Processing a log of useful raw material is a crucial skill for every carpenter. Often, logs are processed into lumber, which is then dried for later use. Modern technology now makes the lumber sawing process easier. So, to get the job done easily, you must know how to saw lumber in a modern way.
However, logs are often obtained from dying trees, and as a result, they are turned into useful material. The art of log processing is essential to woodwork. Various equipment is used to turn logs into lumber. It all depends on the urgency and the materials available.
Being a self-proclaimed woodwork expert, I am going to share the steps and skills required for modern-style saw lumbering. This is a task that someone can do in their backyard with suitable types of equipment. Let us jump right into it.
10 Steps You Should Follow To Saw Lumber In Modern Way
Modern sawing lumber is a skill every carpenter ought to learn. It gives you versatility in types of wood and also flexibility in work. One gets to make different designs from the lumber they process.
Different types of equipment are used while doing this process. You can use a chainsaw, a band saw, or a sawmill. The following steps work on all types of modern equipment.
Step 1: Materials Needed
Some pieces of materials are needed to begin sewing. These materials will aid in making the work easy and efficient. If you don’t have any of the materials, purchase or hire them from your local store.
- Log;
- Saw;
- Ear plugs;
- Eye protectors;
- Gloves;
- Cant hook.
Step 2: Log Preparation
Logs are heavy to move with and lift by using bare hands. This results in sliding them and using the mechanical help of levers to lift them. In the process, they get all types of debris on them. These materials can reduce the efficiency of the band saw or even damage it completely. It is required to clean off this debris.
A hose pipe may wash off the debris or sweep with a broom. It is recommended to use a metal detector to see if there is metal stuff on the log. After that, remove the rotten barks, so you can view the nice log. Cut the log to the required length and remove all the visible branch parts. Make sure the surface is even. Remove raised portions.
Step 3: Mounting The Log On The Miller
Now that the log is well prepared, it is time to mount it on the miller. There are various ways of doing this. Most modern mills come equipped with levers that lift the log in place. Just tie the log with a chain or a leather strap, and the lever lifts it, and the only work left is to position it in place.
In the event, one doesn’t have an updated miller, rolling the log in place is the best option. Just use two poles and slant them from the miller to the ground. Use mechanical rands and a stopper. The rand has hooks that stick to the log. It has a lever that helps you roll the log into position.
Step 4: Preparing For The First Cut
Position the log for the first cut. Clump the log into position. This is after choosing the side you want to make the first cut. Mark the area where you want your saw to cut while minimizing wood loss. Position the saw and power it on. Make sure it has enough oil and sharp blades. Sharpen the blade if necessary.
Step 5: Making The First Cut
The first cut is the most essential when sawing lumber. It sets up the pace and ensures the work runs effectively. Put on the saw miller, position the blade to be in line with your mark, and cut through the log. This gives the log a flat top surface. Ensure to minimize wood loss as much as possible. Cut only the essential part to form the cant.
Step 6: Cant Preparation
After making the first cut, turn the log 90°. Cut a piece from that side may be an eighth of an inch until you have a flat surface. When you have achieved that, turn the log again at 90°.
Repeat the process. Finally, turn 90° again and cut into before. Now you have a cant. This is a four-sided flat large lumber. Some like to purchase it this way, but it is not always the case.
Step 7: Cutting The Boards
Once you have a complete cant, orient it in the direction. It will yield more straight-quality boards. Cut through the board lines you had made. Cut as many boards as you can while maintaining the sawmill. The boards are mostly cut an eighth of an inch.
The length is determined by the size of the log and the consumer’s needs. Once you take the pieces off the mill, arrange them on an elevated point from the ground. This will give you an easy time picking the stack up.
Step 8: Edging The Log
This is an essential step in saving wood from loss. During the cant-making process, one might have cut some boards that were not in shape. Edging removes the bark part of these boards and gives them a uniform shape. It is mostly recommended you use the last third of the cant as support for this board. This gives you an easy time holding them in place. Trim both edges for a fine finish.
Step 9: Transporting The Lumber
Pick the stack of lumber with a lift or any means that you have and transport it to the storage point. Take care not to damage the wood or get debris on the wood. One can use help offloading them. It is recommended to work near all these places, this gives an easy time doing this task.
Step 10: Drying
It is recommended to store the slabs in a room. Arrange some wood on the floor to raise the boards off the floor. Lay the first slab on the wood. Place other separating pieces of wood on the first slab and place the other on the wood. Repeat this process until all the slabs are stacked.
Place fans in place and a humidifier in the room. After ten days, turn the slabs to reduce warping and also monitor fungi. Treat any visible molds to prevent spreading. Drying takes up to 2 months.
