Swingblade SAWMILL Build Ep.5 - Hard Stops, Motor Mount, Lift Cylinder

This time I'm building a circular swingblade sawmill from scratch. The function of the mill is in its name - the blade swings 90 degrees making it possible to cut both ways while moving the carriage up and down the log resulting in dimensional lumber in one pass. I built a chainsaw mill ten years ago and milled lumber that I used for my cabin / sauna house project. Then I built a bandsaw mill five years ago and used the cut lumber to build a partition in my barn I currently call my workshop. Both of them worked great, bandsaw mill was faster than chainsaw mill for sure. But I think I can make an even faster mill and swingblade sawmill in my opinion is just what I'm looking for. There are different types of swingblade sawmills, one type utilizes a railway system where the saw carriage rides on rails so both rails are in the way when loading the logs. I want to build a beam-type mill where the saw carriage is suspended on a beam over the log that sits on a couple of wedges so it doesn't roll off while cutting. There will be no need to clamp the log down. Cut depth and width adjustments are all going to be made on the sawmill beam end frames. And to top it off - it will basically be a portable sawmill due to its build properties but I think it's only going to sit in my yard regardless of the portability.
In this video I'm messing around with the gas cylinder that helps to ease the swing motion and I'm fabricating hard stops for the horizontal rails etc. Hard stops will prevent the sawblade from hitting the ground when the sawmill gets lowered to the ground. The beam will hit the hard stops before the blade hits the ground so I don't have to worry about it when milling lumber. I swapped the smaller 4kW motor to more suitable 5,5kW motor that'll be more sufficient for the blade diameter I'm running (546mm/22"). I've been "sitting on" this custom order circular blade for almost two years now and I can finally work on this dream. I'm gonna try and use basic tools like angle grinder as much as possible (except lathe) so I'm gonna enjoy this project even more. I hope you will too!
This sawmill build is based on www.turbosawmill.com "Manual Mill" design and it is patent pending.
Swingblade sawmill build series: • Swingblade Sawmill Build
My other videos: kzbin.infovideos
Support me on: / donndiy Follow me on: / donndiy
#donndiy #homemade #sawmill
Welding equipment borrowed from Spetselektroodi AS, Estonia:
Fronius TransSteel 2700 welder
Optrel Crystal 2.0 Welding Helmet
Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP plasma cutter

[@DonnDIY]

The rest of this wingblade sawmill build series: kzbin.info/aero/PLkmF7FAZBzkWuunWOOh0zSzB1LllQdUKr My other videos: www.youtube.com/@DonnDIY/videos

[@DanKoning777]

Why this channel doesn't have double the subscribers than it currently has is beyond me. Even at 65 this inspires me to design/build something-so when I look back I wonder if I [and others my age] would have chosen differently if videos like this were available in the 60s/70s. Great video; and a 👍as always.

[@DonnDIY]

It's great to inspire! Thank you!🙏

[@horatiohornblower868]

If you are not a mechanical engineer, you deserve that degree without studying! Simply amazing how this contraption is growing apparently without any blueprint. That is the real engineering spirit!

[@DonnDIY]

I'm not a mechanical engineer even though I build such things.😬 I just hope this works.🤞😀 No blueprint indeed, I usually build with parts I can find at the homestead and otherwise source for cheap. This mainly dictates the builds as well.👍

[@iteerrex8166]

As Albert Einstein famously said, “imagination is more important than knowledge.” Plus, an engineering degree teaches lots of physics and math, which 90+% of the time is not used.

[@-Mike-69]

What ??? Physics not used in engineering ??? How do you calculate projected loads, center of mass. HP requirements, torque values ? You cant properly engineer anything without physics. You can, I suppose. We generally just refer to that method as "guessing"

[@the48thronin97]

@@-Mike-69 as an engineer, most of the physics stuff is baked into “rule of thumb” equations that are actually used. That is, if you’re even doing math at all, as most simulations these days are done on computers. If you can operate the programs and understand the basics of how forces work, you’re 90% of the way to an engineering degree. The rest is just practice and experience.

[@willwade1101]

You are the first in a long time that I've seen using a vernier caliper. Most people now days use a dial or digital caliper.

[@rjung_ch]

Can't wait for next week, thanks! 👍💪✌

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@vinceianni4026]

Hello Donn good job

[@yodasbff3395]

It is enjoyable watching how you figure out problems, your solutions are always top-notch. 👍

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you!

