get the Zelkova tree? That's Keiyaki in Japanese, isn't it? If so, there are people who will kill for that... My father-in-law got a huge stump out at one of his construction sites and cut it into table tops. People were offering him 300,000 yen and more for the slabs he had. He just gave them away to his friends. He did keep two, though, and made tables for his wife and his daughter out of them. He said it was the hardest wood he had ever tried to cut. Good luck. I'm sure your wife is looking forward to all the things you can build her with the wood you have collected.
Tim
The Keiyaki is on the list to be cut, but not until next year.

Their entire schedule got all messed up, because when they started to tear down the old storage house, they found it was made from reinforced concrete not the limestone blocks they thought it was. You see here in Japan, lots of rich families have a storehouse on their grounds, the building is only for storage, not living in. Your most valuable possessions are kept there. It is usually made from limestone blocks and has steel or even stone doors and windows that shut up tight. In the past many times fires have ravaged Tokyo, and all would be lost, this was the best insurance against this. Everyone thought this storehouse was the same, good for fire, but the limestone could easily be knocked down. Well whomever built this one made it about 1' thick steel reinforced concrete with a layer of limestone blocks only about 4" thick. They had to bring in a different excavator and clear a space to crush up the concrete, and take out the steel (recycling laws). Therefore the number of trees that have been cut is less than we thought it would be, by now, and there is no space to work until they get the concrete trucked out. It is all good for me, as I'm busy at the L shop anyway.

I also have to mod my chainsaw, someone complained it was too loud :rolleyes: it is a chainsaw after all, but I've got an old motorcycle muffler for a 2-smoke 250cc bike here, I'm going to work out how to stick that sucker on there, it should quiet the noise without too much power loss, I hope!

Cheers!

[Tom Horton]

Stu,
I feel for you on the noise issue. It seems that when there are a lot of people in a small area, tempers are short. I remember that the Honda company has been very successful in quieting their generators, and motorcycles. Maybe there is an old muffler off of one of the old "gentsuki-sha", a 50cc scooter, or something that could work.;)

Tom

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Stu,
I feel for you on the noise issue. It seems that when there are a lot of people in a small area, tempers are short. I remember that the Honda company has been very successful in quieting their generators, and motorcycles. Maybe there is an old muffler off of one of the old "gentsuki-sha", a 50cc scooter, or something that could work.;)

Tom

I've got the old stock (read quiet) silencer from my RMX250.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/piped2.jpg
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/piped1.jpg
(sorry about the crap cell phone pics)

I'll put it on in roughly that position.

I'll keep the stock muffler for when I'm not milling, as this one would get in th way ;)

With new packing, this should be really quiet, also, the sound will be directed straight up, that should help as well.

Cheers!

[Tim Wirtz]

Tim,
Tell me more about the Zelkova as I have a slab, and know nothing about it. Any pix of those tables? Thx.

And, more importantly, welcome aboard.

Thanks, Alan. I did a quick Yahoo Search for Zelkova and found mostly information related to growing them. Evidently, they are similar to American Elm with a very tight, elegant grain. Was only able to find a couple of pictures. Go here. http://koreamosaic.net/chests/c11.htm
If it asks you to install a language, click 'cancel'. It will show up in English. It is a Korean Website but shows a couple of nice pieces made out of Keiyaki. Unforunately, my father-in-law passed away last year so I don't have any pictures. Mom-in-law is not the greatest with digital/computer things so I can't show you what the tables look like.

Now, to give the thread back to Stu. Didn't mean to hijack it from you, Stu. http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/icons/icon12.gif

Tim.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Now, to give the thread back to Stu. Didn't mean to hijack it from you, Stu. http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/icons/icon12.gif

Tim.

Not at all Tim, it is all wood working!

I've got a pic here somewhere of the Zelkova, but not handy at the moment.

Cheers!

[Tim Wirtz]

Don't you ever SLEEP???
By my watch you wrote this at 1:30 in the morning. Go to bed!!http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/icons/icon7.gif

Seriously, love this thread. If you haven't already, could you post details and directions of how you made your new mill on your website? It looks pretty cool. By the way, what kind of chain are you using on that saw? Ripping or Crosscut. I hear ripping chains will work a lot better than crosscut chains for that type of operation. I think you could order it online pretty easily if you can't find it at Joyful Honda.

Good Night,

Tim

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Hi Tim!

It is now 2:55 AM here :D

I'll sleep when I'm dead!

The page about building my chainsaw mill is here (http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/csm.htm)

I've got to do some more mods to it, it needs a handle to push from better, and I'm going to have to mount a muffler on it as some people have complained about the saw running for a long time at WOT :rolleyes:

We just got home from the L shop, it is open from 10:30 AM to 1 AM, and then we got on the Web Cam with our kids, who are in Canada visiting the Grandparents for Christmas.

I do sleep, but I find if I get a 20 to 30 minute nap around 3 or 4 PM, I can get by on 4 to 5 hours a night no problem.

People sleep too darn much, IMHO!!

Cheers!

PS if you have any questions about the chainsaw mill please ask.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Oh yeah, you asked about the chain, I have a standard chain, I used it at first, but it did not cut so good, so I filed it into a ripping chain. I got this Oregon guide thing, called "Suresharp Chain Saw File Guide 23820"

http://doityourself.com/ori/200x200/6564132.jpg

It sure works well.

I put the cutter angle at 10 degrees and the slope at zero, works VERY well compared the the normal cross cut chain.

I have trouble bogging down this saw, even in the hardwood.

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

OK, if you have been reading along on little saga, then you know that I got told that someone complained about the big old Husky saw running for a long time. I guess I can see their point, as this is the middle of Tokyo not some woods area. I'm at the woodlot on the my goodwill with the foreman of the Demo company, if me being there becomes a problem for him, I'm sure he will ask me to not be there.
I do not want that to happen, so I decided to quiet down the chainsaw, to do this I dug around and I found two old 2-smoke bike mufflers.

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/rmx_muffler.jpg
One is off my RMX, it is lighter weight, but is noisier, I did repack it just for this use

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/crm_muffler.jpg
The second one is a stock muffler from a Honda CRM250.
I'll call this one the Black Hole, as it is black, heavy, and has a lot of sound deadening to it.

I did not want to butcher the original muffler, so I built a new muffler box.
http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/stock_muffler_removed.jpg
Here is the space I'm working with, (I know, the saw is dirty)

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/muffler_box_to_weld.jpg
I used a piece of tubing and a thick piece of steel that will tighten against the exhaust port.

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/muffler_box1.jpg
Here it is welded up, I'm test fitting it.

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/muffler_box_with_stub.jpg
Here the muffler box is all welded up, with the stub in place.

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/muffler_box_with_stub_in_place.jpg
I'll use this stub to attach the muffler to the saw.

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/rubberjoint.jpg
I bought this rubber muffler joint at the bike shop, this will make a good seal, and dampen some of the vibrations.

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/rmx_muffler_in_place.jpg
Just to give you an idea, this is what it will look like.

How does it work?

Well, I fired the saw up for about 30 seconds, and it was a lot quieter, in fact the intake is now the loud part!
I ran out of time today, I'll get back into the dungeon in the morning and hopefully get it all done.
I think it will be quiet, and that is good, I hope it will not be down on power, I'll have to warm the saw up and then tune it to get the best power out of it.
I got my carb parts, so I have to rebuild the carb as well.

Wish me luck!

PS for all the people out there who are wanting a welder, well if you have one, this is the kind of stuff you can fool around with :D

Cheers!

[John Hart]

Stu....You are a maniac!!!!!! That is Too Too Cool! I hope you don't lose much power.

[Steve Evans]

Stu

Your talk of chainsaw mufflers reminded me of a conversation that I had with a local sawmill. He was talking of thieves who would come in, in the middle of the night and cut trees down. For a muffler they ran their chainsaw exhaust through a pail of water. Never felt the need to try it myself:D Sounds like a fun project that you've got on the go there.

Steve

[Tom Donalek]

Our the land our building is built on is 39 tsubo (154.2 squ yards) or 0.03186 acres.

Our building, built in 2001, cost about 1.1 million US, it is 7 floors high, and it is a VERY well built building, we DID not cut corners with the structural stuff.

Building is expensive here, compared to the US, but, it is cheaper now than it has been in over 40 years.

Cheers!
Hmmm... 39 tsubo = 154.2 sq. yd. = 1387.8 sq. ft., at 7 stories is about 9,714 sq. ft. of construction. $1.1 mil. divided by about 10k sq. ft. = about us$100 per sq. ft.!?!? Wha! Did I goof on a decemal place somewhere? I'm gussing that outside of the Loop in Chicago, a comparable building would be closer to us$200 per sq. ft. I had heard of construction budgets in Japan in the range of us$400 to $1000 per sq. ft. due to the cost of labor and materials and the difficulty of building inside a Japanese city. (I shudder imagining a concrete pour with tens or hundreds of mini-sized concrete truck deliveries happening in Tokyo traffic!)

Can I have your General Contractor's phone number? Think he'd be interested in a working vacation in the States? ;)

I am sooooo bummed that my sister's JET program 'tour of duty' ended, so I don't have an excuse to visit Japan again! It was amazing (especially because I'm a Nihonophile (?) and an architect who loves both traditional and contemporary Japanese architecture!)

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Your numbers are off, mainly because you neglected to see that the 1st floor is mainly parking and Genkan, and the other point is that the 6th floor is smaller than the 5th, and the 7th is smaller than the 6th, Shade Laws you know.....

Cheers!

Oh Yeah, they have full sized concrete trucks here, pumper trucks too, it is amazing to see them drive through Tokyo Traffic!!

[Michael Charles]

Stu,
WOW... What you have accomplished in the space you have to work in is remarkable. I can't even begin to tell you how many ideas you have given my, by looking at your carefully detailed pictures and descriptions. All I can say is thank you and please keeps us updated on your projects. I enjoy the way you have documented everything. I can't wait to hear how the chain saw is going to work for you. Have you had any training in woodworking, metal working?

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Stu,
WOW... What you have accomplished in the space you have to work in is remarkable. I can't even begin to tell you how many ideas you have given my, by looking at your carefully detailed pictures and descriptions. All I can say is thank you and please keeps us updated on your projects. I enjoy the way you have documented everything. I can't wait to hear how the chain saw is going to work for you. Have you had any training in woodworking, metal working?

Hey, where there is a will there is a way!! :D

Training, you mean like formal schooling stuff, ya a bit here and there, but I've mainly learned by doing and by watching others doing it right.

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

OK the muffler retrofit is done, and the carb is rebuilt, and all systems are a go!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/operators_end_view.jpg
I decided to use the Black Hole&quot muffler, as it was a lot quieter than the RMX Muffler.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/bar_end_view.jpg
Here is the view from the bar end, the muffler is fairly secure in the muffler box, but I put a support on it just to be safe.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/push_view.jpg
I also finally put a handle on the milling frame, this will make it a lot easier to use

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/back_side_view.jpg
Here is the backside view, don't laugh at my bailing wire clamp, I've got a big hose clamp here somewhere, I just cannot lay my hands on it right now.

The Carb Rebuild
All went well with the carb rebuild, the saw sure seems to run a lot better now. When I plucked out the smaller welsh plug, I found this ball of fuzz under the plug,........
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/ball_of_fuzz.jpg
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/ball_of_fuzz_location.jpg
There is a small screen in the bottom of that hole, I don't know how the fuzz got there, but it looks like wood fiber and even flecks of paint.It is all gone now, and the saw seems to be running well, tomorrow I head to the wood lot to try the new and improved set up.

Cheers!

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Looks like you are all set Stu! I hope that the new muffler proves to be just the ticket for you to be able to continue your logging! :)

[Howard Barlow]

Stu, I wanna see that puppy run! I love the muffler support clamp.:D

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Stu, I wanna see that puppy run! I love the muffler support clamp.:D

Maybe tomorrow I'll set up my camera in video mode and let you see how it goes....?

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Jan 7th 2006
I've had a good day....
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_7th/todays_donations.jpg
Here are the logs that I'm going to mill today.
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_7th/sakura1.jpg
the 1st Sakura I'm milling
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_7th/sakura3.jpg
2nd Cut
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_7th/nice_sakura.jpg
Nice stuff!!
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_7th/more_sakura.jpg
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_7th/2nd_sakura_1st_cut.jpg
Second Sakura, top cut!
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_7th/sakura2.jpg
Ready for the second cut

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_7th/sakura4.jpg

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_7th/akagashi_right_sakura_left.jpg
Akagashi on the right, Sakura on the left
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_7th/todays_haul.jpg
Here is what I took home today!


