Loading Logs with a Winch | Sawmill Upgrade (from junk)
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- I"m making stuff from junk I've got lying around my yard again to help me make my time at the sawmill that much more enjoyable. Watch today as I work to find a solution to heavy and snow-crusted logs that I commonly encounter here in the Canadian north. With a few bits and pieces scavenged from around my place I'm able to get things working quite nicely if I do say so. With the switch from the steel cable to the old synthetic winch cable, I don't have to worry about getting a steel sliver either. Watch as I test out my winch for the very first time and learn a few things along the way. With some practice however, I think I"ll be moving these heavy logs up onto the sawmill a lot easier than fighting with the can't hook. Maybe down the road I can think of a way to speed up this winch and make the process even that much better. For now, this is a great upgrade and it cost me absolutely nothing! That's a beautiful thing!
Instead of mounting the pulling post to the saw bed, mount it to your structure base. You can put it where you'd like to have it and it would be out of the way enough that you could leave it in place instead of stowing it somewhere to saw logs.
I agree with ya there on second thought
mount a block type pully to your structure and enough rope to reach your tractor winch, was your winch remote control. use a choker on the center of the log
That is what I was thinking as well.
I know its more work but I would take time when limbing the logs to cut them flush when possible. All those nubs can catch while cranking and stop you cold.
a tip I often use : I got a pretty good milwaukee drill, so I removed the handle on the crank and use the drill to activate the gears. Easier on the arms. I do this on my attic trap in my garage.
Think that’s a great idea!
I'm planning on doing the exact same thing in the next week once my mill supports are finished. I plan on just sinking 2' of an 6' 6x6 in the ground and mounting essentially the exact same winch from harbor freight to the top of the post. Pretty encouraging to see this concept working for you.
My only comment is actually from the WM videos for their setup. They use the winch post in the log stop socket just like you do but they anchor the bitter end of the synthetic rope to the bunk itself. This divides the force applied to the welded log stop socket in half and does the same amount of work. Other than that, well done once again. Thanks for sharing.
If you are concerned about the winch arm causing issues with the saw mill bed, you could run a rope from the top of the arm (above the winch) to a suitable anchor point behind the winch (tree, post on the lumber shed, etc). This will minimize the stress the winch puts on the saw mill bed.
That's not a bad idea
My thought exactly. I like the winch, just not the mounting to the mill bed
I have a hand winch on mine. you can change your centre point by moving the anchor point left or right of the winch. I use winch to turn large logs. Use long logs stops when turning or winching log in place
Sandy, the term you're looking for is 'parbuckle' and I use it for positioning my logs. Larger diameter gets you more torque so not much increased effort with bigger logs. I used the method to roll the 36"x5ft monsters I had here.
Make a permanent mount for your winch on your shed structure.
Thanks John
Hmmmm...you've got me thinking now. I have an electric winch I'm not using that I can hook up to a battery, or possibly a solar panel. Project for later.
Just got my mill out of the box , thanks for show and more ideas tell Kota howdy
How many weeks to get your mill?
@@65895555 from Hudson I was on waiting list 3 months
Right on Allen. Have fun with the sawing once it's up and running
We own and have used the Woodland Mills winch. Great to see someone make their own. We do like it, however, it IS a bit slow. We can hook most logs faster than the winch. One thing Sandy, you might consider setting 2 log stops before the log plops on the mill. Our winch will bring the logs right to the stops. That will also prevent the log from overrunning the mill…yeah..ask me how I know! We have a video showing a small lady using the winch.
Yeah I can see what ya mean. This may end up being something that works or ends up going back to the drawing board. Good points you made
I parbuckle logs onto my mill ( HM130 Max ) and have the same issue with trying to center the winch on logs. What I've come up with is two short posts that fit in two log stops with a 2x2 horizontal tube that joins the two. I am going to mount the winch on a sliding piece that can be moved sideways along the horizontal 2x2 to center my winch on the log.
Build a bridle with a pin hook on each end to grab the logs. Mount the post to your structure ( or, dig it in next to it when the ground thaws) to get it where you want it… and, no chance of tweaking your mill out of alignment. If you use a single line the log will move faster and less wear on the rope. If you get a “big” log you can always double it when necessary.
Great idea
If you bolt it to the outside edge of the floor then you don't have to move it each time and not have too worry about the mill braking
I was thinking the same and use a 2" trailer receiver mounted vertically to the edge of the floor then slide his square stock with the winch into it. Takes the stress off the saw mill frame itself and places it on the floor frame of the building. Anyway, it's a thought.
