Cheap homesteading is chainsaw milling with the Beam Machine. He has an Alaskan Sawmill but he wanted to try the out the Beam Machine to see if he could turn logs into lumber. It looks like a cool idea so he is going to give it a try.
Great video. Thanks for that. I've been using a similar vertical mill. I will say that getting a ripping chain was a huge help--smoother and faster cuts. I also found that running a couple of long horizontal cuts, in the beginning, helps ensure you cut an even straighter line. I know Alaska mills are getting a lot of love these days, but for those of us with an 18" bar and the need for some beams in a hurry, these vertical mills are the heat.
Hey Pete, I'm kinda like you in a way. My beam machine was ordered from Lee valley many years ago and I've yet to use it. I'm hoping to put it to the test today on some shag bark hickory logs that are too small to send to the mill but they are really nice and straight so I figured they'd make some really nice beams. Thanks for the video.
Live and learn. Fun to see how you learn to adapt. Trouble with the nails are that they are screw nails, and yes, shorter screws would be better. Thanks for this.
I just bought one similar to this, not as nice as yours but I'm going to try it out this week to make a few rustic log coffee tables. It looks very handy to have around. I have around 4 acres of woods should be fun. I hope. Lol. Thanks for sharing. Take care, be safe, and have fun regardless.
Looks good Pete! This in combination with your Alaskan mill, you can do a lot of your own lumber. But for the money, this style of sawmill attachment will be hard to beat! Have a Blessed Day Friend! Justin
Nice work... I've used the Princess Auto one before... had to cut along some red oak that was too big for my alaskan mill.... there was a little slop in the width, the beam cutter is slightly wider than the 2x4 I was using, but as long as you keep one side tight and hold it that way, it works perfect. Again, nice job with the ash..
I'm pretty well impressed with how well that looks like it worked. The only thing with that is I think it's probably going to take a long time to do your Logs with that but it's very interesting. Looking forward tomorrow have a blessed day my friend
Great job for your first time. A great way to cut your own lumber. Lee Valley has not sold them for a while. I looked into it. There are cheaper knock off's out there. I will try to pick one up. Take Care Pete.
That beam machine certainly makes it easier and faster without much balancing has to be manually done as is the case without that guide. My dad saw lumber using a chainsaw without the beam machine before.
Isnt it a relief after that first slab is removed? Cause then its smooth sailing. I milled about 25 6x6s back in 2017 and covered them in used motor oil. They have been laying on my trailer the whole time since. Not rotted at all. Oak,ash,
Love your videos.Curious why you use this rather than the Alaskan. I made a few with beam machine, but sometimes get poor squareness in beams due to bad positioning of 2X4. Also planks never have same thickness cuz you have to reposition the 2X4 each time. I have an Alaskan Mill on order to try next. Just going to slab some walnut and oak for future hobby projects. I should be retired about the time the slabs are dry!
I have an Alaskan sawmill but I just never tried the Bean machine so I kind of want to give it a few days too play with it and see if you can actually make decent lumber. with a little bit of practice. Thanks for watching man.
What size beam do you get if you simply come back the other side after the first cut without removing the guide beam? They would be parallel, maybe adjust width with a washer or unscrew the pivot bolt a turn. Great vidio, thanks.
I was noticing while you were cutting that there looks to be a bit of play on the inside of the plate compared to the size of the 2X4. Did you notice any movement while you were cutting? At one point looking down the log, I could see a bit of drifting from the saw. I'm trying to determine if it's worth investing in this product or if I should try to fabricate one of my own? Pretty cool gadget though. I have Ash on my property and would like to cut them into slabs. Good video. Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