[@fercecfe]

Man is always good to see how amazing your projects are. I watch every single one of your projects and there’s no words on how unbelievable and amazing skills you have Donn. Shout out from Miami USA 🇺🇸

[@2ndamendmentammollc551]

I’m glad to see that he does not cover up mistakes I have been watching your videos for about 2 years thank you for keeping it real

[@DonnDIY]

🙏

[@wayupnort6271]

Always good to see “Mr.Chop” in action! 😁👊🏻

[@DonnDIY]

Yes! It eats up steel like nothing.👍😀

[@JJDN]

Good morning. I thought you had abandoned this project, I'm dying to see the final result, I really admire your projects... Hail Brazil..

[@DonnDIY]

I just took a break from it and other things arose that needed to be taken care of. Let's finish this project now.👍

[@MHPloni-kl5ec]

The captioned comments really help me follow along. Thanks!

[@ivanrashin2430]

Your workshop is the dream of millions of people!!! The sounds of your workshop can be heard all over the planet!!!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Crewsy]

Looking good Donn. I had to remind myself that the webbed rails you have were only made for the fabrication stage and a new one will be made to cut the log length you want to be able to cut. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@DonnDIY]

Yes, the beam will be at least 6m/19ft long, more likely 8m/25ft.

[@kenwood8665]

Thanks for another amazing video.

[@carloskawasaki656]

Awesome, another great video, i like your project , thank you for sharing and i learn a lot, always a pleasure watch your project👍👍👍👍

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you for watching.🙏

[@PAINFOOL13]

Almost forgot about this build .Nice Donn 👍🏻👏

[@DonnDIY]

Yup, let's finish it this time around.👍

[@PAINFOOL13]

@@DonnDIY dam right ✅️ lol

[@whatever2575]

finally new episodes!!! i really thought this blade killed you lol

[@DonnDIY]

You might want to turn on the notifications for this channel so you don't miss new episodes.👍😛

[@alanatkinson9364]

So glad to see the continuation of this project 🎉🎉😂😂😅🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 hoorah

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers man, I'm also happy about getting it done myself.👍

[@thearrowheadwoodsman3811]

Watching this build !! Love this! I think if it was me, I think I would make some sort of a temporary blade just for working on this during the build, both for your safety and the safety of the blade. Nice work !! Cheers !!

[@DonnDIY]

Absolutely. I walked by a carbide tip at the ankle level and thought that this will end badly. 😀 I'll have to figure out a temporary guard.

[@Jeremeusz]

God thanks. I’m waiting for this project whole time. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@DonnDIY]

Sorry for the delay, personal business and a beat up amphibious vehicle took up some time. 😀

[@george8873]

Was hoping you'd get back to this. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@DonnDIY]

I was hoping to get back to it as well.😀

[@billgolcher2537]

great job

[@orangepickel2]

Return of the swinging blade 😄; always remember there is nothing greater than an idea that's time has come!😊

[@DonnDIY]

Yes!🙏

[@erikhoglund666]

Great to watch the next episode on this series 🎉

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Looking good Donn, good to see you back after the swing blade saw. Stay safe and have fun too. Fred.

[@curtism7203]

Uphill welding? I must have entered a different dimension! 😄

[@AW-Services]

Great progress Donn. Keep up the amazing work

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers man! I always want to get more done. Working toward getting more efficient timewise at the workshop. (Y)

[@JACKHAMMER82A1]

Its Been awhile, but glad you're back on this project

[@DonnDIY]

It sure has!

[@Einherjar_17]

Awesome project, thank you very much for sharing it, all your videos are incredible.

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you for the supportive feedback!

[@yohanferrato668]

Super boulot comme d habitude

[@Bundys]

Progress is great! Enjoying the build.

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers!

[@onetransmission7871]

There must be at least 25 companies selling sawmills. Decent mill runs maybe $12,000 to $20,000 and some manufacturers have quoted me 8-12 month wait. They even said demand is so high you can buy a mill, complete your project, and sell it for as least as much as you paid for it because people don't won't to wait a year to buy new. Don't sell yourself short. Take a survey and see. You might be surprised.

[@DonnDIY]

That's crazy!