Great point there Russell
@@sawingwithsandy I just moved to NS. I setup my mill temporary to mill enough lumber to build a shelter for it
This was my thoughts also. Why put ANY strain on the sawmill rails? You can then line up winch with middle of log deck.
Nice work Sandy!
Looks like a good little project anything to make it easier
you could mount an eye bolt to your pole that way you have somewhere to hook your working end instead of pulling the pole out every time
but after reading Bill Hensley post about putting it on the outside of your building make sense too
try using a drill to crank the winch instead of your arm I just watched a video rigging that up and it saved him time and arm work just a thought Sandy love your channel
I'm completely speechless.
*EVERY GUY* has a random bucket of hardware. My bucket has "Good luck" written on the side.
Haha that’s awesome!
Enjoy your videos, keep up the good work 😎
Thanks Danny
Bolt the pole to the putside of your struture base, it will be permanent and not put stress on the mill. Also, a little power assistance will be nice, you cannget the tiniest power winch from Princes Auto and let it do all the work.
Good ideas
I like the ideas of adding another support (say a 4 x4 post) in line with the back wall (and center of your log rack) and mount the winch to that. Then you do not upset the track, don't have the step of fussing with taking the post in and out of the track and putting it someplace. I also like the ideas of using a drill motor to run the winch.
Keep it simple and don't reinvent the wheel. I do see some strain on the mill bed but its minimal and a short rope to the frame out to the side from which you crank on so its pulling on the whole building rather than just the arm.... from edge of this building to base of winch lever base (down where it goes the that square stock) Its just a little protection to keep it from moving sideways
Huge fan of the channel. Can’t wait to so what have in store for us when the weather gets a little better. I don’t think the winch system is worth the effort. You probably get more snow on you having to run cable out and around log. If you had something you had to winch I would pull the Polaris around back and use the winch on it. To many variables when your torquing on the mill be worried about things not staying flat.
Hi buddy me again can’t stop thinking about your situation. When the snow melts could you re work your log deck make it wide enough for the tractor to get in and when you come out to saw you could push your logs right up to the mill so you don’t have to roll them so far with can’t hook? Just an idea.
You may be right there Josh. I figured I"d give it a try and see if it ends up working out. May not stand the test of time
That's a great idea Josh. I bet I could do that. Would just have to make the log deck have posts in the ground instead of sitting on the ground.
Nice going, electric winch would be nice, but then you need a battery to run that. Maybe a post on the outside would work. But do what you want you know what’s best. Take care
Sandy, not having a FEL strong enough to lift the logs, I built a ramp from ground up to the log table. I then use a 30 foot x 4 inch wide tow strap (more stable on the log than cable) and my compact tractor to pull the log up the ramp and thence onto the sawmill bed. Much faster then cranking that winch and easier on the arms.
I currently use a long nylon tow strap (wider the better.) Fix one end to the shed floor (2x4 through the loop, lag bolted to the rim joist centered on mill bed). I throw the strap over the mill bed to my logs, feed that loop end under the log and over the top. At that point if the log is heavy I use an atv winch mounted on a hitch receiver to pull them. Also i find that if the log is rolling easy I can easily just pull the strap by hand and roll it quickly. Wider toe straps more stability and this system is ideal for log deck to mill bed on an even plane like yours. No stress on your mill bed and I just fling the strap out of the way for sawing. Your videos are really great Sandy. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing that Greg
Another good job and show thanks
I built the same thing only my bar is only 2ft long and you can hook the end of the rope into the bunk but make sure that the bar is tight in the bunk
Good idea Sandy with a little tweaking I'm sure you will have it exactly as it should be and make your life easier great video
I can appreciate your ambition. Harbor freight has a hand winch called "Portable worm gear hand winch" the gearing is a "worm gear" set up, it can not "unwind" on its own, thus is safer than accidentally losing your grip on a winding handle. Look up "65ford" on ytube and see how he welds a nut on the drive gear and uses his drill and a socket to lift the whole rear end of a car with little effort, just a thought, I use these type a lot, Good Luck with the mill.👍
The winch is great. I have a few of these. I’m building the shelters for my 126 in the spring, and I can see sloping the entire roof away to one side is a must. It doesn’t look as nice as your “Salt Box” double slope, but Hopefully this will put the snow to the unused side and I can forget about it. The wood storage/drying can be parallel to the cutting shelter, staggered enough for the log in-feed, and sloped the other way.
today golden bottle, super sandy!!
