tree, along with natural stone, is one of the oldest building materials. Despite the huge variety of various artificially created materials currently present on the construction market, wood is still in constant demand. Wood is versatile and available material, and not a single construction event can do without its use.
The main raw material for the production of lumber (beams of various sections, edged and unedged boards, etc.) is a log - freed from branches and twigs, as well as from the thinnest upper part of the tree trunk. Logs can be used as a completely independent building material as poles, piles, masts, etc., but in most cases they are subject to sawing to obtain beams and boards. How to saw a log into boards, beams and other lumber, and will be discussed further.
Sawing a log can be carried out in various ways:
- manually, using a saw tool;
- at sawmills;
- on woodworking machines and specialized lines.
The price of lumber largely depends on its thickness and the amount of production waste.
In order to make the most efficient use of the available raw materials and correctly cut the log, the woodworking industry uses special sawing schemes to reduce the percentage of waste and thus reduce the cost of the final product. Therefore, before sawing a log yourself, it would be useful to familiarize yourself with such schemes.
Tools and equipment for sawing logs
Depending on the total number of logs, their length, thickness and the expected quality of the future lumber, they are used for sawing various tool and specialized equipment. For a small amount of lumber at home is quite acceptable manual way processing trunks with chainsaws and conventional hand saws with teeth for longitudinal sawing.
A sawmill is a fairly common type of sawmill equipment. It is a woodworking machine with frame saws, designed for longitudinal cutting of logs to obtain edged boards and timber. On sawmills it is possible to process logs with a diameter of 15 to 80 cm and a length of up to 7 m.
Sawing tree trunks on circular (circular) machines is carried out by means of a circular saw. Such machines can be single-saw (single-disk) and multi-saw (multi-disk). Single disk circular saws work, as a rule, with small-sized and low-quality source material. Multi-disc machines are designed for cutting round timber of large diameter.
The most popular at present are the so-called band sawmills, both vertical and horizontal. As a cutting tool, they use a tape fabric worn on pulleys. Belt machines provide high-quality longitudinal and mixed sawing of logs into boards and beams with the minimum amount waste.
Lines for sawing wood are used in large enterprises in the production of lumber on an industrial scale. They provide high surface quality and precise geometry of the final product and have the highest productivity.
In addition to the above, in the mass production of lumber, other types of highly specialized sawmill equipment are also used: debarking, edge trimming, band-cutting and other machines.
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Types and methods of cutting logs
Before sawing a log into boards and beams, it is important to choose the most best way sawing, which is determined by the dimensions, geometry and surface quality of the future lumber, necessary technical requirements, as well as the type of wood. According to the orientation to the growth rings of the trunk, it is possible to distinguish the types of sawing. This:
- radial, carried out clearly along the radius of annual rings;
- tangential, when sawing is done tangentially to annual rings, parallel to one of the radii;
- parallel-forming, when cutting occurs parallel to the direction of the fibers (thus achieving minimum slope fibers in lumber).
Depending on the direction of sawing, there are several ways to saw logs:
- sawing waddle;
- sawing with a bar;
- segment method;
- sector method;
- circular cutting.
Sawing at a waddle is carried out using several parallel cuts along the entire plane of the section of the log and gives an unedged board and two slabs at the exit. Sawing waddle is the most in a simple way processing logs and is mainly used for cutting round timber hardwood small diameter, since other methods greatly reduce the width of the finished lumber.
Sawing with a bar involves sawing at the initial stage of a two-edged bar and side boards. The beam is subsequently sawn into edged boards the same width. Up to 60% of all raw materials are cut with a bar. The disadvantage of this method is the need for the simultaneous use of two sawmills.
The above methods are the main ones. Much less frequently used special methods: sector and segment. With sector sawing, the log is first divided into several fragments - sectors, from 4 to 8, depending on the diameter of the trunk. Then these sectors are sawn into boards in radial or tangential directions.