[@sobol152]

Просто красавчик!!! Один из лучших самодельщиков, главное все что не смотрел все без лишней болтовни!!! респект тебе 👍👍👍👍👍

[@valterventura6256]

Seu trabalho é top

[@manoelgfarias2035]

Thank you my friend

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@CorwinBos]

Ive been waiting for this one to make its comeback Great project!

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers man, so have I.👍

[@aserta]

Outside other considerations, i wonder if it wouldn't have been better to use a constant velocity joint (like in a Jeep Wrangler) to directly feed the motor to the shaft and put the motor at an angle, such that it misses the log, with the CVj's aid. You can buy them online and if they work for cars, they'll work for saws.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Genius

[@user-ww8ti1gs8t]

19.33 Две секунды градуса? Не пойдëт. 😊 шутка. Спасибо за Вашу изобретательность и за то, что нас сподвигаете к действиям.

[@Farm_fab]

Some time ago, I bought a 560 mm carbide tooth saw blade that has a 22 mm arbor and it was direct drive, and switched from x to y axis. This was a serious duty piece of forestry products cutting equipment, and also had an ink jet printer to marks the manufacturers name and date of if manufacture. It was all scrap, and earlier this year, another one came in and was cut up.

[@MrElBenno]

Long wait of this project, Don, how can you do this to me :D cant wait for the next video! Stay heakthy!

[@DonnDIY]

Yup, long wait for me too. 👍

[@president2]

Love it keep it up as always 💘

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you!

[@robertkeime4907]

Great video

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks man!

[@thestreets5206]

Superb workmanship as always, the motor will certainly need some more support, one 3x3 box section will not support for long . But I guess I'm getting ahead of myself, and you've already got this built and working perfectly in your mind 👌👏🙌💪👍👍👍👍

[@DonnDIY]

Hey man, no worries. It'll have more support once everything is clearing everything when swinging. I'm gonna start working on it tomorrow again. (Y)

[@opendstudio7141]

I’m pleasantly surprised you decided to tackle this puzzle so soon. I can see why you didn’t use a concentric planetary drive spindle. Even salvaged, they are really expensive.

[@davidguimaraesgto]

Excelente profissional

[@user-ge5ju9qx4u]

Вподобайка.

[@felipequintinoo9507]

Ancioso para ver o final desse projeto!

[@DonnDIY]

👍

[@felipequintinoo9507]

@@DonnDIY Tem previsão de quando termina de construir e postar o outros videos?

[@alasdairhamilton1574]

Lathe could do with tidying, there’s no more room for swarf.😜.👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@DonnDIY]

👍

[@mata9154]

No saame näha ... 😀👍🤘

[@DonnDIY]

No ikka!👍

[@09FLTRMM77]

MM77 Approved 👍🏼👍🏼

[@jimsvideos7201]

I might be late with this, but once you get belts and a guard onto the pulleys you might be just about perfect with the original mount for the gas cylinder. I look forward to seeing how it works out!

[@DonnDIY]

You're right, but the mounting spot it had made the gas strut to bottom out before getting to 90 degrees. It had to be re-done in that sence.

[@pvk6665]

Jälgin huviga!

[@DonnDIY]

Üritame siis seekord valmis saada.🤞

[@hidhshsj123]

Been waiting for this

[@samuelb6960]

It seems I'm not the only one to use scraps of cardboard for notes.

[@dav1dsm1th]

I think I'd have tried to go direct drive, which would have allowed the carriage the same range of movement. The motor would be further from the blade pivot (unless the blade shaft was shortened to some extent) - but your gas strut is already overpowering the motor's weight. I'm sure there's a reason this wouldn't have worked that I'm missing... Looking forward to seeing it in operation. Thanks for the videos.

[@Crewsy]

Since his pulleys aren’t the same size I’m taking a wild guess and saying it’s blade RPM. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@aserta]

19:07 for future reference, there's online calculators meant for the rear windows/doors of cars. You input the swing, size (i think weight as well) and the type of strut you have and it outputs the exact spot where you need to put the ears such that it locks where you need it, and easily moves past the line when you want to move it to rest position.

[@DonnDIY]

Yup, I saw those graphs and calculators.👍

[@mtbmaniac25]

I was afraid you gave up on this project, glad to see it continue! I'm currently in a similar situation as you were before your first sawmill - have land with trees, and I need timber, so thinking about making or buying a chainsaw mill (like a logosol F2), seems very doable for my skill level. I'm just worried about how slow milling with a chainsaw is going to be. Should I be worried? Or is it that having my first mill and the joy of making my own timber is going to wash away(with sawdust) all my worries? A swingblade looks awesome (and way out of my legue), fast cuts, and no having to constantly move a heavy log, can't wait to see it cut!