The saw ran great, it was nice and quiet, in fact the intake and chain noise were louder than tha exhaust!!

Monday is a national holiday, so I'll be back at it on Tuesday.

Cheers!

Video on the way............

[Bill Simmeth]

Stu, all I can say is, "You da man!". The dungeon, the blue smoke in the dungeon, the ho made slabbing rig, the urban milling (in Tokyo no less!), the custo-muffler, and on, and on! Keep the stories coming!

[John Hart]

Whoa! Nice wood too!!! You are just too cool Stu!:) :)

[Vaughn McMillan]

Simply amazing, Stu. Simply amazing. Thanks again for sharing the experience with us.

- Vaughn

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Thanks guys, I love sharing this stuff, cause it IS fun, and no one here understands that!!

They say stuff like "but....you run a liquor store....?"

It is near a "Caste" system here, you do what you are supposed to do, not anything else.

A plumber would NEVER think of fixing a light switch, he'd call an electrician....

Anyways, I'm working on the video now :D

[Ian Abraham]

Thanks guys, I love sharing this stuff, cause it IS fun, and no one here understands that!!

Nah.. I understand :D
Been out today dropping some 3 ft dia Monterey cypress. Cutting them down is OK, just the limbing / cleanup is a mission:o

The trees are orignially from Califonia and a quite rare there, but have been grown here as hedges on farms. Trees that are 5 or 6 feet + dia are common. Makes for interesting felling ;)

I'll post some pic of 'logging in NZ' on another thread :D

Cheers

Ian

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I mean "No one here in JAPAN understands!"

I know there are loads of guys here on this site the get it, that is one of the reasons why I hang out here (and the tool Porn!!).

Can't wait to see your pics Ian!

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Hey Howard............ (and anyone else)

VIDEO (http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/video/turbo.wmv)of the chainsaw Mill at work..... (7.5 Mb)

"Right click" and save should work....:D

[John Hart]

I nominate you for Best Picture!!! The turbo part was pretty fun. Geez Stu....You make it look easy!:)

[Kelly C. Hanna]

That's a great video!! Sounds like a marked improvement over a non muffled saw! I will never understand where you are getting all this energy....after working 12 hours, I can't do a thing!

[Andy Hoyt]

Wicked Awesome Stu. Nice touch with the kick in to Afterburner!

[tod evans]

stu, me thinks there`s part hillbilly in you somewhere:) tod

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

John, I accept the nomination on behalf of all my fellwo creekers who have inspired me to make the box and then think outside of it ;):D

Andy, I figured no one wanted to watch my fat arse wriggle across the screen for 4 minutes...

Kelly who said I have any energy, most days when I do finally go to bed, feel like I've been whupped all day with a length of rubber hose, filled with buck shot....

Tod, I don't know if there are hillbillies in Canada, but I was raised to "Do what you can, with what you got" or something to that effect.

Cheers!

PS, any chainsaw guys out there, how does it sound and look to you??

[Kelly C. Hanna]

I hear ya, I guess if I had the opportunity you do I'd find some energy somewhere as you have. Betcha sleep like a baby at night.

I'm no expert but I think it's a big improvement over stock chainsaw exhaust noise. The sled you have built works extremely well...great idea!!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I hear ya, I guess if I had the opportunity you do I'd find some energy somewhere as you have. Betcha sleep like a baby at night.

I'm no expert but I think it's a big improvement over stock chainsaw exhaust noise. The sled you have built works extremely well...great idea!!
No way, babies poop thier pants....... :D

[tod evans]

Tod, I don't know if there are hillbillies in Canada, but I was raised to "Do what you can, with what you got" or something to that effect.

Cheers!

here in the sticks we say "poor folks got poor ways" Cheers back at ya

[Tom Horton]

QUOTE]Tod, I don't know if there are hillbillies in Canada, but I was raised to "Do what you can, with what you got" or something to that effect.[/quote]


Stu, I know there are some of them thar hillbillies in Japan, and they'd say "sora meccha mezurashii mono ya na!!" (translated: that thar thang is danged amazable!'") :D

Definitely liked the "turbo" on the video, too.

Tom

[Ted Christiansen]

Stu,

Excellent video - loved it!

How wide were the boards you cut from the log shown in the video? It looked like about 12". I use a Husky 385XP, which is a newer version of the saw you have (I think).

Are you using narrow chain (Pico from Stihl)? It cuts a lot faster than normal ripping chain. I get my bars and ripping chain from Logosol (www.logosol.com (http://www.logosol.com)). For narrow logs, it will also cut faster if you use a shorter bar (use the shortest bar possible).

Incidently, I helped my dad do some milling today, except we used his Jet 18" bandsaw (3 HP). He built an infeed and outfeed table having ball rollers on it on which a sled slides. The log is secured to the sled. We cut the logs 4 feet long and used an appliance like dolly to roll them into his shop (he has a walkout basement). That saw with 3 HP cuts like gang busters.

Ted

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Hi Ted;

The boards are about 12" wide, my saw is a Husky 186CD, it is 85cc.

I'm just using a standard Oregon chain reground to 10 degrees, not the usual 30 degrees or so, and every 5th tooth has the cutter removed to help clear sawdust.

The bar is a hard-nosed bar, and at 20" (60 cm?) it is just long enough to do this stuff.

I need to sharpen the chain more often, I'd say every second cut or so, I'm just lazy.....:o

I'd like to get a new sprocket tip bar and chain, but so far, I'm just making do.

The longer I look at all the trees I have to mill yet, if I want them, (YES YES YES!!) the more I think about getting a better bar and chain set up.

Might have to put in an order to the US.

Cheers!

[Ted Christiansen]

Stu,

That saw with a 16" bar and pico chain should cut really fast, even through hardwoods. The difference of pico chain (1/4" kerf) compared to regular chain (5/16 to 3/8 kerf) - even at 10 degrees - is remarkable.

I recommend you try it. The bar is about $30 and the chain about $30 - they are worth it.

I have 16", 25" and 36" bars and chains. The 36" is regular (not pico) chain and is for very big logs. It cuts really slow, so I primarily use it for quartering logs - it is only used on the first cut. On these logs I switch to a shorter bar for subsequent cuts.

Ted

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Thanks for the info Ted, I'd surely like to speed up the cut!

I'd have to find out what bar fits my old saw, and I guess I'd need a new drive sprocket it I switched chains.

The shorter bar would not cut it (punny eh?) on a lot of the logs, they have a crotch or such on them, and I need the longer bar. A lot of this crotch wood is really highly figured, and worth getting, IMHO.

I'll look at the thinner chain for sure.

Do you know if Logosol ships international?

Cheers!

[Ted Christiansen]

Stu,

Not sure if they ship internationally. The company is actually Swedish. They also have a distribution center in the U.S. Not sure which would be cheaper.

http://www.logosol.com

Ted

[Noel Hegan]

Hi Stu, if you dig deep on the Logosol site there is an agent located in Japan.

Noel

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Thanks Noel, it is the Stihl Dealer....

STIHL CO. LTD
2570-1 Tako,
Kaminokawa-machi
Kawachi-gun
Tochigi 329-0524


Not close at all to my place, but I'll get my lovely wife to give them a call and see if they can hook me up.

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

2006 Wood Lot Page!!
I made some mods to the Tokyo Log Hog chainsaw mill, and today, Jan 10th, 2006, I had the BEST day yet, the wood I got is REALLY nice....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/jan_10th_1st_2.jpg
here are two of the flitches I got from the last of the pieces I cut last week,
this is the Akagashi, there is a lot of figure, as I think this tree was sick from bugs etc,
like most of the trees on this property. The family that had this land, did not bother taking care of the trees.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/jan_10th_1st_2_closeup.jpg
A close up of the Akagashi, some highly figures interesting wood for sure.

Now I'm on to the next donor...
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/next_donor1.jpg
This too is Akagashi, and this one just got uprooted the other day, so the wood is really fresh.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/next_donor2.jpg
Not the best location, but I'll make it work. I'm cutting the pieces at 150 cm (5 feet) as that is a good size to move around,
and that length just fits into my little van.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/little_makita_that_could.jpg
For cross cutting I've got this little Makita 100V electric saw, the bar is only 30 cm long (12")
so it is a bit of a struggle to cut these bigger trees, and it takes some time. I'm shopping for a 40 cm electric (16")

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/little_makita_2nd_cut.jpg
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/second_log.jpg
You can see I had to stack some rocks etc so I could make the 3rd cut, I also dug a hole so the log would not bind the saw as I finished.
I then got the new and improved Tokyo Log Hog out (Mark II) and made some more cuts

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/guide_board1.jpg
I rolled the log over to my cutting area, (soft saw dust to kneel in!!),
and put the guide board on top, takes two 6 cm long screws to secure it.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/guide_board2.jpg
I've got my space all cleared up, ready to go.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/jan_10th_work_b.jpg
This is the take for the day, not bad if you ask me!!! They are all around 150 cm long and some are near 40 cm wide,
these would make great table tops!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/jan_10th_truck_load.jpg
My poor little truck, thank goodness I'm just around the corner form my house!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/tomorrows_log_a.jpg
This one is waiting for me tomorrow!!

here is a link (http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/video/log_hog_low_res.wmv)to the new and improved Tokyo Log Hog doing it's thing.　(7.24 mb)

[John Hart]

That is so COOL!!!!! Stu...I believe that you really ARE THE MAN!!!;) :)

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Did you all see that big black monster behind him! Stu be careful!! :) Looked like T-rex!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Let me tell you, when that thing is crushing concrete blocks the size of small cars, you FEEL it in the ground!

I have so much respect for those things, they have POWER.

The guy who runs it is really nice, and he is talented, I swear he could peel a bannana with that thing!

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

That is so COOL!!!!! Stu...I believe that you really ARE THE MAN!!!;) :)

You had better believe it...........unless my lovely wife says different..... ;):D

Thanks, now I got to build that solar kiln, finish stacking the stuff, unload the truck, haul it down to the Dungeon, paint the ends......

Oh yeah, I should work about 12 hours a day right now (slacking off, as I spend the mornings at the woodlot, the MILFH is not happy with me, but then again, she is never happy with me! :D )

Cheers!

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Glad you have your priorities in line Stu! Continue having fun with this.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

An Update with pics.....who is it that likes Pics....?

All went well with the carb rebuild, the saw sure seems to run a lot better now.
When I plucked out the smaller welsh plug, I found this ball of fuzz under the plug,........

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/ball_of_fuzz.jpg
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/ball_of_fuzz_location.jpg
There is a small screen in the bottom of that hole, I don't know how the fuzz
got there, but it looks like wood fiber and even flecks of paint.

The mill is working well, but the "Black Hole" muffler was too
restrictive, ran hot, and made the saw hard to start.
I decided to put the lighter RMX aluminum muffler on there, it is a bit louder, but not that much.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/log_hog_mk_2a.jpg
I put a stay, or bracket on it so it would not move around.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/log_hog_mk_2b.jpg
The stay uses the bottom two bolts from the stock muffler.
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/log_hog_mk_2c.jpg
Yet another view. This is also good, as the muffler and the chainsaw mill are not connected,
I can remove the mill, but leave the muffler on the saw.

More......

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

.........

I'll show you how I do the whole Log Hog thing.
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/guide_board1.jpg
I use a 2x8 for a guide board, I put two screws into the log, this has worked rather well.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/setting_log_hog_1st_cut.jpg
I have two sets of blocks, one at 7 cm, this one I use to set the first cut,
the screws that hold the guide board in place are 6 cm long, so the 7 cm setting gives me a little space.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/setting_log_hog_1st_cut_b.jpg
I also have a set of blocks that are 5.5 cm, this I use for the slabbing up of the logs.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/dont_forget_gas_and_oil.jpg
Don't forget to fill the gas and oil. I can get about 4 cuts before I have to refill the gas.
The saw is running very well now.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/1st_cut.jpg
The first cut is done, now I adjust the mill to 5.5 cm and start slabbing away!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/jan_10th_work_log_hog_a.jpg
The fruits of the Log Hog's labor.With the RMX muffler on there,
the saw starts right up, when warm, one to two pulls and it is going.
In the morning, with half choke on, the saw starts on 4 to 5 pulls.
OK,now I need to paint the Tokyo Log Hog!!

