Woodturning - Workshop Wednesday! Making A Chainsaw Milling Station for Turning Blanks

Woodturning - Workshop Wednesday! Making A Chainsaw Milling Station for Turning Blanks
I needed to build myself a dedicated station to process wood into turning blanks and I came across a video by Woodturner Ky where he builds one that I like very much. The link to his video is below - he goes through the entire how-to process and has a material and cut list in the description.
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‪@woodturnerky8556‬
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[@rockinjuliescott]

Great video. Thank you so much for sharing! I will be doing this. Most of all, thank you for demonstrating it's use.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Julia! I am still quite happy with this, but I find I don't use the flat extension much cuz I haven't found a good way to clamp it with the clamps I have on hand - one of my friends installed a 1/4" dowel pin on the flat 2x4, drills a 1/4" hole into the bowl blank and uses it like a circle cutting jig to know the corners off. I have a decent sized bandsaw so it's not crucial for me. My only improvement is to extend the boards that form the V notch down further so I can hold smaller diameter logs.

[@glen3257]

I like your style, skill, and vibe. Like this video and glad you took the time to share. Happy to be a new subscriber. Glad your video showed up in my suggested and I look forward to catching up with your videos!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Glen, and welcome! 😃

[@pizzawarlord9232]

Very nice

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks!

[@rroberts8501]

Great stuff... this is precisely what I was looking for. Going to make one for me and one for a buddy I got into wood turning. Dont sell yourself short with the 'I cant cut straight with a chainsaw'... you did absolutely just fine.

[@LisaRamlow]

I find I don't use the flat part cuz I have a hard time securing the blank - I'm sure there are ways to rig up something but I haven't worked on it. I am also going to add a layer of 3/4" plywood to the V-part cuz it seems a lot of the logs I cut aren't quite big enough to catch securely so adding the plywood will extend the V a little lower and should be plenty strong enough for he smaller logs. My chainsaw skills are improving 😁

[@alh9327]

Good looking milling station that should be of great service for years! thanks! Cheers Al

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Al, I agree! replacing the cradle pieces will be easy, and I think even if I needed to replace another member of it I could do that. without much trouble. Thanks for watching 😊

[@AndysCornishCreations]

Hi Lisa... great project... much better than my old one ...nicely made ... great video... take care...All the best.....Andy

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you so much Andy!

[@texashula2213]

Well, this is 10 times better than a log on it's end with a "V" cut in the top of it. 🤣 ... I am sooooooo going to build one of these. Love the video Lisa! Thank you so much for making this. Very, very handy for sure. 🤘

[@LisaRamlow]

It’s awesome. I use the flat part less than j thought I would but I like the stability it adds 👍

[@AllenOxendine]

Nice, thanks for sharing. Full View and Like 👍

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Allen! So far it’s working out nicely!

[@mickhurley7305]

Great stand. I have an idea to improve it. Regarding the place where you put the piece after you cut it. Instead of one rest piece coming out the back, you have room for two with a gap between them, it would be more stable and allow you to cut them down the middle.

[@LisaRamlow]

That's a great idea - I honestly don't use that part much because I haven't been able to get a clamp to hold securely on that one 2x4. Perhaps some modifications are in order 👍

[@cattleNhay]

For small stuff like this a bandsaw is awsome

[@LisaRamlow]

Yep have one

[@tonyford5341]

It's much better then my modified Workmate.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Tony - I have an old Workmate and I tried it but just couldn’t get it to hold the piece still. This is a better height for me too. Working out good so far. Thanks for watching 😊

[@michaelthomas3616]

That should work for good while. Nice and simple. Thanks Lisa.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Micheal!

