Re: Steel Tube bender

"Bob La Londe"  wrote in message news:10nkvif$1g3b1$1@dont-email.me...
Oak isn't a bad idea, but I'd have to go get some.  I have lots of
aluminum.  As an alternative I do have some Mesquite logs I've been
saving, but currently no way to mill it into boards.
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No scrap pallets?
I bought this to see if it would be better than the simpler guide I was using to slab big logs to 21" width.
https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Chainsaw-Mill-Galvanized-Woodworkers/dp/B0C5BMT6ZQ?
Then I solved the problem with the simple guide and used it instead.
https://www.hud-son.com/product/boardmaster-chainsaw-attachment/?
It works even if the bar (20") is shorter than the width of the slab, the kerf guides the saw to finish from the other side after rolling the log a quarter turn. I assume you can roll a 2 ton log.
Its disadvantage is having to reposition the guide plank after each board, the slabs took only one cut per side. Having the slab cuts vertical made it easy to set the opposing side guides to cut parallel. The Alaskan mill needs a guide (ladder) only for the first cut, the rest key off the previous one. It's been useful to be able to cut boards and beams to any thickness, not just purchased sizes.
For slabbing clamp parts under the bar restrict capacity due to the shallow angle. I was able to drill through the bar sprocket pivot center with a carbide glass drill bit, to have only a countersunk screw head on the bottom side.
I used the normal firewood chain. Ripping chain is said to cut smoother but slower.
I asked a neighbor for help and told him all he had to do was sit on a stool and move a 2000 Lb log with one finger. That was easy with the log hanging above the sawmill track. He centered one end, I the other and then lowered it.