Brand X run by Jay Brand, video using my phone

[sgschwend]

Let's see how this works.

Jay is cutting 2X6 in a small log. The first cut (walking backwards) is the 6" deep cut the second cut (walking forwards) is the 2" cut. Jay is using two stops that he moves when he finished the walking backwards cut, then he makes the walking forwards cut (you can see in the video he releases the saw brake and then shifts the saw to the next vertical cut position).

[TreeBones]

Interesting. Is this mostly a stationary set up or is it easily portable? Looks to be a heavy tool to manhandle. I see the support equipment in the background, hand loading large logs must be fun. What are the maximum size of material that you can cut?

[sgschwend]

I would not call it portable, you can order an axle, my guess it would best be suited for moving the mill short distances. The standard frame is 30' long so even that one would make for a long tow.

The model I purchased is setup for a maximum distance over the bed of 36". The working table is 74" wide, would likely give about 50" of horizontal. There is a higher mill option I think it gives about another 14" of height.

The saws will resurface when used horizontally (like a planer). So slabs can be set on the table and then trued up and made smooth.

Jay Brand, sets up three log skids by having receivers in the side of the mill (makes them removable). I may do this but I will likely not install the center one so I can carry my larger logs right up to the mill and set them. That is the way I do it now with the MM, I don't use the log loader to load logs (I use it more often as a temporary holding). The MM has about the same size table so I know I will be able to set the log. I like to work this way, keeps the logs clean since I carry them and I can bring the right end to the front.

[Backwoods sawyer]

That should give you the option of milling wide slabs and the mill could be configured to handle larger logs by adding a raised base that would allow for side shifting of the whole mill frame. Good to see this all coming together for you.

[sgschwend]

OK, the foundation is in. 8 yards of it. In order to drive stakes in the dry soil the width of the top section was increased. Then there is the cave-ins, and when all is done the 6 yard pour ends up being 8.

[Magicman]

I've always heard that more was better. How will you attach to this foundation?

[Backwoods sawyer]

When fastening it all down don’t forget that you will have a heavy corner and a light corner, and that there will be forward and back pressure as the head moves thru the log and is returned to the parking spot just like the bandmills do.
“Brace for the long term and make it removable for the short term.” That is a quote from an old millwright.

[sgschwend]

Very good points about hold downs and bracing.

I will be building the frame on the foundation and will be able to add parts as I go. So I have an idea for a bolt down foot that will be adjustable. The concrete is about 20" deep so plenty of depth for bolting.

The frame will use 10" I-beams for the runners and a fabricated crossbeam that will be eight inches deep, the cross beam will attach to full height of the I-beam. That should provide some very good bracing. There is going to be a wood deck at the top of the I-beam so the mill will seems quite low to the ground and flat from the deck prospective (I think it will be handy to have easy access by this deck, many a time I have climbed into the steel frame of the MM, never liked doing that, and certainly I have slipped a few times while there).

I have finished the ordering for the first part of the automation which will handle saw feed, saw swing, engine rpm.

[sgschwend]

Here is the cross-members. They run between the I-beams. They are sitting on top of the table saw upside down. I came up with this design because I had the I-beams and that saved me about $1,000. These parts are fairly economical, and strong with that 8" deep web. The wood deck will cover most of these parts, only the top 4 inches will show.

This design has three main parts: I-beam, cross-member and an angle iron to serve as the top of the track which the mill wheel will locate too. The angle iron goes on last and has the advantage that it can correct for position errors.

[Magicman]

The frame will use 10" I-beams for the runners and a fabricated crossbeam that will be eight inches deep,

Those are some serious crossbeams. Alas, my Grizzly tablesaw gets used for other stuff too.