[@RickTurnsWoodturning]

Well done, Lisa - I like it.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Rick! I’m really happy with how it’s working for me so far

[@heidigresh2743]

So good to see another woman who enjoys turning. I will have to give my husband (shop maintenance Dept) these plans;)

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Heidi, thanks for watching! Speaking of that, I must take a day this week and do some shop maintenance of my own. It looks a bit like a tornado ripped through there and some of my tools need some TLC for sure 😬

[@firejaywin]

Perfect this is exactly what I have been looking for - Thanks for the link

[@LisaRamlow]

Quite happy with mine😁

[@YUSince]

Excellent 👍 🙏

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jimzehner7643]

I like it Lisa I think i will make one for my self

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Jim, thanks for watching. I’m super happy with it so far!

[@dtork47]

What a handy idea, thanks. You cut pretty straight I figure! Nice wood! Be safe.....

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi there, thanks for watching! You know after I said that I looked at those two cuts and thought huh, those aren’t too bad! 😂

[@TheConwoman3]

Good Job Lisa. That's really cool. You definitely are going to get a lot of use out of it.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Connie, thanks for watching. This may be one of the best shop-type things I’ve done, as far as being useful 😊

[@laurieschroeder6041]

Awesome workshop! And thank you for showing the mill in use!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Laurie! I’ve been collecting tools and stuff for over 20 years - it adds up. And then you run out of room 😂

[@jackmiyamoto5270]

Nice job! looks good and sturdy. Chainsaw cutting can be very unforgiving. be safe.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Jack, its quite sturdy and should give me years of service 😊

[@bluelineturnings5055]

Awesome work bench

[@LisaRamlow]

It is working out great!

[@hollyhbasting2048]

If I could hit 2 or 3 like buttons for this one I would. This is awesome.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Holly - this is really working out nicely 👍

[@hollyhbasting2048]

@@LisaRamlow can you tell me how many total 2x4's you used? Also, have you seen the videos on building a vertical milling station? I'm thinking I can build one as an add on to this station.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Holly - I honestly don’t remember but the video link in the description should have the cut list for materials. I’ve not seen a vertical one?

[@hollyhbasting2048]

@@LisaRamlow Check out John Heisz on KZbin he has a good video. Theres a couple others if you search for diy vertical chainsaw mill.

[@BBTurning]

Nothing wrong with a bit of over building. It makes it strong. That crotch bowl should be stunning. Shay

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Shay. Looking forward to getting this butternut finished up so it can dry.

[@WOODTURNINGBYBRANDSTRUP]

Great video, going to build one too 😀😀 Have a great day and stay safe 😀

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks for stopping by! I’ll be getting a lot of use from this!

[@billy19461]

Great build!

[@LisaRamlow]

I’m really happy with it so far!

[@helenburke9507]

What a great idea for yourself. It’s ok if you can’t cut a straight line. I can’t draw one !! Lol. Have a happy New Year. B safe.

[@LisaRamlow]

Happy New Year to you as well!

[@TournageDubois]

Love your channel!!!! Definitely need to build one of these for processing!!!

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi there! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the channel. I’ve been sawing blanks today and am so glad I built this stand, it’s making things much easier!

[@timmills5873]

What a pleasure to watch and listen to your commentary - thank you! ' must be nice to be ambidextrous with your drill and impact driver!

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Tim, thank you so much. I guess I hadn’t really noticed I use both hands - generally speaking I’m not much good with the left! 😂

[@jonsayre9404]

Great work in building your log cutting stand.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Jon. Ky made it super easy to replicate and I think it’s gonna work out really nicely

[@mrbodawg]

Great stand! Adds a lot to the safety of cutting logs.

[@LisaRamlow]

It’s a great design. I’m a lot more comfortable both in safety and ergonomics 😊

[@rayworstine4399]

Excellent!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Ray. I’m really happy with it so far.

[@richardleduc7447]

Nice stand looks like it might work for cutting up fire wood

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Richard, yes that too! I had a hard time finding plans kind of geared toward making turning blanks - most of what I came across was more for cutting firewood and didn’t have the piece to hold the flat stock, but had longer v-cradle so you could hold a longer log and cut it to length for firewood.