Hi buddy how are ya? Sure looks cold there!! Glad to see you are well! I have a winch on my sawmill it’s the only way I can get logs on the trailer deck. Sometimes I’ll use my quad with a rope wrapped around the log if it’s a big one. I have my winch wrapped the other way so when I’m using it, I’m pushing the handle away from me, works better for me cuzz I’m old and have a bum shoulder. As always thank you so much for sharing all ya do. You are our sawmill guru.
I’m doing well thanks. Think the winch idea of mine needs a little refinement but will come in handy from time to time for sure
Hope all is well!
@@sawingwithsandy we are well. I’m hoping to get sawing soon been doing a lot of storm damage clean up. The snow has melted some now I can find the logs hehehe. I love making lumber and slabs. Out here in Kaliforniastan a 2x4x8 is $6.48 that’s crazy money!!
Have all the stuff I need to do this! Only difference is I think I'll bury a pipe in the ground and drop my square tube down that. Thanks so much for this video and I hope you're having a good day! ❤🇺🇦
I think that idea of yours may be a better one than mine. Thanks again!
If you want center it up. Take another spuare tube that bigger than your winch one. And weld it to a flat pc and screw it to your floor. Hopefully there a beam under there. Myself I rather have that give than have to resquare the mill or replace the track. Specially if and if you get a sticker that catches on you.
Always good watching your videos bud, it gives me so much foresight into anything I do for my mill. Next stop for me is a shed for my mill. The elements are killing it. Keep safe buddy.
That's great to hear! Glad you enjoy the channel. Happy to have ya
Just bought a Lewis Winch post hole digger and chainsaw motor just like the one you showed me, Hope it works as good for me.
Right on Frank! Works well for me. I"ve got plans for the post hole digger real soon actually. Hope all is well and thanks for watching
Great video😁from Fl .
Thanks Sydney!
I got the winch when I bought my HM130MAX. It's still in the box. I positioned my mill at the bottom of a gentle slope. If I can't lift the log on the bed with my tractor, a couple 8' long 4x6 run our from the frame gives me about a 2 degree up slope from the ground. I kow can roll a 9 1/2 foot, 24" diameter cherry log up on the bunks with just my cant hook 'cause I just did it last weekend. I'm sure I'll find a use for the winch too.
Clever use of materials on hand, hope it works out for you.
I made a log winch exactly the same way for my WM 122. Works great, Thanks for sharing yours.
Sandy you can always run a strap from the top of the winch rod to the building to stop from twisting your mill. This is a good concept but I can see plenty of tweaks that would make it easier.
Try moving your winch to the outside lower wall of the sawmill wall. When you do that, it will still pull the log in but you wouldn't have to remove it from the mill every time you start to saw.; unwrap the line from the log and finish reeling it in to secure the end. You could easily clamp it to the wood on the side as built. I would consider putting in a lower L-brace at the bottom so your 2x2 pole could just sit on it, and that would alleviate you having to use a pinch bolt to hold it in. There wouldn't be any strain on the shelter other than the u-braces to slide mount the 2x2 steel pole at the base. Lag screws could be used to bolt the brackets/braces in, but I would say through-bolts with Nylock nuts and washers would be better. You can also remove the 2x2 pole when/if needed for cleanup.
I personally have the Woodland Mills winch system and having to remove it every time you get ready to cut can be bothersome over a full day. Your setup is essentially the same as the Woodland Mills set up, but making the winch remote from the mill's rails would make it easier on you, the operator. Just an idea worth considering. I have my log arch set up so it accepts the winch from Woodland mills, and I can use it remotely to load logs out with my RTV. Win-Win.
One more note: (1)Run the cable out, (2)under the log, then (3)over it and back to the winch; then hook it to the pole with any number of options before you begin winching.
Thanks I appreciate you sharing that!
@@sawingwithsandy I'd like to make a correction to the steps above. In steps two and three, I said "UNDER" the log and back over the top, what I realized is it should start over the top and come under the log to winch it to the mill bed. The rest I still stand by, however.
MM77 Approved 👍🏼👍🏼
You could put a vertical post against the out side of the deck to the rafter beam for a permanent mount and a hook to the other side of the deck to hook your cable to from under the log. Then when the log rolled on to the deck you could just leave the tail of the cable hanging on the winch out of the way of your milling.
also, if you wrap your line once around the log, it'll cinch and roll rather then slip when one of your nubs digs in. I'm with everyone else, externally mount the winch and attachment point. Keep in mind rolling the log as opposed to sliding it up will become more critical or risk dislodging your mill
Not real fast but way easier on the back, that is the important part. The older I get the smarter I work. Will save you climbing up and over the big logs.
Very true
tHanks for your video!