New and improved Video (http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/video/log_hog_low_res.wmv) of the Tokyo Log Hog Mk II in action (7.2 Mb)

Here is my stack of wood in it's Temp home until I build the Solar Kiln.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/stacked_wood.jpg

I sure hope you guys are enjoying this, I sure am!!

Cheers!

[Vaughn McMillan]

Great video this time Stu. Good thinking on the camera pointing at your face instead of the alternate view from the last vid. :p Gettin' it done, indeed. Thanks for documenting it for the rest of us.

Let me tell you, when that thing is crushing concrete blocks the size of small cars, you FEEL it in the ground!

I have so much respect for those things, they have POWER.

The guy who runs it is really nice, and he is talented, I swear he could peel a bannana with that thing!

Cheers!
Isn't it great watching a skilled operator run a big piece of construction (or destruction) equipment delicately? I've had the opportunity to work with a few guys that were amazing.

- Vaughn

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Isn't it great watching a skilled operator run a big piece of construction (or destruction) equipment delicately? I've had the opportunity to work with a few guys that were amazing.

- Vaughn
It sure is, they make it look so easy, but I'm betting it is not at all. Most likely put the kids with the game consoles to shame :D

I had really funny thing happen to me last night.
I run a liquor shop, and we are a member of a buyers group, we buy wine together to get a discount. We have meetings about once a month, they START at midnight and run to 3 or 4 AM :eek:

We do tastings of new product samples too, we spit it out, as this is business, and I have to drive home (about an hour drive). Anyway, last night we were tasting some older wines, that might be imported, and there was a really nice 1976 Bourgogne wine, everyone was remarking on how well it has stood the test of time, for an almost 30 year old wine. I agreed, but then said "Well my chainsaw is the same age, vintage 1976, and it is still holding up well too"......

You should have seen the looks on their faces :D priceless!!

"You have a CHAINSAW....??" one of them asked, "What for..?".

I told them "to cut up trees, why else would you have a chainsaw..?"

Talk about worlds colliding!!

Cheers!

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Great Stu!! Now they think you are a chainsaw murderer or something! :) I would watch your back :)

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

OK, here is my basic idea for a solar kiln....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/solar_kiln.jpg
(Excuse the crude drawing)

I'll put a collector on top of the box that is the kiln. The collector will be about 4" thick, with a top clear layer of corrugated roofing on top, and under it, will be a layer of steel corrugated roofing painted flat black. The walls and floor will be insulated to keep in as much heat as possible.

Dry air will enter the collector from the bottom edge, and as it is heated it will rise, and be pulled by the exhaust fan.

Once the heated air reaches the top of the collector, it will be drawn down into the box, and then across the stacked wood, and out the exhaust vent.

I'm researching on how to make a vent that will close at night time, keeping the heated and moist air in the kiln over night.

From my reading, it seems that the best way to do this is to heat it up during the day, and take water out of the wood, then at night, it is better to close it up, and let some of the moisture stay inside. Something to do with letting the inside and the outside of the wood equal out overnight, so there is less stress on the wood.

I'll put some kind of temp switch on it, so the exhaust vent will not come on until the air is heated enough.

OK tear it apart guys, that is why I'm putting this up here, so you all can suggest better ways of doing things.

Cheers!

[Chris Padilla]

You are quite an inspiration, Stu! Are you getting tired of hearing that?? No, wait, you only sleep 5 hours/day...no wonder you have time to do all this stuff! LOL

One of my wood mags (actually, probably all of them at one time or another) had plans for a wood kiln but I think you have the jist of it.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

You are quite an inspiration, Stu! Are you getting tired of hearing that?? No, wait, you only sleep 5 hours/day...no wonder you have time to do all this stuff! LOL

One of my wood mags (actually, probably all of them at one time or another) had plans for a wood kiln but I think you have the jist of it.

Thanks Chris, Naw, I never get tired of hearing that something I do might inspire others to get off that sofa :p

Bad, really BAD Japanese TV is a blessing in disguise I guess. :rolleyes:

I've seen a lot of designs online, and one thing I could not understand is why some of them have the airflow on the collector going downhill.........?

Hot air rises, so it would make sense to me to have the cool dry air enter the collector at the bottom, travel over the heated surface of the corrugated steel and then go into the kiln box at the top, it's highest and hottest point.

I have some other ideas too, one is to make the exhaust in the wasted space above the stack as I don't want the air drawn just from the center of the stack. I want an even flow of air over the whole stack.

Cheers!

[Brett Baldwin]

I believe the fan will overide the natural rise of the heated air but like you are already thinking about, I'd go with the natural tendency of hot air and put the fan on top and route the air to enter the wood stack at the bottom. This would also make it easy to cover the fan at night. Something like a blastgate setup on an appropriate scale would be easy to shut the intake side.
How many cfm's are you looking to pull with the fan?

[tod evans]

how about using a shuttered fan? wwgrainger carries them from 6-8" up to 54" and they seal up fairly tight. the air from the fan opens the louvers so you`d only need to deal with one switch..........02 tod

[Art Mulder]

Stu,
WHy not just a vent at the bottom/front and a matching exhaust vent at the top/back? That way natural convection will take care of things. Or are you not worried about the cost of running a fan 24x7 on this? Are you trying to hurry the process? If so, a fan is mandatory. If not, you just need lots of air movement, coupled with protection from the elements.

Hmm, what about one of those new solar-powered attic vents that they're selling these days?

[Frank Chaffee]

Stu,
You have chosen to utilize the lessened density of warmed air to aid in collector flow. Good choice.

Brett Baldwin and Art Mulder suggest that this air be routed to the bottom of the stack of wood and evacuated at the top. At first I was in agreement with them. On further reflection however, I see that the heated air will be becoming more dense and cooler as it takes on moisture and gives up heat to the wood being dried. Therefore, in order to continue using natural currents, I suggest considering introducing the heated air to the top of the stack of wood, and drawing it out at the bottom.

Some baffles required of course.

Drawing air out at the top on the other hand, would allow the fan to be placed in otherwise unused space and not increase the footprint of the dryer. Either method will work.

The shuttered fan that tod suggests is the way to go, wherever you put it.

If the baffling situation becomes too baffling, you could consider two or more small fans inside the drying box to create air turbulence and mixing.

Frank

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Thanks guys, all good points!

I have an old bathroom fan that is "Shuttered" it would most likely provide enough airflow. One nice thing about our building is that we have these big solar panels, so during the day, they make any electricity we use, and if we don't use it, it is sold into the grid and we get the money, so having the fan on during the day time will not cost me much, and what it does cost me will be insignificant compared to the price of buying hardwood.

Cheers!

[Ian Abraham]

Stu.

Kiln idea is good, but you may risk drying the wood too fast by venting all the air.

Other solar kilns I've seen use fans to circulate the warm air and only vent a percentage. This tends to increase both the temperature and the humidity inside the kiln.
I believe the increased temp speeds up the drying of the woods interior while the higher humidity prevents the surface drying out too fast. (Thats only my theory on whats going on though) With timber that will handle fast drying (like pine) the vents are opened wider to let more moisture out. Wood that need slow carefull drying (like Oak) the vents are closed up more to increase humidity inside the kiln, then opened up more as the wood dries.

Look at moving the fans up above the wood and recirculating the air through a collector chamber in the top of the kiln. Put the adjustable vents on the back to allow some air exchange.

Woodweb has lots of info on solar kilns too.
http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Processing_Trees_to_Lumber.html

Cheers

Ian

[Tom Sontag]

Ian is right; your design risks drying too quickly. I built a solar kiln and use it regularly. It has a 12'x18' collector panel and I end up using it with four vents open only 3"x12" each. My fans recirculate the same air over and over - this lets the heat get up there. So your arrangement would expel way too much moisture and you would end up with checked firewood.

You need to grab a calculator and apply a wee bit of science in calculating the size of the panel and the cfm of your fans. Woodweb articles explain. The amount of venting controls the moisture exchange and there is a limit how much you want going out per day, depending on species.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Thanks guys, I've been reading that stuff, and I've found that you are right.

I have had some cracking already with just a fan running on low speed. The Dungeon Annex is cool, but very dry this time of year.

I guess I had a very different idea of what went on with drying wood, now that I've done some more reading on it, I see that I would be drying it way too fast.

Thanks!

Time for a redsign, at least on virtual paper it is easy to do!

Cheers!

[Vaughn McMillan]

Sorry for the cross-post, but have you seen this yet Stu? You're a star! ;)

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=29300

- Vaughn

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Thanks Vaughn, see my response on that thread!!

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Well I was not happy with the way the stack of wood was, so I restacked it....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/new_stack_start.jpg

This time I started away from the wall a bit, and used two 2x4s, bringing the wood off the floor a bit more.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/new_stack_1st_board.jpg
I put my largest boards on the bottom

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/new_stack_midway.jpg
Most of the largest boards are now stacked

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/new_stack_strapped.jpg
All strapped down, this worked rather well, and I should have stopped here.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/new_stack_too_far.jpg
But I did not, I went on stacking it, and now it is too wobbly at the top, I'll take it down and make a second stack.

I tell you, some of them slabs are HEAVY!

I can't wait to take them to the roof to put them in the kiln, once I build it :D

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Well, I went back in the morning to re stack the top half of the pile, but I was too late, the pile had restacked itself......

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/self_stacking_wood1.jpg

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/self_stacking_wood2.jpg
Whoops......

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/start_over_stacking.jpg
Thankfully the only damage, besides my ego, was a slightly bent bucket, and a lot of busted stickers.

I had to pick all of them boards up, and now I have to make some more stickers, and do it again. Heck, I should be getting good at this, I've done it enough times.....


Oh well....

[Frank Chaffee]

Well Stu,
Better late than sooner, as my pappy used to say.

Glad that you are OK.

Frank

And don’t worry about the ego; it is very resilient.

[Ian Abraham]

Wider Stack ;) :D

[John Hart]

Hmmmm...as they say...Wood does what IT wants to do! Glad you weren't standing in front of it!:eek:

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

So I wonder, if a stack of wood, falling in the middle of a city of 12 million, and no one is around to hear it fall, does it make a sound.....? ;):D

Cheers!

[Tom Horton]

In Tokyo, they call that an earthquake..... no one pays any attention, since there are about 100 small ones everyday anyway....

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Well we did have a little shaker today, around 3:40 PM, not too far North of here, just a "One" on the Japanese scale in Tokyo, but that was after my wood stack fell down.

You can see all the earthquake info you like here (http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/) kind of a cool site...

Cheers!

[Bob Weisner]

What brand of saw was that in post #55? Looked like a huge circuler saw

[Bob Weisner]

Is it true that they are starting to build log houses in Japan? Also, since alot of woodworking tools are or were made in Japan, are they any less expensive in Japan than in the USA?

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

What brand of saw was that in post #55? Looked like a huge circuler saw

Do you mean this one....?
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/festool_1st_cuts2.jpg

That is my spanking new Festool TS55.

Love that saw!! :D

[Bob Weisner]

Cool!!!:D :D :D :D

Got a few more questions as to cost comparisions:

1. What does a gallon of milk go for in Japan. Whole milk or 2 %.

2. Gasoline per gallon?

3. Can you buy Maple Syrup in Japan?

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Cool!!!:D :D :D :D

Got a few more questions as to cost comparisions:

1. What does a gallon of milk go for in Japan. Whole milk or 2 %.

2. Gasoline per gallon?

3. Can you buy Maple Syrup in Japan?

Well, we buy milk by the liter, a liter goes for 121 yen in my store, not the cheapest place around,

Gas is about 120 yen a liter, and yes I can buy Maple Syrup in Japan, I just go to Costco :D

On the tools, here is a comparo

The Makita 2012NB planer sells on Amazon for $450 or so, it lists in the Japanese catalog for 119,000 yen, or $1081.

No I've seen it for sale closer to $800 but still, that is just a rip off!!

Cheers!

[Bob Weisner]

and yes I can buy Maple Syrup in Japan, I just go to Costco

I did not know there was a Costco in Japan. They have Maple Syrup for $12.00 a gallon. I pay $18.00 for a half-gallon from the farmer just down the road from me.:eek:

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

There are several Costcos in Japan.

Want to bet the stuff you buy from the farmer tastes better?

OK, more on the logging front.

I've got some new machinery to bring to bear.

