Cutting Wood Slabs With a Chainsaw Mill

by Troy Eckstein in Workshop > Woodworking

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Cutting Wood Slabs With a Chainsaw Mill

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This will show an overview of what's involved with making live edge wood planks using a chainsaw mounted mill.

The First Cut

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The first cut you make will create a flat surface for the sawmill to "ride" on for each subsequent cut.

The Second Cut.

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Now the mill "rides" on the flat created by the first cut. Set the thickness to what you desire on the mill for each subsequent board.

Live Edge Wood

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Even after just 2 passes this cedar log is looking like the start of a live edge bench! A little sanding will remove the saw marks.

Cutting

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Each pass took about ten minutes and I had to sharpen my chain after 1 1/2 cuts. It's hard work but well worth the effort! The saw goes through lots of oil so keep an eye on it.

Live Edge Cedar Plank

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This is the second cut from the log.