Things To Consider While Sawing A Lumber In Modern Way:
For one to get quality lumber, they should consider some facts. These are essential to making the work easy and efficient. These are things professionals use to give quantity quality lumber from a log.
- The Location Of Your Log Pile
It is best to work near the log pile at all times. This gives an easy time working between logs. Use a portable sawmill because it is easier to move than moving logs. It is also easy to move boards of lumber compared to logs. If you are working on a single log, opt to transport it to your backyard and saw lumber there. This gives you an easy time when preparing the stacks for drying.
- Size Of Your Logs
Different mills have different specifications for various logs. Always know the dimension measurements of the mill. This helps to work with logs specified for milling. Failure to follow the instructions can damage the blad, the railing system, and the engine. Always follow the specified guidelines when sawing lumber.
- Getting More Yield
One often expects to find a perfect cylindrical log that is equal from one end to another. Nature seldom makes them this way. One will get curved logs with branch bulges and unequal sizes from both ends. Always make sure to cut the log in the orientation that gives the most yield. Mill different sizes of lumber to maximize the yield.
- Thinking The Task Ahead
When working with this material, it is recommended to think of the next task. Do not take the lumber you will edge later far from the sawmill. Also do not stack the boards on the ground in a way you will have to rearrange them for transport.
You should do something to simplify the upcoming task. One can always arrange the stacks off the ground. This will ease pick up for transportation.
4 Tips That Are Effective To Modern Style Saw Lumbering:
Ever wonder how professionals get more yields and have an easy time milling lumber. Then today, I am going to share with you their secrets. Follow these tips, and I guarantee you will save a lot of time and wood.
Tip-1: Get A Cant Hook
This is an essential tool to have as a carpenter. It helps to move the cant in preparation for cutting. It uses the power of the legs to help turn the log. This reduces the time needed to use an ax or the arms to turn the log. If you don’t have one, get one! It will be worth your time and money.
Tip-2: Tension Down The Blade
Before making the first cut, always tension the blade. A stressed blade is prone to damage when it comes in contact with the log. Various millers have had their blades damaged before they can even make their first cut. This act helps improve the durability of the blade to give maximum service.
Tip-3: Sharpening The Blade
After completing the milling of a log, always take time to sharpen the blade. This helps to have an easy time working through the next log. It also helps reduce stress on the blade. It is frustrating to have to stop work in the middle just to sharpen a blade. Always do it before working. Work like a pro!
Tip-4: Use The Cant Process
There are various ways of processing logs into lumber. It all depends on the quality and grade of lumber needed. From experience, the cant process is the best. It reduces the loss of wood and also increases the quality and quality of the lumber. It salvages most lumber from even wrapped logs. If you have not used this method, give it a try, you will not regret it.
Related Questions:
What Is The Best Way To Saw Lumber?
Generally, grade sawing is the best way to saw lumber. This involves salvaging the log to yield high-quality and quantity lumber. It involves turning the lumber in various ways to access the best cuts possible.
Even though it might reduce output per log and it is difficult to turn the log, this is the best sawing strategy. I recommend trying this method if you are not using it already. It will be worth the time and energy. Give it a shot and see how it goes.
What Are 2 Sawing Methods For Lumber?
The most common sawing methods used are the quarter and plane sawing methods. In-plane sawing, the logs are cut into cants and are cut lengthwise. This method salvages as much wood as required. It is the most used sawing method because it is simple and easy to use.
Contrary, The quarter sawing method is used mainly for quality hardwood production. The log is cut into four quarters, then later into boards. It has high waste output but excellent quality. Lumber swan this way does not wrap easily like a plane swan.
How Do You Saw Lumber With A Bandsaw?
Place the log on the conveyor. Hold it in place to avoid irregular cuts. Start the bandsaw, and reduce the tension of the blade. Place the blade in contact with the log and run the blade through the log.
Make a cant by rolling the log to cut flat surfaces on 4 sides. This will guide you to cutting almost perfect slabs and salvaging as much lumber as possible. Turn the log as much as required to get maximum lumber from the log.
Is Sawing Your Own Lumber Worth It?
Sawing my own lumber is a good thing. One has hands-on different tree species and various amazing tree designs. This is not possible when using readily processed lumber.
It also helps salvage as much lumber as possible because one has the task ahead in mind, and they know which piece will best fit where. It would be best if you saw your lumber. It is a fun and interesting task. It also saves some cash since there is no need to pay for labor and processing.
Final Verdict:
It has demonstrated how to saw lumber in a modern way with all the steps and considerations you need to know. This essential process is something you can do in your backyard with the right pieces of equipment.
Always put your safety first before starting the milling process. The time has come to put your skills to the lumber sawing. If you encounter any challenge, always seek professional advice.
