Milling an Ash Log with a Simple Bandsaw Sled

In this video, I'll demonstrate how I turn small logs into usable lumber for small woodworking projects.
This is a piece of white ash that I found on the side of the road. I love finding pieces of timber like this, because you can often be surprised by what you find when you mill it up.
The sled I'm using to mill this log is a simple setup made of leftover pieces of MDF countertop fastened together using 3D printed 90 degree angle brackets. Three screws are used to hold the log into place while sawing.
You'll see in the video that this setup has its limitations. It's somewhat cumbersome to handle, it needs to be constantly supported while on the bandsaw, and you're limited to small logs. Fear not! I'm already working on a more "advanced" setup that I will be featuring in an upcoming video.
Despite these limitations, you can still get some nice pieces of lumber out of a setup like this. You'll see that one of the boards has a moderate amount of spalting to it. I'll be able to use this for some small shelving in the boys rooms, or process further to make some nice blanks for wooden pens.
If you have questions, constructive criticism, or feedback, let me know in the comment section!

[@mikekernan5388]

Beautiful spalting in that wood!

[@johndeggendorf7826]

Excellent video, bro. ✊ Elegant simplicity & precision…understand this bit, you can always get fancy as you go. Love that free floating sled…ride the side of the blade. A board (with a notch for blade) clamped to the table would give your jig something to ride against. 🤔 Thanks for the jig! ✌️🍷🎩🎩🎩

[@themoyersdostuff]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm tied up with projects and summer activities, but I'm hoping to post a sled upgrade soon.

[@TreDogOfficial]

I wonder if you could use large C-clamps instead of screwing into the jig every single time

[@themoyersdostuff]

That's a really good idea!

[@fredpierce6097]

Nice little stash and even some spalting!

[@themoyersdostuff]

Thanks! I have a large stash of hardwood logs that need milling. I'm actually working on a project that will allow me to mill a 5' long by 13" diameter log that will be featured in a future video.

[@SeanA88]

That's a nice setup. I'm gonna be getting into chainsaw milling soon, slowly buying what I need. I have a log that looks similar, I think it's blue ash but I can't wait to cut into it

[@themoyersdostuff]

I haven't delved into chainsaw milling yet, but might have to if I come across any larger logs.

[@SeanA88]

@@themoyersdostuff it can be expensive to start out but I bought a granberg mill on a black Friday sale and I found a stihl 660 for $500 on Facebook marketplace. I'm hoping to find a black walnut but my first slab or 2 is going to be trial and error so I can wait

[@themoyersdostuff]

That is awesome! I actually just got my first chainsaw but have never used one before. Going to be helping a friend mill up a large walnut next month and will start learning the ropes then. Let me know how that chainsaw mill works out for you!

[@anthonyfernandez1283]

Where did you get the fence?

[@themoyersdostuff]

It was included with the band saw.

[@TeamProsperity]

You gotta do that after each cut? Hmmmmmm

[@themoyersdostuff]

Not anymore! I have a new setup that I'm hoping to get a video uploaded in the next week or so. Stay tuned!

[@simpleagain1]

Safety first bro

[@Bob-en9sw]

What is the most affordable way to get a bandsaw big enough for this?

[@themoyersdostuff]

You might have some luck looking on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. The saw in the video can resaw up to about 14 inches. I've just about wrapped up a build that allows me to saw larger length logs without having to support them while cutting. I'm hoping to have the video up soon.

[@wm5994]

That's goofy having to screw and unscrew into the log every time.

[@themoyersdostuff]

Yeah, it's certainly not ideal. I couldn't think of a better way to secure everything while I'm picking up/putting down the jig. I have a new system now and should have a video of it soon!

[@oldschooldiy3240]

So inefficient....

[@kelmanadventures574]

He doesn't have a custom milling buisness...so for a hobbiest it doesn't need to be incredibly efficient he's making his own boards good on him. Ofcoarse he knows there are faster better ways out there but he uses what he has and makes some nice boards

[@themoyersdostuff]

Thanks for the kind words! This was my old way of milling. I have a new setup, and I'm constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency.

[@hleijendekkers]

What max saw depth should your bandsaw have to this?

[@themoyersdostuff]

My bandsaw has a max resaw depth of 13" (33cm). With the milling jig, I lose about 3/4" (1.9cm) from that depth when milling.

[@VaclavCesanek-zk7gn]

Makita lb1200