So, after sawing that large log in two, with the tiny Makita electric chainsaw..........
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/jan_10th/little_makita_that_could.jpg

I decided I needed a bigger electric to buck these logs up once they are down.

I found that here in Japan I can find some 12 or 13 Amp units that will run a 16" bar, the Makita and Ryobi brands, but they are also all plastic, like the little Makita I have. When I really use the little Makita, I can feel the whole saw flexing as the thing works, I know I'm going to bust is sooner or later, as I'm using it well beyond what it was designed for.

From looking at the Oregon site, on the Guide Bar list, I found that the ShinDaiwa company makes a few larger saws as well.

I was looking through the auctions and I found one......

http://img225.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/5/7/6/8/chihiro_hiroaki-img600x450-1136815229ca310142.jpg

http://img225.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/5/7/6/8/chihiro_hiroaki-img600x450-1136815222ca310141.jpg

It is 15 Amps, and will run an 18" bar, it has the 16" bar now, I'm going to go for a new bar, one with a sprocket, and a new chain as well.

The saw, used, cost me $26, the guy is about a 15 minute scooter ride away, so there is no shipping charge, or bank charge!!

Should be good for bucking the logs on site, and for chopping up bowl blanks as well

Cheers!

PS, no muffler mods needed.... ;)

[Art Mulder]

[Costco] have Maple Syrup for $12.00 a gallon. I pay $18.00 for a half-gallon from the farmer just down the road from me.:eek:
Bob,
I live in Southern Ontario, and the Costco here sells Quebec maple syrup, #1 medium, for about $9-$10 a liter. (times four for a gallon, roughly) And yes, in March if we go to the sugarbush to buy from the local farmer it runs about 50% more. IIRC, the local stuff was a darker syrup.

Just to bring things back on topic... Stu, on the issue of your roof-top kiln. You mented earlier about how your building is built such that each floor is smaller than the one below, due to legislation about light and shadows.

Does this apply at all to what goes on your roof? If your building is shorter than the ones around it, would there be rules about not having unsightly stuff on the roof?

I find your slice-of-japanese-life comments just about as fascinating as the logging stuff.

regards from Canada. (No snow, it's all melted. What a weird winter)
...art

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Bob,
I live in Southern Ontario, and the Costco here sells Quebec maple syrup, #1 medium, for about $9-$10 a liter. (times four for a gallon, roughly) And yes, in March if we go to the sugarbush to buy from the local farmer it runs about 50% more. IIRC, the local stuff was a darker syrup.

Just to bring things back on topic... Stu, on the issue of your roof-top kiln. You mented earlier about how your building is built such that each floor is smaller than the one below, due to legislation about light and shadows.

Does this apply at all to what goes on your roof? If your building is shorter than the ones around it, would there be rules about not having unsightly stuff on the roof?

I find your slice-of-japanese-life comments just about as fascinating as the logging stuff.

regards from Canada. (No snow, it's all melted. What a weird winter)
...art
We got screwed by the government when it came to out building height and the shade laws etc.

Now don't all of you sound surprised at the same time!! ;)

We had our old two story house, and in front of that, we had an old 2 floor apartment building. The city decided to widen the road, they buy the land under our apartment house, well 3/4 of it, and give us a chunk of money. Now the deal is, we have to (HAVE TO) spend the money on real-estate in the Tokyo area within two years, or we get taxed at a 60% rate (they TAKE 60%). The plan was then to tear down the last 1/4 of the old apartment house (yes they left 1/4 of it standing) and our old house, then rebuild. Of course through the MILFH being just that, and various bank BS delays etc, we just barely got in under the 2 year time thing. Now to add insult to injury, we wanted to build a 9 floor building. According to your architect, with the size of our land, and the shade laws etc, we could do this, once the road is widened to the final width. When we submit the plans we are told we can only got to 7 floors, "why" you ask...? Well, because the road has not yet been widened to the final width it will be........

So because the government works so slowly (it is going on 15 years since the started widening the road, it is just over a mile long, and they still have some work going on), we get screwed out of 2 floors, that is 4 apartments producing $6000 of revenue a month, for 30 years :eek: it works out to something like 2,000,000 over the 30 years with out interest or investment etc. Wonder why the economy is still dragging here...?

Anyone could see that the road would become wider to allow us that 9 floors, but the planning dept pinheads would not accept that.

We got caught in a real "Catch-22" We have to sell the land to have the road widened, so they can build a wider road, but we cannot wait for them to build it wider so we can make a taller building.

Here is a neat stat for you, what do you think the average height of residential buildings is in the Tokyo Metropolitan area......?

last time I checked it was 1.47 floors, that is right, under 2 floors!

If you go 30 feet back from any major road, all the houses are 1 floor, with maybe a part of the house pushed up to two floors. The stupid shade laws are to blame. I saw a bit on TV by NHK, some Tokyo university prof was saying if you allowed every new home to be 3 floor, you would double the living space for every man woman and child in Tokyo in one generation.

Well coming back from that tangent...... :D

I just picked up the new electric saw, the guy was wrong about the lenght of the bar, it is not 35 cm (14") but 50 cm (almost 20") I don't mind that kind of mistake at all!

The bar is a hard nose, and the chain is the same type I use on the Husky saw. The saw is rock solild, no plastic and a bit heavy, but I think it will work out just fine!

I'm stuck in the L shop now, so I cannot give you much more of a report than that. The chain is dirty, and has a bit of rust, but the teeth look nice and long, not hardly used at all. I figure I'll soak the chain overnight and then sharpen it and have a go tomorrow.

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Sorry no pics....
I got the new Shindaiwa A303 electric saw down to the Dungeon.
Cleaned it up, cleaned out the guide bar groove, put the chain on the RIGHT way (it was backwards, might be why the guys said "It don't cut so good, might need a new chain" :eek: ) and filed the chain, with my snazzy Oregon guide thingy.
Adjusted the chain, put some oil in the oiler (yep it was dry) pumped the oiler a few times (not self oiling) and then set up a piece of the Sakura HARD cherry stuff I have, the log was around 8" thick........
It zipped through that log like the proverbial hot knife through butter!!
Man alive does thing thing have POWER......I would have never believed that an electric could give a gas saw a run for it's money, (and against a hot saw it would not) but man does this thing ever cut!!
YeHaw!!
Make up a chain saw mill for this sucker, boy oh boy would it be quiet .....:rolleyes:
Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Update....Update....Update....

I made a Tokyo Log Hog Jr for this electric chain saw, you can see that thread here (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=30640)

I got the stack redone, and I also made all new stickers, including some "L" stickers for some of the lumber that I'm just going to lean against the walls.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/newly_stacked.jpg

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/newly_stacked2.jpg
All strapped down, nice and secure, I sure hope it is, I'm not fond of doing this in cramped quarters!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/L_stickers1.jpg
The rest of the lumber is not the best for uniform thickness, as I was just starting out on the chainsaw mill, so I'm leaning it against the walls with "L" stickers to keep spaces between it all.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/L_stickers2.jpg
You can see them here..

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/L_stickers3.jpg
...and here...

They should work OK, I hope, I got the idea from
Bill's Wood Creations (http://billswoodcreations.com/index.html) (thanks to whom ever pointed me to this site)
Lots of good info there...:D

The next day, I returned to the Dungeon Annex and I found this....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/moisture1.jpg
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/moisture2.jpg
Hard to see, but these are the concrete and steel hatches on the Annex, I've got the middle one cracked open about 6"for air exchange.

The bottoms of these hatches are covered with little drops of water.

Plan B

I need to move some air in and out of the Dungeon Annex, I had this old fan from a heater sitting around, and some foil flex hose....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/airexchange2.jpg
The fan blows out, and the pipe lets fresh air in towards the wood stack. I guess I'll put the fan on a timer, something like 15 minutes every hour should do it.

I guess I'll see how it works.

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

It was back to the wood lot today, they said the had some wood for me

Careful what you wish for......

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb9th/bigum_but.jpg
That there tree is Keyaki (Zelkova) and I'm told it is "Red" Keyaki, this wood is VERY prized here in Japan.

This tree is over 60cm wide at the but there (2 feet) and the other end has a crotch on it that is wider by a fair bit....

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb9th/bigum_crotch2.jpg
My kids think this looks like elephant legs

I've cut it to 150 cm long, and this will give me one nice straight piece, and one with a super crotch in it.

Not sure what I'll do with the crotch yet, but it is way to big to move, so I guess I'll slab it up.

Rembember I said "Be careful what you wish for.........
http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb9th/mine_all_mine.jpg

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb9th/mine_all_mine2.jpg
Mine, all mine!!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

......................


http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb9th/nice_med_crotch.jpg
This is the crotch on a medium sized log, the wood is again Keiyaki, but this one is a "Blue" Keiyaki.

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb9th/bump_on_a_log.jpg
This bump on the log in the middle looks promising!!

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb9th/second_cut_tip_buried.jpg
I used the Tokyo Log Hog Jr today, it worked as planned!

Notice the tip of the saw completely buried, no kickback at all.

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb9th/squared_up.jpg
Squared up and ready for slicing!
(I counted the rings on this one, it is just about 50 years old)

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb9th/first_keyaki_boards.jpg
All cut up........

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb9th/bottom_wain.jpg
and this is all that is left over.



http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb9th/ready_to_go.jpg
I did not get much wood today, but I got all set up for tomorrow! I also got some nice burls and stuff for bowl blanks.

I'll be at the wood lot bright and early tomorrow!

All together a really great day, and a nice one weather wise too...........

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb9th/last_man_standing.jpg
This is the last Keiyaki standing, it is very old and rotten on the inside.

[John Hart]

After you get that lathe up and running, you won't like the idea of slabbing up a crotch! A lot of little bowls and boxes in there! One score after another....Pretty soon, you're gonna hafta open a lumber yard Stu!!;)

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

After you get that lathe up and running, you won't like the idea of slabbing up a crotch! A lot of little bowls and boxes in there! One score after another....Pretty soon, you're gonna hafta open a lumber yard Stu!!;)
I got Bill Grumbine's DVD, I watch part of it, but unfortunately the DVD came loose from the little nub in the case, and the DVD is scratched up.

I contacted Bill, and within hours, Bill has answered my mail, and told me not to worry, and is sending a new DVD out ASAP, he also apologized for the trouble.

Now if that is not a great way to take care of a customer, well I don't know what is. :D

OK, John, what do you mean "the idea of slabbing up a crotch" of wood will be somethingi I'll not like, do you mean it will be a waste of the crotch?

Well, I can slab it up in 6" thich slabs :D

Cheers!

[John Hart]

Well, I can slab it up in 6" thich slabs :D

Cheers!

Now you're talkin'!!!!;)

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

OK, I went back to the wood lot, to slice up the really big log.........

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_10th/big_log_getting_ready.jpg
The Tokyo Log hog is ready to go!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_10th/bib_log_cut2.jpg
I tried to cut the sides of the log, but I had some troubles.
It turns out that my chain was not right, and I had the saw pulling to the right all the time.
It was really frustrating!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_10th/big_log_cut.jpg
I did not want to dip the saw into the dirt, so I did not cut all the way through.
I cannot lift this log.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_10th/bad_cut.jpg
I did not realize the saw was pulling so badly, this really sucks!
I need to put a new chain on the Husky, I had trouble with the saw before,
but I did not realize the pulling was due to the poor state the chain was in, my fault!
I packed it in and called it a day, I'll be back on Monday, with a new chain, sharpened correctly, and get it done!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_10th/more_to_cut1.jpg
More to cut, LOTS more!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_10th/more_to_cut2.jpg
Yep, all mine, if I can get it all done!

[Ted Christiansen]

Stu,

This can happen for a couple of reasons: The bar surface where the chain rides is no longer perpendicular to the bar, i.e. the chain wore a groove into the bar allowing the chain to slide along the bar at an undesired angle. The bar can be trued up on a disc sander. I use a bar file from Logosol.

The other reason (which is more common) is that the chain is sharper on one set of teeth vs. the other. When you notice it pulling, stop and check the chain. You can also try flipping the bar over - that has fixed the problem for me in the past (for that particular milling session).

One of my complaints about bandsaws for milling logs was the blade wandering. I believed that a chainsaw with its stiff bar would not have the problem. I learned - as you have - that a chainsaw can have a similar problem, even if not as severe.

I generally sharpen at each tankful using a Pferd filing guage (from Logosol). I can sharpen a chain for 25" inch bar in about 5 minutes. I hope this information helps you.

