The video showcases a DIY method for milling logs into usable lumber using a chainsaw and a custom-made jig. The jig is designed to ride on a 2x4 rail and can be adjusted to fit different log sizes. The creator uses a small, lightweight chainsaw with a thin kerf to make the cuts, which allows for more precise control and less waste.
The process involves making depth cuts, then rubbing away the excess material to create a flat surface. The creator notes that the method is not ideal for large logs, as the maximum depth of cut is limited. However, it can be effective for smaller logs and is a low-commitment, low-cost solution for milling lumber.
Throughout the video, the creator shares tips and tricks for using the jig, including the importance of keeping the chainsaw blade sharp and using clamps to secure the log. They also discuss the limitations of the method and suggest alternative approaches, such as using a larger chainsaw or a different type of jig.
Ultimately, the creator concludes that the DIY method can produce usable lumber, but it may not be the most efficient or practical solution for large-scale milling operations. The video aims to provide a helpful guide for viewers who want to try their hand at milling lumber using a chainsaw and a custom-made jig.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The device is a rotating box attached to the side of a chainsaw to cut a flat spot into a log.
2. The chainsaw used in the video is an MS170, a lightweight and cheap chainsaw.
3. The chain used has a 30° angle, not the typical 10° angle.
4. The jig is made from 2x4s, ¼-20 bolts, drywall screws, and ½" plywood.
5. The dimensions of the jig are: 12" total, 2x4 blocks are 5" each, and plywood is ½" thick and 2¾" wide.
6. The device uses a coupler nut and jam nuts to secure the bolts.
7. The creator sanded the inside faces of the jig to make them smooth.
8. The creator used a piece of granite floor tile with sandpaper to sand the guide rail.
9. The material being milled is maple, and the logs are about 7-14 feet long and 10-15 inches in diameter.
10. The creator mentions that the device has limitations, such as a maximum depth of cut of about 11.5 inches.
11. The creator notes that using a larger bar and chainsaw would increase the amount of error in the cut.
12. The creator mentions that milling with an apparatus that connects to the bar can make a more stable device.
13. The creator used clamps to secure the board during cutting.
14. The creator notes that the best results came from keeping the stationary part at about 30 degrees and holding still as long as possible.
15. The creator mentions that rushing through the process can cause imperfections in the cut.
16. The creator used a circular saw to make cuts on each side of the board and then used a bandsaw to cut the remaining part.
17. The creator notes that the bandsaw method is not ideal and can result in cuts that don't line up perfectly.
18. The creator used a planer to straighten and smooth out the boards after cutting.
19. The creator applied polyurethane to the ends of the boards to prevent moisture from escaping too quickly.
20. The creator plans to air dry the boards for about a year before running them through a planer again.