[@DonnDIY]

I sort of did give up on this project temporarily - had to deal with other stuff and then saw the 8x8 Argo auctioned off and just had to get it. Having your own sawmill is super great. Well worth the investment. If you're worried about the speed of chainsaw mill here's a video of the one I built: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqHVf6GDq6-ie9U The joy of making your own lumber will outweigh the work and money put into building one. 👍 If you're worried about swingblade being too complicated then I can assure the bandsaw with it's hundreds of moving parts and that scary band wooshing around waiting for flying off the band wheels... 😀 I've had that happen to me once. 😬 And the log handling as well. I like the fact as well that with swingblade you don't have to rotate thr log and handle the material several times.

[@welshdave5263]

5:22 That's not blood, it's community guidelines safe, strawberry jam 😂

[@DonnDIY]

Yes😀

[@johnkelly7264]

At 2:44, what cutoff wheels do you use? They look metal and seem to cut really well.

[@DonnDIY]

I'm using Bahco cutting discs, 125 mm in diameter. Best discs I've used so far, cut well and last long.

[@user-dg4cc9ut8l]

HELLO FRIEND THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEOS, WHERE DO I BUY THE CLOSING SHEET? GREETINGS

[@gettuff2]

Check out the Peterson mill made here in NZ. Don't try and swing the weight of the motor. It will tire you out when working it.

[@DonnDIY]

If the Peterson mill you're referring to is Turbosawmill then you should know that it's the main inspiration behind my own swingblade sawmill build.👍

[@DonnDIY]

Yup, I'm trying to counterbalance the weight of the motor with the gas strut.

[@gettuff2]

Just putting my two cents worth in. I'm sure you will make it work. They are a good mill. Peterson put a lot of thought and experience in to them. It's an inspiration to see you going through the process of building a complicated machine. All the best.@@DonnDIY

[@ivanpolishchuk]

👍👍👍

[@saeedmahdi1465]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@tedbastwock3810]

This is fantastic, glad to see you back in this series. What is the rating on that gas cylinder? I was considering buying some to handle a 52 pound object for a project, but ended up going for a different solution, partly because it wasn't very critical and those things weren't as inexpensive as I had hoped, and because I didn't fully understand how strong of a gas cylinder I did or did not need. After all that, was neat to see yours pop that 80 pound motor plus the swinging frame back up with ease 😄

[@DonnDIY]

The gas strut is 1900N, which roughly equals to 190kg/380lbs. I had this gas strut around since 2020 so I finally find a place where to use it. I have no idea how much these cost, I got mine for free.

[@tedbastwock3810]

@@DonnDIYNice, thank you

[@user-xs9vp1rv8i]

👍👍

[@iffonackerman5241]

👍👍👍!!!

[@jw200]

"SAW X" filmile väike equipment? 😃

[@vladzaha4169]

👍

[@youreright3664]

Good to see you back on this project. Draws blood, then puts gloves on... Could you not have raised the feet and put the motor directly beneath the drive shaft? Rather than extending the carriage.

[@DonnDIY]

It's possible but it would change the geometry of the beam and basically the whole saw.

[@user-cz1pj4kb8k]

👍👍👍👏

[@rosbifke915]

I haven’t yet figured out how this thing is supposed to work exactly, but i do know it looks fcking terrifying.

[@DonnDIY]

The blade swings 90 degrees making a horizontal cut one way and vertical cut the other way. Both cuts meet up in the log resulting in dimensional lumber.👍 The beam where the carriage is on will be at least 6m/18ft long, currently it's only 1m/3ft.

[@kugelbrot7576]

@@DonnDIY i was wandering, how in the world is this going to work since the gantry is so small but if its going to be 6m wide it all makes sense. Great seeing you work on it again. 👍

[@chickenburger7923]

It blows my mind how you get away without drilling pilot holes?

[@DonnDIY]

Starting to drill gently. Otherwise it'll start to walk.

[@gregsommer5805]

ever consider mounting motor on top with 90 degree bevel gear to couple to blade shaft?

[@DonnDIY]

Yes, but it would add more complexity. And I don't have a 90 degree gearbox...😬😀

[@AntonioM.696.]