Ted

[Steve Ash]

Stu,
After reading this lengthy thread I just had to make a couple of comments.

1.) If SMC was to give out an award for the best read on the forum, you would get my vote. You are a interesting individual.

2.) After seeing the challenges you came up against and how you tackled them head on, you remind me of a TV show a while back named McGyver.

3.) I can see how your post count has gotten so high.:D

I really enjoyed this thread and as someone else said "Stu, you are the man"...now get some rest, you need it!:cool:

[Kelly C. Hanna]

I'd toss in my vote too Steve....he's a really interesting fellow and has an amazing amount of time to put into his hobby even whilst working long hours.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Ted, thanks for the info, I'll make sure I flip the bar.

I had some teeth WAY shorter than others, so I've ditched that chain, it was getting well worn when I got the saw, now it will be a bad back up.

I spent a lot of time using my Oregon jig to resharpen my new chain to a ripping chain, hard work, but I bet the saw cuts fine tomorrow.

Steve & Kelly, thanks for the props, but really, you just do what you have to got get-er-done!

Besides, I love to show you guys this stuff, as you guys DO appreciate it, most people here just think I'm strange (you guys think I'm strange, but in a good way ;)).

Cheers!

[Ted Christiansen]

Stu,

I just caved in and bought a cordless Dremel tool for sharpening my bandsaw blades. I gave it a try on the chainsaw chain and the teeth seem very sharp. I havent cut with it yet, but I think it will do well. The cordless Dremel will be faster in the field than the Pferd filing gauge.

What kind of chain are you using? Crosscut chain modified to rip chain? Have you tried the Stihl pico chain yet? It is a narrower kerf and will cut faster. You can order them from Logosol.

Ted

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Hey Ted.

I have a corded Dremel, and I used it, but I'm not so good at getting the angles right, so I wanted to use the guide.

I'm using regular Oregon crosscut chain modded to rip cut, trust me, I have trouble just finding chain here.

I'm going to be all done on this little adventure in a few days, so there is no point in ordering anything, who knows when the next chance like this will come about.

Cheers!

[Ted Christiansen]

Stu,

Thats a good point. So many free logs in one spot closeby in Tokyo wont occur very often. Your approach has fit that very nicely - used saws and shop made milling jigs.

For drying the wood - have you considered a dehumidifier kiln? *If* you had room in the dungeon for a box to put the wood and dehumidifier in, the wood could be dried in about 5-6 weeks.

Regards,

Ted

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Thanks Ted.

The Dungeon Annex is a box, a concrete one :rolleyes:

I have an aircon that I can put in there, it has a dry mode, which is designed for drying clothes that you hang in the room.

The last wood, the Keiyaki (Zelkova) that I'm cutting now is going on the roof, under the solar panels, so it will get warm, not hot, and it will get a good airflow, it will be out of the sun and the rain, and I don't have to build anything!

Under there, I'll just remove the middle railing.........

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/solar_panel_closeup1.jpg

I got all my saws sharpened, modded the mills a tad, and loaded up the truck, now I'm for bed and an early start!

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Oh yeah, I did one mod on the Tokyo Log Hog that I think will help a lot....

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/tokyo_log_hog_mk2_5.jpg
If you notice on the right side, I put an aux oiler.....

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/tokyo_log_hog_mk2_5_oiler.jpg
A tin, a valve from some aquarium stuff, some tubing, a pipe clamp, and some JB weld to hold the valve in place......

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/tokyo_log_hog_mk2_5_oiler2.jpg
...Dual oiler no less :D

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/tokyo_log_hog_mk2_5_oiler_under.jpg
...Both outlets drip right on the chain, I sure hope this works, so I can run the chain a bit tighter.

I had to use electric chain oil in it, as the engine chainsaw chain oil is so thick, it would not flow.

Wish me luck!

Cheers!

[Bill Ryall]

Stu-

I have been following this with great interest. All I can say is you are making the rest of us McGuyver-wannabees look really bad...;)

BTW, how did your cant work? I have been thinking about makiny my own as well.

Bill R.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Hey Bill, McGyver was one of my Fav shows!

Heck, I even have a Swiss Army knife :D

The Cant got a mod or two, and I moved the timber jack part to the front.......

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/timber_jack.jpg

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/timber_jack2.jpg

Works Well!

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

OK, an Update.........

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/bib_log_squared_up.jpg
I got the big log squared up....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/bib_log_haul1.jpg
This is the take from that log....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/bib_log_haul2.jpg

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/bib_log_haul_close1.jpg
Close ups

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/bib_log_haul_close2.jpg

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/bib_log_haul_close3.jpg
You can realy see how painful my mistake with the saw not cutting straigh is!! :(

Oh well, I've corrected that problem, and now the saw cuts like a champ!


http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/bib_log_waste.jpg

This is what's left over from the big log!!

I'm on my lunch break now, but I got to get back soon. :D

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

OK, I had my lunch, and now it is back to the wood lot, and on to the Blue Keiyaki.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/middle_blue_keiyaki2.jpg
Huh...? Looks kind of "RED" to me..... This is just under halfway through the blue Keiyaki Log

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/middle_blue_keiyaki.jpg
A close up, though you cannot really see the grain so well, trust me it is REALLY nice!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/blue_keiyaki_get1.jpg
The boards I got out of the Blue Keiyaki so far, the one on the far right is over 40 cm wide... (17"...?) and it is mostly clear, only some slight inclusions, that most people would think "Adds character!"

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/blue_keiyaki_get_left_over.jpg
I had to stop for the day, got to do the day job, and I ran out of gas!! This is the left over part of the blue Keiyaki, as you can see, I can get another 4 or so boards out of what is there. That sawdust is getting deep!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/2nd_bunch1.jpg
Wood from two more logs cut up, these had interesting burlsor crotches etc, the have some WILD grain in them!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/poor_little_truck.jpg
My poor little truck! It is rated at 350 Kg, but I'm sure I'm well over that limit!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/it_all_fit.jpg
Even got all the tools into the truck, I was afraid I'd have to make a second trip!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/tuesdays_work.jpg
This is what awaits me tomorrow morning, bright and early, I should be able to get it all cut up by my self imposed deadline of Wednesday!!


http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_13th/made_it_home.jpg
Thankfully I only have to drive about 400 meter to get home, and the van did not complain..............TOO loudly"

Cheers!

PS, how come I've not had the picture police jump on me ...... :D

[Art Mulder]

Why is it that the rest of the world gets the coolest looking small vehicles?
Rhetorical question, I know. But I remember back in '93 when I got to go visit central England and I thought that they had a really cool assortment of small trucks on the road for servicing Manchester/Sheffield.
Here in NA we get small cars, but no small trucks.
(you don't need to try and answer that, I know, market demands, blah blah.)

But I am curious ... why do you have FOUR roof rack bars up there? Most racks that I've ever seen are just two.

And on the wood front... good thing you've got yourself a monster jointer in the dungeon, because I know you're going to be wanting to keep those big boards in one piece. But I dunno, seems that they're even too wide for your beast.

Hmm, you've mentioned how people think you are "nuts". But what about your family? Are they used to your, er, eccentricities by now? Or have they all see the benefit of your ww'ing hobby?

best
...art

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Why is it that the rest of the world gets the coolest looking small vehicles?
Rhetorical question, I know. But I remember back in '93 when I got to go visit central England and I thought that they had a really cool assortment of small trucks on the road for servicing Manchester/Sheffield.
Here in NA we get small cars, but no small trucks.
(you don't need to try and answer that, I know, market demands, blah blah.)

But I am curious ... why do you have FOUR roof rack bars up there? Most racks that I've ever seen are just two.

And on the wood front... good thing you've got yourself a monster jointer in the dungeon, because I know you're going to be wanting to keep those big boards in one piece. But I dunno, seems that they're even too wide for your beast.

Hmm, you've mentioned how people think you are "nuts". But what about your family? Are they used to your, er, eccentricities by now? Or have they all see the benefit of your ww'ing hobby?

best
...art

Hey that truck is OLD, 1991 model!!

My Japanese friends think I'm nuts about that too, and it has passed the dreaded 100,000 Km mark!! :eek: People here seem to think that if you have a car and it passes the 100 K mark the car will self implode or something!

They say "What if it breaks down...?" Well I've got "JAF" (like AAA). I'll use that truck until it becomes too expensive to fix (I swaped out the engine mounts recently, they wanted $30 for all three mounts, and $500 to change them......ya right....)

Funny thing is my new Toyota Voxy..........
http://www.batfa.com/photo-newcar-voxy-front.files/newcar-voxy2005front.jpg


...Broke down on New Years Day when we went to visit some friends, simple short, but still!! :mad:

You are correct the Green Meanie will not handle these boards, but I know of a shop with a mega wide jointer and planer that will :D

Besides, I don't build stuff out of boards that wide, so for the most part it will not matter.

The four racks are because I carry sheets of plywood up there, and with only two the plywood was not well supported. They are taller than they need be for the roof, but I took them off my old van, before I sold it when I got the Voxy.

Well, back to logging, I have to unload the truck, sharpen the chainsaw, get gas, and find some time to sleep......

My butt is dragging a bit low tonight, that is hard work!

But man alive, the wood I'm getting..... :D

[Art Mulder]

That isn't a toyota logo on the hood. (or do you say bonnet?)
I thought perhaps the "steer" logo (look, they may talk about 3 intersecting circles, but when I look at it, I see a stylized texas longhorn) was maybe a NA only thing, but I went to the toyota japan website and they've got the logo there also. (at least on the english side)

Oh, and back to the wood. Good thing you're overseas, as otherwise I bet your comments about not building anything that big -- and therefore cutting down those beautiful wide boards -- might have resulted in some creekers paying a visit to your shop. :eek:

I think you're going to be set for a while with all that lumber. Y'know, it occurs to me that you've got an interesting story, and a whole lot of pictures. Ever thought about writing this logging story up and submitting it to Fine Woodworking, or Workbench or one of the other bigger magazines? Actually being an ex-pat Canuck, you might even interest one of the two Canadian Mags.

best,
...art

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Never thought of submiting an article, Art, do you think anyone would be interested?

Would not know where to start..?

The van has the Toyota logo thing on the back, the badge on the hood is the "Voxy" badge.

http://www.batfa.com/photo-newcar-voxy-rear.files/newcar-voxy2005rear.jpg

[Mark Singer]

Stu,
That is one cool vechicle. This thread is amazing! I finally took a little time to go through it. It is a wonderful diary and account of your adventures and inovative solutions. You have really added some significant depth and interest to SMC. I know others appreciate your wonderful accounts...and I find it so full of interest on so many levels ....woodworking, logging, culture, tool ideas , vehicles, ...its like National Geographic on SMC....Thank you!

[Glenn Clabo]

Stu,
its like National Geographic on SMC!

Without the naked natives and the animals...well... doing it.;) Do NOT get any ideas Stu!:eek:

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Sorry guys, the Nakid Natives are for my eyes only :D

Hey Mark, thank you very much for your kind words, I try to entertain while I'm getting new ideas from so many of the skilled people here at SMC, to think that I've added something of value to such a great place, well that make me proud!

Thanks!

[Art Mulder]

Never thought of submiting an article, Art, do you think anyone would be interested?

Would not know where to start..?


Stu, this thread has over 7,000 views, and lots of replies. I think that is a pretty good indication of some interest.

As for where to start... Well most of the magazines have a submission email address. That's what I would do. I suspect that the biggest challenge might be the fact that the photos are done by an amateur.

And of course there is the little matter of writing something.

...art

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Feb 14th Happy Valentines Day!!

I got to the wood lot fairly early, I lugged some of the boards up to the roof,
but man that is hard work,
and I was losing time, so I gave up, and went to the wood lot.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/feb_14th_take1.jpg
Yes another pic of the little van with a bunch of wood beside it.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/grain_close_up.jpg
This wood was from a crotch, and has AMAZING grain in it.
The reddish part is not a problem it is just as hard as the rest of the wood!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/feb_14th_take2.jpg
And a few more board on this side too. These were about 50 cm wide, and only 140
cm long by 4 cm thick.
(20" x 55" x 1 1/2" )
The Tokyo Log Hog with the newly ground ripping chain gnawed through this wood steadily,
I cannot say fast, as it was not, but steady. This wood is HARD, and at 50 cm wide, that is a lot to cut!
Two cuts, and it was time to touch up the chain. If I did three cuts, well, the
saw would start making dust, so it was not worth it.
Some of the logs were a little too wide to fit through the Tokyo Log Hog, so I trimmed them.
These trimmed pieces were saved as bowl blanks.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/more_bowl_blanks.jpg
That is a 10" wrench in the pic. Nice burl eh?