With the segment method, a beam is cut from the central part of the log, as a result of which two so-called segments remain on the sides. The resulting segments are then cut into tangential boards.
The circular sawing method is used for individual cutting of logs and allows you to separate healthy wood from the affected one. In circular sawing, after sawing off the next board or several parallel boards, the trunk rotates around the longitudinal axis by 90 ° each time.
Boards and timber are one of the main building materials. Funds do not always allow you to buy finished boards. Many have the opportunity to take a plot in the forestry and harvest wood on their own.
Sawing logs is done using a sawmill, electric or chainsaw and accessories. When choosing tools, be guided by the amount of work.
The cheapest stationary sawmill with all accessories will cost you at least 150 thousand rubles. If you do not plan to be engaged in small business, the purchase of such equipment is impractical.
A more affordable tool is a chainsaw. A chainsaw is more convenient than an electric one for several reasons.
- It does not require electricity to work - this allows you to work with a chainsaw on the plots.
- It has higher power than electric.
- It has smooth start and convenient speed adjustment, which reduces the risk of chain breakage.
- The inertia brake works faster than an electric powered saw.
- Long working time without interruption - up to 1 hour.
- Allows you to work in conditions high humidity.
To cut a log along a chainsaw, fixtures for fixing the log, a special frame-nozzle for a chainsaw and a guide will help.
When sawing with a chainsaw, the tool is subjected to a lot of stress. Household chainsaw will quickly fail. It is better to use a professional tool. A good option - chainsaw MS 660 or Stihl MS 880. These models have more than 7 horsepower, which is enough for continuous work under heavy loads.
A special metal frame is attached to the saw bar. The distance between the frame and the tire is adjustable, which allows you to cut the material into boards of the required thickness.
Having at hand metal corners or legs from school desk It is feasible to make a frame yourself.
The video shows how to make a frame with your own hands.
When working in stationary conditions, a rigid metallic profile or a long flat board. The ends of the guide are fixed on the goats, a log is laid from below. This method is only suitable for cutting trunks of small length - there is a possibility of deflection of the guide. This will lead to uneven sawing of the trunk.
How to cut a log lengthwise
To make the cut even, you need a straight template - a leading ruler or guide.
A good help in the work is the mini-sawmill BigMill Timberjig (Logosol). Manufacturer Sweden. The cost of such a set is considerable - about 9,000 rubles. Calculate how profitable it is for you to purchase such a tool. The ability to cut logs on site will help reduce transport costs.
Sawing is done with a two-stroke saw with two nuts for mounting the bar. The device allows you to fix and cut a log with a diameter of up to 60 cm.
In order to cut a log into boards, you will need a chain for longitudinal cutting. If you cannot buy such a chain, sharpen the usual one at an angle of 10 °. Do not forget that the chain loses its sharpness during operation and needs periodic sharpening. A well-sharpened chain will facilitate your work.
The kit includes tools and parts with which you can install a wooden rail. The frame attached to the chainsaw slides along the guide and does not allow the tire to go to the side.
Operating procedure:
How to cut a log across
If you plan to saw the trunk across, and then dissolve the logs into boards, this is not practical. Usually a log is sawn across for firewood.
A log sawn across is often used to make garden benches, tables. Look beautiful garden paths, decorated with sawn wood .. In this case, they are sawn into disks 10-15 cm thick.
- Place the log on strong stable goats 60-80 cm high.
- If you plan to remove the bark of the tree, do it before you start cutting.
- Make a shallow cut, which will serve as a guide groove.
- Rotate the log 90º so that the saw bar follows the groove.
- When sawing a log into logs, first make notches with an ax.
- Make a log cut. Further processing of the material depends on the area of its application.
Safety rules for sawing wood
- Use earmuffs, goggles, a respirator, gloves and tight clothing.
- Keep children out of the work area.
- Have a first aid kit on hand - circular saws and chain saws are dangerous tools.
- Do not use the saw blade without the protective cover.
- Do not pour fuel into the hot tank of the chainsaw, wait until it cools down a bit.