🤘🤠

[@toxicbu]

question why didint you just make it direct drive

[@DonnDIY]

Direct drive would've needed a 3000 rpm motor and a completely different geometry of the beam. I went with what parts I had and built around that.👍

[@toxicbu]

o okay , i understand

[@user-rl2mu1ub2g]

Good afternoon Donn. I also have a similar sawmill. Please tell me the article number or model of the saw blade.

[@DonnDIY]

It's a custom blade from nook.lv

[@NikolaiBorjeski]

How many sawmills are wood processors have you made?

[@DonnDIY]

It's a third sawmill I've made. I've built a chainsawmill and bandsawmill before and now this circular swimgblade.👍I've built one wood processor and one wood splitter. I sold the sawmills and wood processor but I still use the wood splitter.

[@MultiBigDenis]

Could the moment from the engine bend the engine mounting pylon?

[@DonnDIY]

Hopefully not.🤞

[@MultiBigDenis]

I would also make the pylon more symmetrical from two pipes and there would be four mounting points..

[@user-zu5so2is5q]

🤗😏🤓👌👍

[@jubiletabustamanteserrano2446]

interesant PERO EL MOTOR TIENE POCA SUJECION

[@oldpacha]

Why didn't you put a 90deg gear box ?

[@DonnDIY]

I didn't have one.

[@vondrak65]

I'm sorry, but the tilting mechanism ... it shouldn't have tilted to the side ...??

[@DonnDIY]

It should and it must. The gas strut just helps to lift the 37kg motor.

[@user-dz8bs6no8z]

Здравствуйте,для чего сей аппарат?

[@DonnDIY]

For sawing timber.

[@Svendus]

@Donn DIY You got a 7,5 kw engine now ❓

[@DonnDIY]

5,5kW instead of the previous 4kW. The blade manufacturer also recommends 5,5kW.👍

[@Svendus]

@@DonnDIY i think you easily can get 10Kw 20 A from that motor

[@onetransmission7871]

Do you sell plans?

[@DonnDIY]

I do have various blueprint sets available at youshouldbuildit.blogspot.com but not for this swingblade yet. I'm still working on this project and figure things out as I build stuff. Blueprints are usually secondary.😀

[@dongo489]

Szia magyar felirattal szeretnék, jó a videó

[@dominictramonte2687]

I was wondering what happened to this build. I thought you hit a slick spot and couldn't make up your mind, or were waiting on parts or something.

[@DonnDIY]

Both this and that. And some other stuff in addition.

[@dominictramonte2687]

:-)@@DonnDIY

[@fred-san]

coolcoolcoolcoolcool... OTYKEN

[@robertmailhos8159]

Ummm anit got no gas in it lol 🤣 nice looking 2 position Saw Mil that you are building.don d.i.y

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers!

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@DonnDIY same to you donn.d.i.y👍💪

[@user-me7ef2ug4u]

🌏🤝🛠️เป็นกำลังใจใหครับ🍺🫶🇹🇭🙏❤️

[@ramirocuentas5999]

7 monts waiting 😢

[@DonnDIY]

I know, sorry about that!😬😀

[@user-qq2ew9dp5f]

Привет друг ты где то пропал

[@gettuff2]

It doesn't look wide enough...

[@DonnDIY]

Not wide enough in the sence that the beam is too short? Yup, the current 1m/3ft beam is for mockup, the real beam will be at least 6m/19ft long.

[@gettuff2]

After I commented I thought as much. You're too savvy for such a mistake.@@DonnDIY

[@juhavirkkala6614]

Onko mr. Chop saanut uudet hampaat? 😃

[@DonnDIY]

Jaa!😀👍

[@peterelwert5598]

Haben Sie gedacht Holzvergaser zu bauen?🤔🤔🤔

[@DonnDIY]

Ja!

[@peterelwert5598]

@@DonnDIY Kas vajate ehitusplaane, eriti põlemiskambri mõõtmeid?

[@user-me6yp2fc6r]

Когда будет серия с ампутацией ног😁

[@tom5051666]

doesn't the extra bearing to support the motor, seriously reduce the travel of the saw carriage?

[@DonnDIY]

I can compensate the added length of the carriage with added length to the beam when I start building the beam.

[@tom5051666]

@@DonnDIY cool

[@PeterNetped]