How to Saw Lumber with a Bandsaw Mill ( Expert’s Guide)

Ever notice something really interesting………

In the past decades, woodwork and related tools have been much more updated than before.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg…….

People are now looking forward to trying out the new technique to make work more efficient and easy.

Though a big box of normal sawmills was a common tool for woodwork, the portable sawmill is now one of the most accessible technical tools to saw lumber.

So what the heck is Bandsaw mill anyway?

Well,…….Bandsaw mill- is this kind of portable sawmill in the present occupation.

One advantage that bandsaw mills have over circular mills is that you will get at least 20% more lumber from a band mill due to the mill turning less of the lumber into sawdust.

What did I tell ya?

If you are considering using a bandsaw mill, the important thing is to ensure that you know how to saw lumber with a bandsaw mill(Trust me, the procedure of band sawmill techniques is hell different from the regular saw).

How to saw lumber with a bandsaw mill(And Is a bandsaw mill worth it?)

Ensuring to get a good result after the project, you may need to apply the techniques before.

So, what are the methods? How do you saw lumber with a bandsaw mill?

Then, give a little attention to this entire guide. Hopefully, you’ll find out the tricks and techniques throughout the article, which helps to do the project successfully.

Let’s catch the basic steps of how to quarter saw lumber with a bandsaw mill.

Step 1: Know the basics of the bandsaw mill tool

Basicity of bandsaw parts and uses is the first thing that must take you closer to doing appropriate work!

Firstly, you’ll see a saw head consists of two band wheels. There is also a steel flexible band blade that helps to track round the band wheels. And the frame has a track that helps the saw’s head through a log.

But like I said… Having the proper knowledge about the machine is crucial.

Here, you need to take care of your bandsaw mill as it still tends to stick or break. The bandsaw mill cutting capability will satisfy you.

It can cut logs with a 40″ diameter or more. But here, sawmill size is also dependable. So, take the right diameter of your tree branches between 16-18″. The length must be around 2″.

Step 2: Attach the miter bar

Before attaching the miter bar, first, measure the distance from the blade to the miter track. The goal is to put it in MDF methods.

Then, lay an 18” miter bar on the location and mark the location of the hole from the miter bar.

Then, drill the countersunk holes (obviously in MDF). After that, our aim is to adjust with flat-head machine screws.

Step 3: Start the first cutting

It’s time to make the first cut on your lumber. Before that, you must be made aware that there are no log rocks left. And, for that, of course, the wooden shim is in need.

There is also another point, which you may forget to make. Lumber pieces that you cut off leave them with a flat surface. It’ll help you gently pull off the log and cut off the few log pieces easily.

Step 4: Make second cutting

After the first cut, you can realize that the bottom surface is now flat and perfect for the second cutting. Here, you must be aware of not wasting too much wooden portion of the boards.

Re-sawing the lumber with the same process of first cutting. Then, if you think there’s a need for several saws, then make repeated cutting as your wish.

Note: We reviewed some special bandsaw which is appropriate for resawing lumber and logs. If you are interested, please click here.

Step 5: It’s time to looking at Cutting boards

First, we have to measure the thickness of the boards that you want to cut. Then, take off the sled and set up the entire fence of the bandsaw.

In order to cut the boards, alter the direction and face of the lumber each 1″ board.

Step 6: Prepare your board

Prepare your board by drying it out naturally and get the smoothen surface with perfect moisture.

You can use a moisture meter to determine the moisture of the board. That’s all for queries on How do you cut lumber on a bandsaw.

How do you quarter saw lumber with a bandsaw mill?

Doing a quarter saw lumber with a bandsaw mill is a long process to have. But before the task, choosing the right type and size of wood can make your work easy and comfortable. Mostly oak and maple is the best choice for doing quarter saw lumber with a sawmill.

Quarter saw lumber with a sawmill: Methods to follow

The specific size of the log can make your work easier. Let’s look at the main methods below-

While positioning the log, you have to follow the X-Y plane parallel to the milk deck formula.