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/feb_14th_truck_load.jpg
The truck in port, ready to be unloaded (again).Now around the
wood lot I found out that they are going to save part of the house and the back
old Japanese style room.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/saved_house.jpg
I guess it will need major renovations, but the old wooden house is full of very nice carved wood.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/rocks_and_stuff.jpg
More stuff they are keeping, these stones and such

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/rocks_logs_keepers2.jpg
Everything with a blue ribbon they are keeping.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/rocks_logs_keepers.jpg
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/last_man_is_down.jpg
The last huge Keiyaki is down, they cut it down today........................................

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

...........................


http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/roots.jpg
Kind of neat how they did it, first they dug a hole on one side, then they cut
all the roots on that side, and finally they pushed it over with the big excavator shovel.
They did it this way to make a soft landing and not crack the wood,
and they easily removed the root ball from the ground.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/thier_chainsaw.jpg
These guys use this fairly big Shindaiwa chainsaw, not bad.
They were enthralled to see me sharpening the chain on my saw, they asked me
what I was doing,

when I told them they looked a little stunned.....
"Sharpen it...?"

"Sure, why not, only takes a few minutes, and the saw
works much better after that".

Well you see, when they get a dull chain, the toss it, and put a new one on the saw
(you can see the old chain closer to me.)
What a waste!

Now on the the "New" wood I'll be getting in the next day or two.

The big Keiyaki is down, they only want the part from the stump to below the first crotch, the rest is mine!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/lm_my_take1.jpg
Very nice color all the way through this log!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/lm_my_take2.jpg
More BIG stuff

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/lm_my_take3.jpg
And more and more!!Tomorrow I'll get to this one...

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/tomorrows_first_job.jpg
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/tomorrows_first_job2.jpg
This was the large crotch that looked like elephant legs,
I've trimmed it so the Tokyo Log Hog mill will slice it up.

One more thing, I broke my Cant today.....
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/busted_hook2.jpg
I went flying, but I did not hurt myself, the metal actually tore, the weld held!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/more_to_come.jpg
That saw dust is getting deep!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_14th/more_to_come2.jpg
Yep sure glad I'm doing this here and not in the Dungeon!!

[Roger Wilson]

Stu, you are an amazing and inspirational fellow. You have the spirit and energy of a western farmer or rancher. It puts us easterners (Northeasterners) to shame. Love the ingenuity, the photos and video.

Totally off topic. Do the Japanese keep dogs as pets ? If so what are the more popular ones. Given your shop you'd have trouble with a shop dog but maybe a store dog :)

[Bill Lewis]

My Japanese friends think I'm nuts about that too, and it has passed the dreaded 100,000 Km mark!! :eek: People here seem to think that if you have a car and it passes the 100 K mark the car will self implode or something!That's funny, it's the same mentality that we used to have about American made cars way back when,... and these were miles, not Km. Then the japanese cars came along and it was nothing to get a couple of hundredK miles on the odometer.

Oh, about your cant. I am sorry to say that I kept my mouth shut on this one. I had thought about mentioning that it looked to me like it re-enforcing with a gussett/rib/stiffener. It looks like it broke in the heat affected zone of the metal.

[John Miliunas]

Stu, I'm just sittin' here with my jaw hanging open! :eek: Gotta' hand it to you, my friend: Your innovation, drive and determination is truly awesome! :) Really, I'd think I'd easily nominate you to be the poster child in this year's drive of, "For the Love of the Craft"!!! :D (OK, no such thing. Just made that up on the fly BUT if there was one, Stu's elected!!!:) ) Great job, man!!!:) :cool:

[Mike Zozakiewicz]

Stu,

What an amazing story you have shared with us. Thanks for taking the time to chronicle it for us. You have havested some beautiful wood.

Mike

[Tom Andersen]

Roger, I plan to get a dog to have company in my woodshop. How do they respond to the noise of the machines? Doesn't seem like a good combination?

[Don Baer]

Roger, I plan to get a dog to have company in my woodshop. How do they respond to the noise of the machines? Doesn't seem like a good combination?

Not to hijack the thread but Tom, I have an Autralian sheppard. She a very hyper dog but shes fine with the woodworking machinery. Actualy she likes to lay in wood shavings...:D

Stu, like other have said this is a great thread and most informative.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I'd LOVE to get a dog, but here in the city, there is so little room, and so many people have these yappy little dog/rats, and the piss on everything etc.....:mad:

My lovely wife is just not a dog person, or cat for that matter, plus we are very busy people and I think if you don't have the time to devote to your dog, it is just not fair to ignore them, heck, I don't get enough time with my kids! :eek:

Don't worry about high-jacking the thread, a varied and eclectic thread is more fun to read.. :D


Lunch Time Update!


I got out to the wood lot nice and early, and got cutting up that big crotch, man alive the wood coming out of that thing is AMAZING!!

Sorry no pics for now, but I forgot the camera this morning (I know, it is a sin, I'll make up for it with a bunch of pics later..........but you knew that!! ;)).

I'm on to a clean up and decide what I'm going to keep phase, the clock is ticking.

I made a deal with my lovely wife, I'm working from 8 AM to 4 PM at the wood lot, and then from 5 PM to 1 AM at the L shop this week, well until Friday. This really is a once in a life time chance, I'm really not wanting to regret it later.

Just for fun, some metrics.

I've used about 28 liters of gas, two bottles of 2-smoke oil, 3 litres of chain oil, and I've bought one new chain.

The Husky chain saw cost me abut $250 to buy, and another $50 in parts to get it working. The various jigs for milling have cost me about $25 in steel etc.

The big Shindaiwa electric chain saw cost me about $30.

Files, jigs and other sundry items for the chainsaws cost me about $50.

I figure I have less than $500 invested in this whole affair to date. If the guy I was talking to yesterday who's family runs a sawmill is correct, I could sell one, just one of the nice wide boards I have and recoup that investment, and I'd still have the tools etc to use again some time.....

I think I'm ahead of the curve on this one :D

Oh yeah, Bill Lewis, next time speak up, you could have saved me a trip through the air to land on my butt (lots of padding, so only my pride was hurt :) ) Really, one of the reasons I love this place is because I get so many different points of view and opinions, I'd say that I WANT criticism, I was going to say I want "Constructive" criticism, but this being SMC, that is all I'm going to get anyways!

Well I got to get back, I'll be sure to take my Camera!

Cheers!

[Bill Lewis]

Oh yeah, Bill Lewis, next time speak up, you could have saved me a trip through the air to land on my butt (lots of padding, so only my pride was hurt :))Sorry 'bout that but at least it just gave me a good laugh over the application of Newton's third law. You should be able to sandwich the crook in your cant hook and it'll be stronger than ever. (say that 3 times real fast :)).

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

No problem Bill, like I said, I landed on my big ole butt, in 6" of sawdust..... :D

Update with pics in the works right now!

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Might as well cook my server......


February 15th

I've only got another day or so to go, I had a great day today, it was sunny and warm, really nice,
so I got right at it and sliced up the crotch I had set-up yesterday....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/short_crotch_stacked.jpg

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/short_crotch_stacked2.jpg
I got 14 slabs out of it, there are some really nice ones in the middle, tons of wavy grain!

Then I went on the the really red colored log I got yesterday, I has two crotches in it, one on each end....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/cutting_tripple_crotch.jpg
I was pushing the capabilities of the Tokyo Log Hog to the max 52cm (20")

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/wild_grain_log.jpg
The wood that came off of this log is spectacular,
some punky wood on one end, but the rest of it is really nice......

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/wild_grain.jpg
I wish I could have gotten a better shot, but this is unreal stuff,
there are reds, brown, and whites in there, all fighting and twisting and turning....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/feb_15th_hall_big_stuff.jpg
You can see the punky stuff that needs to be removed in the two pieces on the right,
but the rest of the wood is really nice.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/big_crotch1.jpg
This is a huge crotch...........

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/big_crotch2.jpg
There is some dead wood in it, so I do not know what this will yield,
I'm going to use the Big Husky free hand to slice it in two and take a look,
at the very least, there are some cool bowl and pen blanks in there!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/thursdays_work.jpg
This is what I have left for Thursday...

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/wanna_buy_some_wood.jpg
My poor little van

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

............



Da Big Log....


I've been talking about this LARGE Keiyaki log that the Demo company is keeping, well here it is.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/big_log_butt.jpg
That hole only goes a couple of feet. We counted 110 rings to the rotten spot, so this log is maybe 120 years or 130 years old..?

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/group_shot_crew.jpg
Here is a shot of the Japanese Crew, all nice guys, and very helpful.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/group_shot_stu.jpg
As you can see that is no small log!!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_15th/big_boy_big_wood.jpg
Big boy on a big log....

[John Hart]

Just incredible Stu!! The wood is awesome. Looks like you're set for life. That big monster is great! Too bad they want it.:(

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I've also gotten a lot of bowl blanks, at least a dozen, maybe more, and too many pen blanks to count :D

I figure if I sell one or two nice pieces, I'll make back more than I put in (money wise, not counting my labour) and then I'll truly have a life time supply.

Do you think my family will get sick of the Keiyaki style.... :D

I found this on the web........

http://woodwork.co.jp/data/wood/rpht/03_003e.jpg
it is thinner than the wood I'm cutting, and slightly longer, has some bad voids, and is 50 cm wide at the widest part and 38 cm at the narrowest, they want $1000 for it, without the legs! :eek:


I see it is used for turning a lot of stuff.......

http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/org/jikyu-an/catalogue/sarei/118570-2.jpg


http://www.tanakakagu.com/36-2.jpg
Traditional Japanese "Tansu".... (hardware not to my taste)

I think I have hit the jack-pot :eek:

[Bill Lewis]

http://woodwork.co.jp/data/wood/rpht/03_003e.jpg
it is thinner than the wood I'm cutting, and slightly longer, has some bad voids, and is 50 cm wide at the widest part and 38 cm at the narrowest, they want $1000 for it, without the legs! :eek:Geez without the legs, its just a board, and you seem to have plenty of those now. Smooth'm down, slap on a finish, and viola, sell them for $500 ;)

So what are those guys going to DO with that big log? Were they inspired by all the work have been doing to keep it?

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Dunno if they were inspired by me, I think maybe.

They will keep the log for a number of years, maybe five, and then when someone wants it, they will have it cut up and they will sell it for mega bucks!

Cheers!

[Brett Baldwin]

Stu, I'd like to add my admiration and appreciation of this thread and your character in general to the many that have already done so. I have enjoyed seeing this process and all the problem/solution sidebars you have gone through.
I can only imagine the projects that eventually come from all this if you put even half the effort (which I would bet against) that you have in salvaging what could easily have ended up as compost somewhere.
The phrase "Good on ya, mate" comes to mind. Not sure why since neither of us is Australian but it seems to fit the bill.

[Vaughn McMillan]

Stu, are you sure you still have room in the Dungeon for all that new wood? I'd be glad to store some of it here in sunny California. You could come visit it whenever you wanted. :)

The wood seems to keep getting nicer and nicer as this process has gone along. Jackpot, indeed.

- Vaughn

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Hey Brett thanks a lot, I appreciate you guys enjoying what I'm having fun doing :D

Vaughn, no need to worry, it is all going on the roof of my building, I think it will all fit!

Well today, it may very well be the last day I'm doing this, and it is raining out, fairly hard. Until now I've been really fortunate with the weather, but now, looks like I get to play in the mud....

Oh well....

Cheers!