- Start the chainsaw on the ground with the chain brake engaged. Release the chain brake only before starting to cut.
- When working, hold the saw by the handle of the arc, moving it forward along the guide. Do not press hard on the saw - it should move freely.
- When cutting trees chain saw take care of ladders - when working, the saw should not be raised above shoulder level.
- If you are not left-handed, install the log on your right side.
How to properly cut a log. Video lessons.
Working with the Timberjig sawing system.
All photos from the article
Sawn logs are boards,. The task of competent and efficient sawing of trunks is extremely relevant for independent or industrial logging, in addition, knowing the basics will help you choose the right lumber.
We will look at the main points regarding this topic, and tell you how to properly cut a log into band sawmill.
sawing logs
The main task
Important! The sawing scheme is selected in accordance with the quality of raw materials, the purpose of the board and the capabilities of the equipment.
Sawing tool
Logging is done with a special tool. For normal work by today's standards, you need a special machine for cutting logs with your own hands, which is called a sawmill.
There are two types of sawmills: disc and band sawmills. Disk use circular saws and are considered less effective, since they have a large cut thickness (from 6 to 9 mm), lower accuracy and depth.
The band sawmill is equipped with a different system: the saw is a band worn on rotating rollers. The cut thickness is approximately 1.5 - 3 mm, which is quite economical in terms of chip removal.
Modern models are characterized by high accuracy and productivity, they are automated and have a tilting mechanism for lifting and turning logs in case of circular sawing or sawing timber.
Using a chainsaw, you can only cut a log in half, but if you use a special frame, you can dissolve the log into boards right in the forest.
Important! Band sawmill is considered the most efficient and cost-effective.
Conclusion
Sawing a log is considered one of the most complex and important tasks in logging and lumber production. The quality of products and the income of the enterprise depend on the chosen scheme, well-designed work procedure and tool preparation.
The video in this article will tell you about the types of sawmills and how to cut wood.
Sawing logs into boards with a chainsaw: what you need for this
Some people have the ability to take a certain area in the forest for logging to unravel the trunks, but how can a chainsaw unravel a log into planks if you have never had to deal with it? Those who have been logging for a long time can do this without any tools - they just need to beat off a longitudinal line on the trunk and use it to cut a beam or board.
But if you have never done this, then you will need certain devices, which we will now talk about, and also show the thematic in this article.
Sawing logs into boards with a chainsaw at a logging site
We dissolve the trunk on the boards
Note. To cut the trunk into logs, you may need a sawmill or an electric or chainsaw with machine tools.
What is needed for this
The chainsaw is the most accessible tool, besides there is whole line reasons:
- sawing of trunks can be made directly on logging. This does not require any stationary or autonomous sources power supply, only one tool;
- compared with electric saw, gasoline has much more power. That is key point at longitudinal dissolution logs;
- it has a soft start and soft speed control. this means that the risk of breaking the chain during operation is reduced to almost zero (it is, of course, possible, but for this you need to try very hard);
- compared to a sawmill, the price of a gasoline-powered tool is several orders of magnitude lower;
- compared to an electric unit, inertial braking is much faster here;
- time of intensive use, the instruction manual allows you to stretch up to 1 hour;
- it is possible to work at high humidity (rain, fog)
Device for dissolution of trunks
As we have already said, experienced sawmillers can dissolve the log without any tools, but for beginners, you will definitely have to purchase or make your own log fixing machine, attachment frame for the saw and a guide for a smooth cut.
It should not be forgotten that during such work the tool experiences very large loads. Therefore, if you want to do it professionally, then naturally you will need an appropriate model, that is, as powerful as possible.
Professionals call the most popular and most best options, it's a Stihl MS-660 or a Stihl MS-880. Such units produce more than 7 horsepower, which ensures uninterrupted operation under heavy loads.
Frame details
To adjust the thickness of the sawn board, a special steel frame, which is able to adjust the distance from itself to the tire.