[@Banshee350speed]

Nice job 👍

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks! It’s working out nicely 😁

[@Banshee350speed]

@@LisaRamlow I made a similar one with a pallet for the base

[@louisjcharlett1070]

Cool. I need one too.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Louis, thanks for stopping by! I think this waould be helpful for just about anyone cutting their own bowl blanks.

[@TheOtherGuybo]

Very nice design and build. You may find that the lower joints (where you used four screws to attach verticals to the base) may fail over time. A single lag bolt (per 2x4) would make a good replacement, or even addition. Impressive demonstration of proper PPE. Thanks for posting.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Guy, thanks so much for stopping by! Agreed, I may need to reinforce some of the joints, etc - I followed Ky’s build plans pretty closely but I am the queen of overbuilding so will adjust as necessary. So far it’s working out really well. I do still need to get a large throated clamp to use on the horizontal section but aside from that I’m super happy with it. 😊

[@DiemenDesign]

Great idea, I need to make something similar for the same thing. Lately though, when I have a log to process I just cut it to the height of blank (Just above and below the Pith) with the Saw Mill, then buck them to length, kind of the reverse process of what your doing in the video, and also affords me the ability to cut a flat on the rounded side the easier mounting. Thanks for sharing Woodturner Ky, will check out his stuff, lol, another one to add to the many unwatched videos I haven't the time to watch, lol.

[@LisaRamlow]

I’m sure there are lots of ways to process wood for turning -I was glad to find Ky’s video as this design is working really well for me.

[@GTC1967]

That was an excellent video!! I think your cuts are great, especially since you're using an electric saw. Nice job!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Butch! The stand is working out nicely 😊

[@marcuswhite3628]

Good equipment making! I like your voiceover and reduction of tool noise. “Filed” for future reference. Marcus from Chesapeake VA.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Marcus, thanks for watching. I do try to lower the volume when there are big noisy things happening. Nothing worse than a sudden jarring blast of racket you’re not expecting 😂

[@pfreeman2732]

I'm only a year behind with this one... I'll catch you up yet! This is great. Putting the theory into practice is a really good feeling, especially when it works! By the time you read this, you'll probably have built half a dozen more... in different colours to marry up with the relevant woods to match. I love your commentaries. You never talk down to us. If you did, I'd fill the chainsaws with raspberry jam and look where that'll end up! Keep doing whatever you're doing... keep taking the tablets... you are so enjoyable to watch; a real tonic. Now, onto the next one...... Best wishes, Pam/UK. PS. Have you still got the 🐶?

[@LisaRamlow]

But of course! Bailey is about 4-1/2 and I , just got back from walking him after lunch. Now headed back to the shop to finish processing some sycamore, which is not the same as your sycamore in the UK, which is in the maple family. Just learned that last night! I’ve still got only the one chainsaw station, and it’s covered in wet sycamore shavings at the moment 😁

[@pfiltz]

Exactly what I've been looking to build. I've watched some of his vids in the past, just not this one in particular. I can usually get the log cut in half with no problem. Key word: usually. But those corners to nib off give me problems, since I don't have a band saw yet. Thanks for the heads up on the cutting station.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Philip! I’ve seen several of his too, and was really excited when I found this one. He did a great job of explaining and the materials cut list was super helpful. Love it so far!

[@pfiltz]

@@LisaRamlow Yeah, I've printed out his material list. Hopefully, I'll have one put together soon. ;)

[@valeriehenschel1590]

Sawing straight hint: Right hand on throttle controls vertical cut. Left hand controls horizontal pressure on the bar, so hold the handle low on the left side to keep firm pressure on the cutting bar reducing flex in the cut. I like this design better than what I built. Time for a new one! Thank you.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Valerie, thanks for stopping by and for the tips - I’ll practice them next time I’m making blanks!

[@mpart_woodlathe-stuff]

Nice tool you've made there Lisa. You think you overbuild? I overthink *and* overbuild. Stay safe. -Mike😷

[@LisaRamlow]

Ditto, Mike - overthink & overbuild. I figure it could be worse 😬

[@domingospedrobraga265]

Muito legal o suporte pra cortar tora parabéns 👏👏👏❤boa ideia é fica com Deus.