[Jason Quick]

Stu:

You are Da Man. 'Sall I got to say. :)

Jason

PS: Okay, one more thing - you really should think about submitting this whole thing to a mag or two once you're done.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

February 16th

The Tokyo Log Hog has left the woodlot.... :D

Yep, all done. I did leave a few pieces on the ground, but really, they were small potatoes, and I had to "git-er-done"

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_16th/wet_muddy.jpg
It rained hard last night, and the wood lot was muddy and it was cold today (for Tokyo).
The day before it hit 20C (68F), and today it was 6C (42F)in the morning, nice change!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_16th/flaming_crotch.jpg
I got a bunch of pieces, from a couple of different logs, the flaming crotch is amazing!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_16th/cutting_bowl_blanks.jpg
I also cut up some interesting logs into bowl blanks, I sure home my lathe gets here soon!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_16th/stump_leftovers.jpg
This is the left over from the from the bottom of the large log.
One of the guys at the wood lot asked me if I could slab it up for him,
He wanted one piece about 2" thick, and another piece closer to 6" thick.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_16th/stump_cutting.jpg
I put the guide board on to take one thin slice off so it would start out fairly flat.
I could not cut the slab in one slice, the slab was bigger than the Tokyo Log Hog.
I cut as much as I could, then I finished the cut with the big electric chainsaw.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_16th/happy_guy.jpg
One happy guy! He will give one to his local shrine in
his hometown, and the other to his son who recently got married and is building
a house.What they use these for is kind of a room divider,
they put them on edge, like in the picture,
then they write on them, usually with the brush to do the calligraphy.
They write the home owners name, or a famous saying, or personal motto etc.
This fellow was very helpful to me, and would always have time to come over with
one of the excavators to move a large log etc.
He always had something to say, teach or ask as well. I was glad I could help
him and make him one happy guy!

(BTW, he is making an "OK" sign, you can see this from across a worksite, I don't know if this is used outside of Japan.)

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_16th/all_done.jpg
Well that is it, I'm done. The sawdust is 8" deep in spots, I lost one
wedge and had to look for it for 5 minutes before I found it!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/woodlo1.jpg
Basically the same spot when I started this adventure in early December, just about two months ago.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/feb_16th/last_load.jpg
There is the last load, now I have to take care of it all, stack it, sticker it, and paint the ends.

It has been quite the ride!!

I cannot believe the amount of attention this thread has gotten, I find myself humbled. I don't consider myself too far above average (wink) and I truly believe that any of you could do this, in fact, many of you have, and have done a better job than me.

I did not start this thread to garner any "Attention" but to share by adventure with you guys, I've accomplished that mission for sure.

While I do not consider myself an "Expert" on the whole milling subject, I will gladly share what knowledge I have gained with any who ask.

[Cecil Arnold]

Stu, great posts and as you know everyone has enjoyed watching you overcome the problems associated with doing the things we find easy in a different culture. I hope you keep us informed on how your stash ends up and when you get to turning we expect to see many posts as your skills develop. You should be able to upgrade your lathe selling exotic wood topped stoppers in the spirit shop in no time. Wonder if the dungeon can hold a PM3520?

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Thanks Cecil.

I don't know about the PM, but who knows, I think there is a distinct possibility of me building a lathe at some point :D

Cheers!

[Charlie Mastro]

Stu,

I followed you over from the Japanese forum and just wanted to chime in with everyone else on this thread that is has truly been one of the most informative, interesting, and thoughtful posts I have ever read on any forum. You work ethic and ingenuity in getting this done has been an inspiration to all of us even if we never saw the first log in half.;)

Thanks for taking us all along on the ride and I agree with others that have posted that you should send this into several of the wood working mags and I sure it would be published. That truly would share your work with a much larger audience and might even pay a few yen….:cool:

I visited Japan in the early 90’s for a couple of weeks and stayed with a friend from the states that lived there for a year teaching English. It was one of the highlights of my life to see the culture first hand and meet a very generous and interesting people. I visited every building site I can across and only wish I had had more time to spend there. We always seemed welcome where ever we went and I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Not to mention the food was always wonderful, except for the shaved tuna that wiggled on top of the soup. Never did get used to that.:p

Thanks again Stu for sharing this with us and I will always look forward to your posts.

Charlie in Joseph

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Hey Charlie, how are you doing?

Thanks for the kind words!

Notes
I just wanted to add a few things here about my process of cutting up these logs while it is still fresh in my mind.

One of the things that I've heard a lot about is chains. I started with a regular cross cut chain, this worked just OK, it was a lot of work to cut the hard wood, and left a very rough surface.

Next I re-filed my chain to what is called a ripping chain by some, this is where the cutters are filed to a 5 degree angle on the cutters, but no cutters are removed. This was an improvement over the standard cross cut chain, and I think it would work well on softer wood, but on the hard wood I was cutting it was not so great.

I next got directed to the Granberg style of ripping chain, the Granberg style Ripping chain has a set of teeth that have had every other set (pair) of top plates removed. (A set meaning a tooth from each side when possible. See the picture below.) You would take 2 teeth next to each other, one on one side and one on the other, and grind off the top plates using a bench grinder, Dremel, or belt sander. You don't shorten the tooth at all but merely remove the top plate that sticks out to the side of the side plate. What's left on top is nothing wider than the thickness of the side plate.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/ripping_chain.GIF
The tooth with the top plate removed now goes through the wood with less resistance than pulling a top plate along with it and effectively severs the wood fibers. The next set of teeth to go through with the top plates, clean out all the severed fibers. This results in less heat buildup, faster chain speed, and smoother cuts with reduced clogging.

This set up was a great improvement, the saw worked so much better using this chain.

I could keep the saw hogging through logs all day long, the saw would run just below the "four stroking" you get when a saw hits it's rev limit, which is the peak of the saw's power band, right where you want your saw to be running.

I ran the saw on good quality synthetic 2-smoke oil, at 32:1, and I checked the plug frequently, and I always came back with a nice tan color on the plug.

The saw would smoke a bit on the first run in the morning, but from there, it was not smoky at all, and there was only a slight build up of splooge on the muffler.

The saw, being an old one (circa 1976) Husky 85 cc was a bit of a handful to start in the morning, having no decompression valve, but it would only take about 5 pulls to get it going in the morning, the 1st pull was not something I looked forward to :D . Once it was run, it would always start on the 1st or 2nd pull of the cord. This was great, when I forgot to fill the saw, and I had to restart the the saw while in the log on a cut.

Some other things about the saw. Like I said, it is an old one, but this saw is good for milling (IMHO) as it has the old style long stroke motor, which has a ton of torque. It has a bit slower chain speed than more modern saws, but I think this too is an advantage for milling. The other thing that is good with this saw is that you can refill the gas and oil while the saw is on the mill, sideways, but one bad thing is that I have to remove the mill to adjust the chain tension.

As the saw is heavy, it is not a bad choice for milling, because the weight of the saw is not noticed, as it sits on the log, you are not carrying it around all day. If I had to lug this into the bush to cut lumber, I'd be thinking twice about it, as well as my all steel milling attachment, maybe I'd redo the whole thing in aluminum. As I'm doing this off the back of my little van, this set up is fine.
The fact that I bought it used for 28,000 yen ($250 US) also made it a great choice for me.

I started out filing only once or twice a day, I have to admit, filing chain is not exactly my idea of a good time!:rolleyes: Depending on the width of the log I was cutting, I'd sharpen the chain fairly often. On the super wide boards, 50 cm (20") I found that with the Keyaki, it was good to sharpen the chain every two or three boards. A lot of this wood was highly figured, and I cut through a lot of crotches etc, so it was HARD work. I found that by taking the time to sharpen the chain more often, I got nicer cuts and the saw worked better, I guess my point is that if you are going to do this, take the time to sharpen you chain.

Something else that really helped was putting an auxillary oiler on the milling unit, it takes a bit of tweaking to get it right, but the extra oil on the bar makes a big difference.

If I where to be doing this on an ongoing basis, I'd change a few things, one is I'd make some stands for
holding the logs off the ground...
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/milling_stand.jpg
(Something like this, they would have to be well built and wide, and stable.)

....and I'd make a tripod with a chain hoist to lift the logs around, and onto the stands......
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/husky/tripod.jpg
(I found these pics and a lot of great ideas on Bill's Wood Creations (http://www.billswoodcreations.com))

Putting the logs on stands would remove a lot of the grunt work, and keep you off the ground. I was lucky on all but the last day of my milling to be blessed with glorious sunshine, but if you were doing this in the rain, or the snow, well, standing up compared to kneeling, is obviously a great thing!

Cheers!

[doug webb]

Sorry to see the saga end, though imagine you are somewhat relieved. Make sure you give the little van an extra ration of oats and a warm blanket. It has earned it. Take care, doug

[John Hart]

Sorry to see the saga end, though imagine you are somewhat relieved. Make sure you give the little van an extra ration of oats and a warm blanket. It has earned it. Take care, doug

I echo what Doug said Stu. This has been a wonderful story. Your energy is inspirational.;) :)

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Well guys, I have to say, I slept in until 10 AM today, catching up on a little sleep :o

My whole body hurts! I guess when I was doing this day in and out, but the time things started to hurt again, I was already using those muscles again, so it did not matter.

Today has been somewhat slow, and I'm glad for that.

I've got to cut a whole new mess of stickers, so I'll be busy doing that on Saturday morning, as Sunday morning my two buddies are coming over to help lug the wood to the rooftop.

Yeah, I'm kind of glad it is over, as doing both jobs is hard, it is hard on my family as well, my lovely wife has had to pick up my slack at the L shop, and the kids did not see me for nearly two weeks.

I'd do it again in a heart beat, but then again, I'd be much more prepared than I was this time.

I've sure learned a lot, and had some fun, made some new friends, so to speak, and got a huge stack of NICE wood.

The little truck is going to get a nice rest, maybe even an oil change, and certainly a wash and vacuuming, as it is muddy and covered in sawdust!

One more thing, with all the encouragement from any number of you lot, I'm putting all of my thoughts down and memories, and from this, I'm going to try to write an article that could be submitted to a WW mag. A buddy here is an editor at a major English newspaper, I hope to enlist his help.

Cheers!

[Tom Horton]

Stu,

I agree with all the afore-mentioned ideas of magazines. They would benefit by making a multi-issue story, and we would benefit by seeing it all again, and being able to keep it in our "reference library" (aka- the loo) to be able to get ideas. :D

I for one, have been the recipient of over a dozen trees from my brother's lot, since they wanted a yard, and not a forest, and I was able to have them brought over to my shop. I don't have the ability to make the saw mill like you did, but I can rent a portable one, for the amount of wood that I have. :cool:

I was able to get some black walnut, tulip poplar, sweet gum, cherry, and white oak. Nice sections 7-12' long, and a lot of smaller pieces. I got all the wood, not just the big stuff, so most of it is destined for the firebox, but there are now a lot of ideas that I have for the longer sections, thanks to you!;)

And, I was able to purchase an unused 44" lathe from an estate sale last year.... for $75!!! Gotta love it!

Thanks, my friend, for all the info, and for the ideas!

[Tyler Howell]

Wow!
I peaked at the thread when it first started and just checked back when I saw how big it was getting. Thanks for sharing, this is quite an adventure.:cool:

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Thanks guys!

Tom......$75.....:eek: is it OK to hate you just a little ;) :D

Nice get, but where are the pics...? :D

Tyler, I kept wondering where you were, I mean, you ARE the Local PP are you not? I would have expected to get some input from you, after all, I would rather have the pic say it, than subject everyone to thousands and thousands of my prose ;):D

Glad you enjoyed it.

Cheers!

[Dick Strauss]

Stu,
I'd like to suggest a title something like this for your article(s):

Logging in the Jungles of Japan
(the concrete jungles)

I think your story would make a great monthly series in a WW mag. One month might be a detailed story on building your chainsaw with all the upgrades. The next month might talk about your rig for cutting boards.

By the way, you have to make a Stu vs Godzilla Machines CD/DVD to be produced by Vaughn. This DVD would be included in the last issue of the mag that details your fun:cool: .

Best of luck,
Dick

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Thanks guys!

Tyler, I kept wondering where you were, I mean, you ARE the Local PP are you not?;):D

Boy, someone could have a field day with this one...:D

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Thanks guys!

Tyler, I kept wondering where you were, I mean, you ARE the Local PP are you not?;):D


Boy, someone could have a field day with this one...:D
Sorry, I'm too lazy to write "Picture Police" ;)

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Tomorrow the wood is going on the rooftop, I'm going to have to make stickers tonight, as a quick count of the wood left me VERY short, on them.
I have two buddies coming to lend a hand luggin this wood from the 6th floor to the roof top (8th floor I guess, only 30 steps!).

I did a quick and dirty count, and I have near 1000 BF of this Keyaki wood, and that is being conservative on the count. All told, with the Keyaki, Sakura, and the Akagashi, I bet I have over 1500 BF of wood.

I measure the length of the board, and then the width at the narrowest point, on the narrow side, and then the thickness. They were not super accurate measurements, so I erred on the short side, I was a little shocked to see the numbers :eek:

The Keyaki, in nice form, and a decent size, which almost all of mine is, will fetch a basement price of $10 a BF, for the clear wider boards, 3 or 4 times that amount.