The frame is ready - view from different angles
In order to make such a corner, you can buy a square steel tubular profile 20 × 20 mm, but you can also use improvised material. For example, duralumin legs from an old school desk are the best fit here.
A thick board is used as a guide
As a guide to do something like stationary machine, you will need some kind of hard metal, most likely steel, profile, or a thick, even board under the log, as shown in the top photo. In fact, it looks the same as in the picture - two goats are installed and a guide (board or profile) is placed on them.
But it should be borne in mind that such a device can only be used for short logs, since if it is increased (the distance depends on the thickness of the guide), there will be a deflection, which will lead to an uneven thickness of the material being made.
Machine Big Mill Timbergit
The thickness of the board or cut will be even only if any template is used to guide the chainsaw - a leading ruler or guide. It is very convenient to use the Swedish Big Mill Timbergit machine for this purpose, which you see above - it costs about 9-10 thousand rubles.
Here it is up to you to decide whether you need such a device, but having spent one time, you get a compact device that, along with a saw, can be delivered to the site on a motorcycle.
In order to get started, you will need a two-stroke saw and a bar with two nuts. With this device you will be able to dissolve logs up to 60 cm in diameter. Please note that in this situation you will have to acquire a chain for longitudinal sawing of the trunk, but if it is not possible to purchase it for any reason, then regrind a regular chain at an angle of 10⁰.
The Big Mill Timberjet kit comes with a variety of parts to help install and secure the wood track. It turns out that when driving a chainsaw, the frame slides along this guide, and the tire does not go to the side.
Note. Whatever type of wood you process, in any case, the chain becomes dull, and in order for your sawing process to take place without problems, it should be sharpened periodically.
Frame mounted on rail
Chainsaw sawing - process
Now let's see how to cut a log into boards with a chainsaw:
- first we make a guide - we take two even edged wooden planks and fasten them together in the form of a half-tee;
- from pieces of the same boards we make stops for a half-tee guide - fixtures for fasteners are included;
- we roll the log with the help of a tilter and lay it on a pre-prepared convenient base;
- fix the frame on the tire with nuts;
- after that we fix the supports. who hold the ruler to the ends of the log, checking its horizontal level;
- We fix all fasteners with self-tapping screws. since the nails at the end of the work will be extremely difficult to pull out;
- we check that the cutting line does not pass along the ruler, but 10 mm higher;
- start the saw and make the first cut;
- we release the log from the stops and rearrange the structure to the next cut line so that it turns out perpendicular (90⁰) to the finished saw cut;
- now we turn the log again and fix it with boards to the stop on the ground - you won’t need the ruler anymore, it will be replaced by the cut made earlier.
Conclusion
Of course, cutting logs into boards at home is not limited to these two devices. If you do it yourself, then you will definitely need to make a right angle on the trunk, and then with the help of a frame you will be able to harvest boards of any thickness.
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Boards and timber are one of the main building materials. But not everyone has the financial means to buy ready-made boards. In such situations, one of the ways out is to independently harvest wood on a plot taken from the forestry.
The advantage of a chainsaw as a tool for sawing logs
You can cut a log using a sawmill, a gas or electric saw and additional devices. When choosing one of these tools, the scope of the work ahead should be taken into account. The cost of the cheapest stationary sawmill, together with all components, is 150 thousand rubles. A chainsaw is much cheaper. It is more convenient than an electric saw for the following reasons:
- It does not require electricity to operate the tool - this makes it possible to use the chainsaw on the plots.
- It is more powerful than the electric saw.
- Starts smoothly and allows you to conveniently adjust the speed, which reduces the likelihood of chain breaks.
- The operation of the inertial brake is faster than that of an electric saw.
- Long working time without interruption - up to one hour.
- Can be used in high humidity conditions.
Types of working nozzles
When sawing logs with a chainsaw, various nozzles are used.