[Here X-axis = mill’s running length]

Y-axis= length running across the mil

Z-axis= vertical side

For halving, try to maintain the log in the X-Y plane.

In this formula, the log top half will get eliminated. Now, halving the half portion at the bottom.

Use the bottom quarter for the cutting board, then. For this, you have to slide the clamp and bottom quarter outboard. Get the board off and place it.

Now, rotate the cant at a 90° angle in the X-axis. If the can’t be quarterly in the log loader, then retrieve it. The half portion of cant can need both retrieve and clamps. And then get rid of the top quarter and place it on the log loader.

Repeat this process again and again until the number of logs that cut right.

Typically, it’s an intense process to understand and apply. But, once you’re learning this process, you’ll never get bored. So, mainly you need to understand the machine’s purpose and tools for perfect saw lumber. And, of course, that’s all for sawmill cutting patterns & saw mill process.

What are the disadvantages of quarter sawn?

Well, every single thing has both pros and cons. And, the quarter sawn is also part of it. Quartersawn is the most common tool for easy and comfortable use.

Can you mill logs with a bandsaw?

Many industries take advantage of quarter sawn’s the method more than any other sawn. Its pattern is so attractive, and its stability is also good.

Besides, it has some disadvantages which may need to be considered while you’re making your mind set up with this technique.

So, we’ll discuss here more information which will help you to point out the disadvantages and work on it.

The disadvantages of quarter-sawn are given below-

• Quartersawn is a much more expensive method, as there is a need to quarter the log first and then turn it for every cut.
• The boards are relatively narrow.
• The cutting operation is much complicated
• It also involves more waste
• The production rate is relatively low
• The board’s drying time requires 15% or more.
• It’s often noticed that it results in 20% or lower yields from a log.

How much lumber can I get out of a log?

Foresters use several mathematical formulas for evaluating wood planks in a sawn log. In addition, by using “log rules,” you can estimate the total lumber from a log.

The log rule actually finds out the board feet in the log. In general, broad fits have a thickness of 1, a length of 12, and a width of 12 inches. Measure your torso and round the nearest straight leg of the log.

For instance, if your log is 13’4″, use a height of 12 feet in the table of log rule. Most loggers cut logs just 1 or 2 inches from the nearest yoke. Note that the edge of the log is generally not flat, so estimate the shorter side of the log.

Use the dimensions with the international log rule chart to define the relative number of board feet that will support the logs.

Suppose,

The Diameter of the log’s small end and inside bark is 15 inches, and the length of the log is 12 feet. So the board feet will be 115. (From the international log rule chart ).

Is it cheaper to mill your own lumber? Definitely yes.

Bonus Tips: What are the two ways to season lumber?

Generally, the seasoning of lumber refers to the removal of moisture from the wood for its better use and performance. There are two ways of seasoning lumber. These are-

Two ways of seasoning lumber:

• Natural seasoning
• Artificial kiln seasoning

Natural seasoning

Natural seasoning is the most traditional way to dry out the wood or timber. There is no matter of expense, and also it is an eco-friendly task to do.

Simply, this method is about stacking the timber in the air and then letting the atmosphere’s heat and the natural air help to remove the moisture from it.

Curious to know how much money can you make running a portable sawmill? I would say a fat paycheck is waiting for you.

Artificial kiln seasoning

Artificial kiln seasoning is a tricky and continuous process where the external energy will control the seasoning of wood and helps to get perfect results for your timber.

One of the most eco-friendly and practical techniques as well. There is a commercial chamber where the air humidity is checked chiefly and counted to dry the wood in the best way. It’s, of course, a better solution to properly seasoning the wood.

Final Thought………

The proper way and the basic steps are needed for doing woodwork.

I tell you what though…….

It seems challenging or complicated, but as a beginner, the process that is given here will definitely help you. But, you have to choose the right tools and safety precautions before doing the project.

If you’re a little bit nervous or scared to do your first sawing task, then no need to take a risk. Call an experienced woodworker to help you out. The portable saw mill will save both your time and energy.

And also wish you an advance congratulation if you do this task finally.! That’s all for today.

Chao!