I think it is safe to say, I did hit the jackpot on this haul, even if I only sell a few of the nice boards, I should be able to afford a nice new lathe :D

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Up on the Rooftop

OK, I had my two buddies, Neil and Allen, come over and help me lug the boards up to the rooftop (thanks guys!!)

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_stacked_overview2.jpg
OK, I got it all stacked, and stickered....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_stacked_overview3.jpg
.... and I got most of it strapped down too, I'm going to put 4 ratchet straps on each stack.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_stacked_overview4.jpg
....I'm kind of up in the air with the covers, the one hand, the tin roof idea looks good,
but then there is the "Black Plastic" type of cover.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_red_keyaki_new_roof1.jpg
Close up of the big stack of Red Keyaki

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_red_keyaki_new_roof2.jpg
I've got to make sure everything is SUPER secure, as we do have Typhoons here in Japan.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_red_keyaki_new_roof3.jpg
Yep, I sure like to take pictures

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_red_keyaki_new_roof4.jpg
OK, last one....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_re_blue_keyaki.jpg
Blue Keyaki & Red Keyaki, can you tell which is which....?


................

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

.......................

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_woodlot.jpg
Rooftop view of the former woodlot, a dirt lot now.

That lot is 1000 Tsubo, or 82% of one acre..... :eek:

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_park.jpg
You can see the local park, it is smaller than the wood lot was.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_veiw1.jpg
The view from the roof top, that is Shinjuku, Down Town Tokyo.
Some people think this is a beautiful view, I don't....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_veiw_shop_wide.jpg
The view from my roof of our Liquor Shop

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_veiw_shop_close.jpg
A closer view of the Liquor shop

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_next_door_uncles.jpg
The building next door, close eh?

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_next_door_house.jpg
Even closer!!

Well that will be it for now, I've got a bunch of bowl and pen blanks to cut up, but otherwise, the logging is done......

Cheers!

[Mark Rios]

OH NO!!!!!!

Is that the end of Stu's saga?

Maybe we just have to wait for the wood to dry before the next installment?

Your wood milling exploits will be missed Stu.:( But thanks very much. Can't wait to reread it in a WWing magazine.

[Cecil Arnold]

Stu, did you do anything to the ends of those boards? You need to put something on them or they will check badly. They'll check anyway, just not as bad if you paint (anchorseal) them.

[Chip Charnley]

I strongly second the anchorseal/waxing of the ends of the boards. In addition, I would replicate your 'tin roof' on all of those stacks as soon as you can and ditch the plastic. The way it hangs over, the air movement on the top boards is going to be bad with strongly negative results.

Also, at that height, you are going to get a lot more air movement than down on the ground. I dont' know what kind of drying schedule this wood takes but, if it is like oak here in the states, it will probably dry too fast unless you get something like shade-dry draped around it. OTOH, if it's a like maple where you need it to dry fast to preserve the color, you should be in great shape as you are.

I know, lots of questions and no answers. I am no expert and have only learned enough over the last 2 years to know what questions to ask not what the answers are.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Sorry Mark, the Saga ends.........

But I'll be doing something else in no time for sure :D

Cecil, the ends will be painted with a few coats of latex, I can't get Anchor Seal here, or at least I've not found a dealer selling it, maybe I should shout them an e-mail and ask if they export it to Japan...

Chip, I have no idea about this wood, it is a kind of Elm, but I really don't have any idea.

I'm going to tin roof them all, and then I'm looking for some black, thick plastic to cover the sides, just leave the ends open, as it gets TONS of air movement up there in the sky, the wind is always blowing, and we get heavy rains in June.

Cheers!

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Very nice Stu! I hope you get published, I am pretty sure they will cause very few have done what you did.

Thanks again for taking us on this journey....between your posts & Frank Pellow's shop, I have gained a ton of knowledge and am very grateful to both of you for posting the details of your efforts!

[Andy Hoyt]

As this thread (sadly) winds down I'm really becoming worried about not getting my daily fix of the Tokyo Log Hog Journey. On the other hand, I'm really looking forward to all the innovative woodworking machines that you'll undoubtedly/hopefully be building to process all that gorgeous timber.

But first - Go find that rackety fracketey tailstock and toolrest.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Hey Kelly, I have to laugh, when I started this little journey, I had no idea that it would end where it did, don't get me wrong, I'm as happy as a pig in "you know what" but it has been quite the trip.

I just looked, and I see the "Views" count approaching 10,000 :eek::eek:

Who' have thunk it? :D

Andy, I'm sorry to have nothing to show you guys on a daily basis, but then again, I have more time for work .......wait a minute, that sucks :mad:

The lathe parts.....shipping snafu, my fault, a misunderstanding, the bed came by 1st class, the rest by surface....whoops....:o

Another week or two......

By then, maybe I'll be ready! :rolleyes: :D

Cheers!

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I see this thread has now gone over 10,000 :eek:

Wow!

I just checked my server stats, and I had 361,401 hits in Jan 06, and did 22,155,813 Kb of business, most of it from right here at SMC :D

I see the video of the Tokyo Log Hog was the most downloaded file, for 2,975,275 Kb so that means the file was downloaded over 400 times.

neat stuff!

Oh yeah, only 11% of my bandwidth was used, so no worries ;) :D

COOL!!

[Cecil Arnold]

Stu, you've set the bar pretty high for yourself. I guess you know we will expect as great a thread once you get the head stock, tail stock and tool rest, and start turning. And of course we will expect to see some really nice things out of all those exotic blanks you now have stored. Don't let the pressure get to you.;) :)

[Tyler Howell]

[quote=Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]Thanks guys!



Tyler, I kept wondering where you were, I mean, you ARE the Local PP are you not? I would have expected to get some input from you, after all, I would rather have the pic say it, than subject everyone to thousands and thousands of my prose ;):D

And a fine job indead.
Not only the PP Seal of Approval but the PP Gold Star for photo Journalism and the Cheifs award for Pictorial Survey:confused: :rolleyes: .....:D
Nice Job:cool: .

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Well I guess this is the last "Update" for this thread, as there is not much else to do with the whole logging thing.

I then wanted my workshop back, and I was done with cuting and hot waxing, so I moved all this stuff to the Dungeon Annex....
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/round_stuff_stacked_stickered1.jpg

Here on top of the concrete block, is the turning blanks, all stacked and stickered
http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/stacks_of_flat_and_round2.jpg

The flat and round stuff co-existing

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/stacks_of_flat_and_round4.jpg
Some of the Akagashi stacked in behind the big stack of flat stuff.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/behind_stack_of_flat1.jpg
The taller stuff with the "Y" at the top is Sakura.....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/cracking_sakura.jpg
Some of the Sakura has cracked badly, I understand that this is why it is not harvested here,
it is very difficult to season it without this happening.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/box_o_pen_blanks.jpg
Big box of pen blanks. The shorter stuff on top is for practice and or bottle stoppers etc.
I gave up counting after 200 blanks......

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/chainsaws_in_the_sky.jpg
The chainsaws are put away for now......

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/need_a_new_spring.jpg
While I was re-sawing some of this wood, I noticed that the blade was lacking tension in Big Blue,
and I then checked the spring, sure enough, it is completely compressed!!!
I need a new spring!!

I guess this ends my adventure in Logging in Tokyo, all in all I got some nice wood for sure!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_stacked_overview2.jpghttp://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/annex/stacks_of_flat_and_round2.jpg
Cheers!!

[John Hart]

The end of a Saga.:( Quite a ride Stu. I, for one, enjoyed every post. You have tenacity my friend....no doubt about that!!!:)

[Julio Navarro]

Hey Stu! If you run out of space I have plenty in my back yard! Now, if only I can get a good deal with a cargo ship, hmmm.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I just thought that I would add this shot.

I finally got up on the roof on a somewhat calm day (ha!) and put the rest of the roofs on my stacks, and coverd the sides with black plastic......

http://ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_plastic_wait.jpg

Now I'll have to check the stacks monthly and wait a year or two.....

Cheers!

[John Lucas]

Goodness, let me count the ways.....:D

....let alone have the foreigner stay in their house and eat dinner and drink beer together.

The diff with Tokyo? Well too often I'll find myself somewhere in need of directions, most most people will not even talk to me, let alone give me directions, that is Tokyo. Out in the countryside, I've never had the problem, people are ALWAYS ready and willing to help you out. I've been invited in for tea and had bags of oranges, or such pressed on me, just for saying hello.

Well I've rambled long enough.

Back to the wood lot for me in the morning, what are you guys doing on Boxing day :D

Cheers!

Stu, quite a story. It is hard to imagine any thing like that here...maybe int he mid-west. In '62, was in cab going to Kyoto suburb and somewhat a similar thing happen. It was off tourist season so we were not finding the places we wanted to see and it got dark fast. I dont know how the cab driver found anything, but friend and I finally saw what looked to be like a local tavern and we went inside and had beers, the cab driver included. We were looking for restaurents and cab driver was our interpreter (muy bado) but after going back and forth on where a restaurent might be, food appeared in front of us. A little fish, rice and some vegetables. We were taken back and didnt know what to do, so we started eating this...the pub owner and wife (I think) kept on bring us more stuff. When it was time to pay, we had no idea how much it was going to be...they wouldnt let us pay...even for the beers. Cab driver said "they enjoyed your chatting with them. You have honored them by stopping and taking part in their day."
Stu, I have "honored" a few bars and restaurents over here and always had to pay.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Great story John, thanks as always for sharing!

Cheers!

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Stu, you have more wood stocked than most woodworking stores do!! Cam't wait til it's all ready to work to see what you do with it!

Good story John...I have never been asked NOT to pay in a bar!

[guy playfair]

Dear Stu, I live in Labrador, Canada and work as a forest technician for a native group here. I have really enjoyed looking at your photos and what you have done in the space you have. I like too your pictures of japanese trees, they must be very beautiful there.
I use a logosol M7 chainsaw mill with stihl 088 (3/8 kerf) with the black spruce , white spruce, balsam fir and tamarack of this area. I cut 4x4,3x3 and board for small projects and for my friends.
Good luck with your work and thanks for the great pictures and story.
Guy Playfair

[Tom Andersen]

I use a logosol M7 chainsaw mill with stihl 088 (3/8 kerf)Guy Playfair

I also do chain saw milling with a 084 which of course is very similar to the 088 but older. I haven't been able to find a long 084 bar for 3/8 chains so I am using 0.404. I would rather use the 3/8 because the cut is more narrow and the chain compatible with my 064. Where did you buy your 3/8 bar? Does it have a nose sprocket wheel?

And btw, wellcome here

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Greetings Guy!

First off, welcome to the Creek, this is one of the best communities online I've yet to find. I know that I'd love to see some pics of the work you do, I can imagine some of it is VERY interesting.

Thanks for the kind words, I had a lot of fun doing all of that, and I sure hope I get another chance to do some more.

The wood is drying well on my rooftop, down to 22% now.

I'm originally from Kelowna BC, so I can say, thanks eh..... ;) :D

Cheers!

[Ted Christiansen]

Guy,

Nice to see another Logosol user here. I have the Woodworkers Mill with a Husqvarna 385XP chainsaw. I use the pico (narrow 1/4" kerf) 63PMX ripping chain on the 16" and 24" bars. On the 36" bar I use 3/8" ripping chain.

Tom,

If you are interested in smaller kerf and better cutting speed, I would try the Stihl 63PMX chain. The difference in speed is quite noticeable. The longest bar with it is 24" however.

Regards,

Ted

[Dell Littlefield]

As I was looking at the photos of the lumber stacked on the roof, it brought back memories of the damage caused by a typhoon to Yokota Air Base when I was stationed there nearly 50 years ago. Trees down everywhere, roofs blown off, etc. I sure hope you have some way to get a cable over those stacks to keep them in place. Maybe a cable or strong strap around the whole stack in a couple of places would work. Good luck, I sure enjoy your escapades, it brings back a lot of fond memories of my stay in Japan.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Thanks Dell!

Each stack is held together, as a stack by two high quality cargo straps, the kind that have a ratchet to tighten them.
http://www.studiodepot.com/store/images/items/R215-D.gif
Like that.

Each pile weighs an lot, but in the event of a major typhoon coming directly to Tokyo, I'd reposition the stacks closer to each other and then use the big hooks on the building to strap the stacks down as well.

Cheers!