Sawmilling is one of the greatest hobbies. I've designed a log arch out of scrap and had it welded up. Fun filming it too
that's on the to do list for sure. Nice log arch would be handy
@@sawingwithsandy They are great fun to make. Not overly complicated and before you finish the first one...you realize you may need two anyway!
When I come up with all my [great] ideas, 😉 it's all about making it easier for me and safer. The hook on the end of tow line came to mind and maybe not having to remove winch out the way all the time. Just had to throw my 1/2 cent in there, what you are doing seems to make it smoother operation always thinking. Top of the day to ya. 😀
I like the idea of not having to move the winch. May have to do this for the next revision
Great idea Sandy!! However - if it were I, - I would consider mounting the winch to the pole on the building as opposed to the mill. Luv your channel, - long time subscriber. stay safe, regards Dennis
Seen a couple of guys adapt the handle so they could use a drill to power their winches and put the rope under the log when running it... great easy way to save your back though 👌
Just a suggestion, take the handle off the winch and weld a nut to the shaft. Then use your electric drill driver to do the work for you. Great vids, thanks Sandy
Think this would make life a lot easier!
As you arrive with your tractor uses your loader to break the logs loose from the ice on log deck may help. Enjoy your videos keep the good work going.
Simple but will probably be best idea
Good Idea Sandy 💛
Thanks Bruce!
Morning Sandy! Why not mount the winch to the floor joist face, that way you don't have to remove it when you mill. Just a thought from a fellow "outside of the box" scrap builder. Cheers from Peterborough.
I think this is the way to go now that I think of it for sure
I would just put a wood post on the outside of your building and attach the winch to that. Then you can line everything up with center and you won't be having to remove the whole thing each time. Plus you won't have to worry about damaging your saw mill rail.
Think so too
If you shorten the post it would put less stress on the bracket
Sandy, what about if you place a 1.5 inch square hole in the deck, or better yet, a pocket on the rim joist of the building to place the winch post. You could align it where you need it and it wont be torqueing on the mills rails. Just a thought.
Weld up a bracket to mount to your floor. Put it where you want to then.
I also have a lot of "Eureka" moments as I lie in bed in the morning. I've solved a lot of issues by just thinking things thru.
another support post right where you need it with the winch bolted to it should do. that way saw frame couldn't get bent.
I think so!
Nice idea but I wouldn’t risk your sawmill base. Maybe bolt a post to the outer edge of the structure supported to the floor and roof
I agree on second thought
I'd like to see the winch stay where it is and you cut the log. I think you should take it out and store it in the corner when you take the 'rope' off the log.
New project for you this summer, build roof over your log deck
I hear ya there Greg
Looks awesome there eh! was thinking if u had to could hook a ratchet strap to the top of ur post to help keep force off bed deck...
That would be an easy fix for sure. Thanks Denis
Love your channel Sandy.
To me it looks like you're into sawmilling for the rest of your life. Now would be a good time to order a new one with hydraulics. You won't regret it.
I've heard there is about a year and a half wait on them.
When it comes in you could already have a buyer lined up for your old one.
Actually that's a good point you brought up John. Big wait time.
As someone who does not own a sawmill, shouldn't the log deck, have a rough platform between the two carrying logs, to keep you out of the snow? Of course that means you'll have to shovel the snow off the "platform," but no more wading through the snow. Great video. p.s.: you could buy a hitch receiver and mount it vertically to the outside of the sawmill.
The only concern I have is when the snow and ice freeze to the platform it would then make a hump for the logs to have to roll over. I'm sure I could figure something out though to overcome that
Sink a post on the back side of your saw shack with your auger center it in line with your log deck if need be bracket it to the shack for side stability I did something similar for my dad only difference he took winch from my atv
That would work well!
Not sure how many projects you have on the go…. An idea would be to build a roof over the bed. You have the wood and it appears the room..anything to make cutting easier..
I have the log ramp system on my 126 ,with trailer,but I switched to a A.T.V. winch works great.
I like that setup!
What if you attach the winch to the top plate of the sawmill shed itself? That would eliminate the potential of stress on the sawmill and would allow you to better center the winch on the log rack. I am picturing the winch mounted to the underside of the top plates of the shed with a hook down on the rim joist of the shed for the ring on the end or your rope. In that configuration it could even be a bit more "permanent" so to speak.
I like that!
@@sawingwithsandy Glad you like the suggestion. It would be interesting to hear feedback if/when you try it.
You may be able to take the winch handle off and use a cordless drill or impact on the nut that holds the handle on to power the winch. If it works, you could tack weld the nut on to keep it from coming off in reverse.