- Nozzle for longitudinal cutting. It is used for sawing logs along, the process takes place in a horizontal position. After work, the master receives the same thickness of the product. Finished materials are subjected to a drying process, after which the boards are used in construction. By appearance the device is a frame small sizes, it is attached to the tire on each side.
- Drum debarker (rounder). With the help of such a nozzle it is easy to dissolve the log, it works due to the V-belt transmission. It is attached to the belts on both sides, for this purpose special pulleys are used. The speed of rotation of the shaft depends on the size of the pulleys, so the performance of the nozzle is easy to change. This technology forces the master to carefully monitor each stage of the process, some specialists use an assistant during this cut. But this option requires increased security measures.
- Sawing with a lightweight nozzle. Method is no different high performance but is used quite often. The element is fastened on one side, but the workpieces are slightly uneven. Such materials are necessary for the construction of sheds or fences.
Features of sawing with a homemade tool
You can easily cut a log into boards with the help of a self-made tool. It's easy to make. To do this, follow these steps:
- As a support, you need to use a frame from a school desk or a pipe with a section in the form of a square, its optimal size is 20x20, and more is allowed.
- It is necessary to build two clamps, mount a cross member with two holes for the tie bolts at one end, and make a protrusion for the tire in the middle.
- For longitudinal sawing of a log into boards, you need to make a support frame, its width should be seven to eight centimeters less than the length.
- Then two parts ten centimeters long are welded to both sides, holes are made for the bolts, a handle is attached in the middle for ease of operation.
- Then you need to insert the clamps into the grooves, install the tire, carefully fix everything.
To Work with homemade tool it’s not difficult, this will require goats, they will serve as a support. In addition, you need to prepare a metal rail or board to use it as a guide. A log is laid from below, the required height for work is set.
The procedure for performing preparatory work
To cut a log lengthwise, you need to perform the following sequence of actions:
- Take two straight boards and attach one to the other at a right angle. The result is a strong leading ruler.
- To maintain the manufactured ruler, you need to make stops from the boards.
- The movement of the trunks must be performed using a tilter.
- The log should be placed on a comfortable base.
- On the chainsaw tire using nuts, you need to fix the frame.
- The supports of the leading ruler must be attached to the ends of the log, checking the horizontal position with a level.
- Self-tapping screws must be used to fix all brackets and structural elements. Nails are not suitable for these purposes, since it is difficult to remove them in the future without causing damage to structural details.
- The leading ruler must be attached to the supports with brackets and its height adjusted, taking into account that the cut will not go along it, but approximately one centimeter higher.
- The log must be rotated and the second board must be fixed in such a way that it rests on the ground and supports the log.
The procedure for performing basic work
- Now you need to start the chainsaw and make the first cut.
- Next, you need to free the log from the stops and boards and attach the leading ruler on the cut surface of the log in the direction of the next cut. The ruler is fastened directly to the surface or to the ends of the log using supports. The second cut is made perpendicular to the first cut.
- The log must be turned and fixed with a board point-blank to the ground.
- A guide ruler is not required to perform the following steps. One of the cut sides serves as a guide.
- It is necessary to adjust the thickness of the cut on the frame and saw off the log from the other side in such a way that you get a bar with bark remaining on only one side.
- This beam must be turned over and fixed in such a way that the fixing point of the fixing board is as low as possible.
- Then it is necessary to adjust the frame to the required thickness of the board and saw the timber into boards.
Safety rules when performing work
- Should not be used circular saw without protective cover.
- Wear earmuffs, gloves, goggles, heavy clothing and a respirator.
- Do not pour fuel into the hot tank of the tool, you need to wait until it cools down.
- Children must not be allowed in the work area.
- It is necessary to start the tool on the ground with the chain brake applied, which must be released just before starting to cut.
- You should always have a first aid kit on hand.
- When working, you need to hold the chainsaw by the handle of the arc, moving it forward along the guide. Do not press hard on the chainsaw - it should move freely.
- Right-handers should place the log on their right side, left-handers on their left.
