Band saw Lumbering

[Gene Howe]

I'm preparing to make some mesquite lumber. Got the logs cut to about 3' long, have ordered a "Lumber Maker" guide for the chain saw, and have watched Nick's video (sawdust Session). Got the correct blade from Suffolk, have tuned the belts and got plenty of oomph. I think I'm ready.

Before I start I thought I'd call on all your collective experience and wisdom regarding lumbering with the Shopsmith. Any tips and hints would be appreciated. This is my first attempt at this sort of thing. Lots of resawing but never with a log.

Thanks guys!

[heathicus]

I don't have any advice, but I would sure appreciate it if you document and report on your progress. I might be doing some of this type of thing in the future.

[robinson46176]

Rule # 1
"NEVER" bleed on your tools or your wood. Everything else is secondary. :)

[ryanbp01]

I'd be interested in what you're going to create. Up here the only use I know of with mesquite is for grilling.

BPR

[kalynzoo]

Never did any lumbering myself. But I attached a picture taken in Copper Canyon Mexico. Note, the man making planks is barefoot, using a splitter and a wooden mallet. The resulting planks were about 3/4 thick.
I was impressed with his skill.
9040

[boostfan]

Make sure you seal the ends, I had two big Walnut trees taken down last fall, I purchased a Granberg chainsaw mill to start the process. I didn't know about that step until about a month ago and I am amazed how may cracks I have from less than a year of drying (mostly Michigan Winter)

Some of my logs are over 20" around so the SS was not an option as a first step. I am cutting into 2.5" thick slabs for now. My theory is that they will be less likely to warp during the drying process, but it is just a theory. It will also me to either make two pieces of 1x or a 2x.

[beeg]

MAKE SURE ya check the wood for metal content. Nails are rough on blades and dangerous for the operator.

[tdubnik]

Gene,

I made some lumber using my Shopsmith and it worked out well. I posted information on a bandsaw sled that I built here (http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthread.htm?t=3426) . Maybe this will give you some ideas.