I like that idea. Sure would speed things up
Kevlar Mule tape is awesome cable replacement. Doesn’t rot, 1800 pull strength.
I hadn't heard of it. I'll check it out
You said it Sandy. A hook located somewhere on that post. I am curious, can you leave the post in while sawing? It would be nice if you had an electric winch laying around but that would just add more work. Have good days!
Unfortunately the post contacts the saw
You don’t have to copy woodland mills set up. You could mount it permanently to the structure itself. You just have to remember to take the rope off before you mill.
Yeah that's true Allen
If you have length of scrap cable roughly the length of your log rack, try attaching it to floor area in the middle of your log rack with shackle at the end. Pull it out and come up from underneath the log your going to roll in. Attach winch cord to the shackle. Should be less work than pulling winch all the way out and back in and less abuse to winch cord.
Thanks for sharing the ideas!
Sandy ~ I enjoy your channel... ( a bunch ! ) It occurs to me that you shouldn't be attaching a winch, or anything else to your saw mill structure... You've got an entire structure to use ! Attach a 4X4 to the edge of your floor, and to the roof... ( at the center of your log pile ) Then mount the winch on the 4X4... You won't have a frame 'warping' problem, and it will pull better...
Think I may haver overlooked this like you mentioned. Will look at alternatives for sure. Thanks for watching Doug
Next video "Sandy installs a 12 Vlt electric Winch on the mill!!
haha could be
Sandy would it be good to bolt it to the wooden floor back to the out side out of the way of the sawmill then u wouldn’t have to remove it. So it want hert the saw bed love ur videos
I think that's a pretty good idea. In the spring I think I"ll make a few small changes overall. Appreciate your ongoing support of my channel. Great to have ya hear
Not a good idea using the log stop mount. Try mounting it to your deck or one of the roof posts. This will insure you don’t twist or break off the log stop or the rail. Just a suggestion.
I would attach the winch to the mill structure lieu of mill track. That way, you would not have to move it to saw.
That's a good point
I had to giggle a bit when you was trying to pull the wench post out and you didnt have enough slack
haha
I’m not liking this setup, it could put your tracks out of level and square, or even worst as you said, do damage on the bracket. Your setup might work better if your lumber shed was attached to the saw shed where the slab rack is, and move the slab rack to the left side of the mill on a 45 degree angle, that way it’s easy to pick the slab up and toss it onto the rack with out much effort. Bonus is you don’t have to deal with that walk way anymore. But hey to each his own.
I have actually considered the layout recently. Maybe things will move around once the snow goes
Oh man, cut 2 feet off that post and get it alot closer to your track. You have way too much moment arm for that track. Besides that, cool.
All that cranking looks like work and a half. Can your impact driver fit over the handle spindle?
I think I can probably rig something up
Sweet!!
Could I mount the winch to a post (eventually part of shelter) or would that not work? I have a woodmizer lx25 and no great spot on the mill to mount the winch...
Hi Lucas, I think that would work without issue
You could always fix it to the shed itself
Think this may be a more permanent solution for sure
Why not secure the winch to the building post so as not to put pressure on the mill?
That should save on the back a little bit
Yeah I think so too
Didn’t you have a chainsaw winch set up? For pulling trees? If so maybe look into setting that up to the frame work of the building or add a post to building for it.
I do have the Lewis Winch and thought orginially about using that but then thought this may be a simpler solution but maybe I"ll look into the chainsaw winch one more time.
@@sawingwithsandy if you don’t use it much it’s one way to burn some fuel in it also save on the winching arm. Lol older we get the faster those shoulders wear out
Place I
The winch on a 4x4 in center of building
Why don't you get a chunk of 2x2x1/4 square tube and make a mount on the back wall of your building in the exact location you want it. Your winch will be out of the way while you mill and won't be putting a strain on your mill
Think that's a good idea Kenny
Hello from Finland 🇫🇮 what you have in thermos? How match snow there? HERE 50cm of snow and -9 celsius.
Coffee in the thermos. We’ve got around the same amount of snow I’d say
Move the winch post back to the edge of of the sawmill deck and bolt it to that. I feel the potential to mess up your level is too great .
Think I"ll have to do this. good idea
In the future you need to invest in a electric winch, hooked up to a battery.
Really enjoy your videos. But doesn't this take all the "sport" out of loading logs?
haha I guess so
looks like it's to slow I've seen you roll them fast than that
By the way; It's 70° F here today...
I sure could go for that!
It is obvious you are not southern American they follow the theory religiously work hard not smart.