Log cutting machine

[Dave Sr.]

A little more done on the log cutter. Drive shaft made have to weld on U joint yokes waiting for welding wire to be delivered, drive chain made to length need a new 50 pitch half link I have 2 of them but can't find the pins for them so chain is temporarily joined with a screw, ordered another 18 tooth 50 pitch sprocket to make a chain tentioner with. Next I have to weld the drive shaft and install the 2 U joints, make and install a throttle control air cylinder and adjustable throttle stop, chain guard and driveshaft guard and probably a few things that I have forgot. Should be ready to cut logs as soon as it dries up enough this spring

 

[Dave Sr.]

Some more done on the log cutter. Chain tightener installed, chain guard made, oiler for saw chain made and installed, drive shaft installed and a new GM alternator installed and connected. Next will be making a guard for the driveshaft, finishing the air compressor pressure control system, install saw chain, some painting and I think it will be ready to cut logs.

 

[Dave Sr.]

The Log cutter is ready to cut logs. Cut a few logs with it to make sure everything worked and to try it out with several different size logs and several branches at a time. I had the oil volume to the cylinder set to make a full cut in 10 seconds. I can see that it's going to take more time to load logs onto it than it will take to cut them as most of what I have is in 4 to 6 foot pieces. It cuts much faster with the homemade harvester saw than it did with the regular chainsaw and I can now cut up to 25" diameter logs. It works great just needs a few minor adjustments.

 

[Chainmale]

Cool. Must have felt good to get it outside and do some cutting with it. Hopefully not too many teething problems.

 

[Kiwioilboiler]

Love your work.
Do you have plans for a mechanical "hold the logs to be cut down thingamy" ?

 

[beaglebriar]

Love your work.
Do you have plans for a mechanical "hold the logs to be cut down thingamy" ?

Sounds proprietary. I’d prolly just go with a CLAMP???

 

[beaglebriar]

Cool build! Looks like it’ll be easier on the old back.

 

[Dave Sr.]

Thanks for the replies guy's. Cut the last 2 logs I brought up to test with and did some work on improving the chain oiler. I had thought about a hydraulic log clamp and I have a cylinder and a 12 volt hydraulic power unit for it. It's definitely easier and a whole lot faster than cutting with a chainsaw. I wish all my logs and branches were in ten foot lengths I know I'll spend a lot more time loading them on the machine than I will cutting them.