[@annettehalliday8892]

Lisa I am so not a “ turner” lol I just enjoy watching skill 👍👍👍👍

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Annette, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the videos. I watch all kinds of things I can’t or would never do - amazing to see what people are capable of! 😊

[@brianlovins1566]

I have been using a make shift cutting station with a pallet and I attached some 2x6 for the log to cradle in. I wasn’t able to see your shaving and was told to use a “ripping” chain blade. I had some older chains and instead of 35degrees I sharpened them to 15 degrees and the shaving are every bit of 2-3inches long and am able to cut 25+ logs without noticeable dulling . (I was using a regular chain w 35 degree and was dulling it super fast). You might be already going this route but wanted to share my experience. Thanks for sharing the setup!

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi there, thanks for stopping by! I’m pretty new to chainsaws so am using the stock Oregon chain, with whatever angle that is, and I don’t think it’s a ripping chain. I may need to upgrade to a larger saw so I’ll do a little research on the chains before I make any decisions. thanks for the tips 😊

[@medic472]

I don't think I could ever be a content creator. I barely have time to do the stuff I want/need to do, let alone do all the work related to making interesting videos. Thanks for sending this link. Question, how do you get your chains sharpened? I ask because it looks like part of the problem you are having with cutting straight has to do with your chain being sharper on one side than the other.

[@LisaRamlow]

This is probably only the second time I’d used this chainsaw so I’m sure part of it was my inexperience

[@STMwoodturning]

Pretty handy build! Now get a bigger chainsaw!!! 😅😅 I'm happy with the Echo w/ 20" bar I got at Home Depot but a Stihl or Husqvarna are the gold standard Stuart

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Stuart! Um, yeah. 20” would be ideal and depending on how things go I may end up having to buy yet another chainsaw 🙄 I try really hard to plan ahead and get what I need the first time but I totally bombed on this tool!

[@STMwoodturning]

@@LisaRamlow my best advice is buy the best you can afford, make it work as long as you can and upgrade as needed. Also, big saws can do small jobs but not the other way around

[@LisaRamlow]

MrTaco250 That is great advice. I’ll admit o was a little bit ‘scairt of a chainsaw bigger than 16” but I’m feeling a lot less wiggly about it now. I’ll make this one do until I can’t anymore and go from there 😊

[@laroseauxboisrosewoodwoodw8585]

Wow , can’t believe what ethernet can bring out of ppl !! 👏👏👏👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😱😱😱 This is just mind blowing , great idea 👍🏼🇨🇦

[@LisaRamlow]

I agree - you can learn to do just about anything from the interwebs!

[@pawslatheworks]

You drill mighty fast. ;) jk. Another great video.

[@LisaRamlow]

I normally don’t pre-drill when I’m using the self-cutting deck screws but the first joint I put together split the end of the board - I only had one extra 2x4 and figured I’d be mad about it if I split another piece so I should just be a good girl and pre-drill all the holes. If I’d have only used the impact driver to put them in it would’ve been SUPER fast! 😂

[@windwizard100]

Well I know what I'm building tomorrow.

[@LisaRamlow]

I highly recommend it! This is a great design - sturdy but not so heavy I can’t move it, does both logs and flats, and is right for my height. @Woodturner Ky did a great job on this and I’m so glad to have found it on his channel

[@JohnFerraro]

Lisa, Early in the video, what type of wood is on the second shelf? Multi colored logs, a couple feet away from your left shoulder at 0:22 into things. Thanks.

[@LisaRamlow]

Cedar. From a family member’s yard, so small diameter pieces.

[@JohnFerraro]

@@LisaRamlow it’s beautiful wood I’ve got some logs that I can’t figure out. They’re close, but different.

[@AffordBindEquipment]

I have been using a skip tooth regular chain on my electric chain saw. I just heard about a ripping chain for longitudinal cutting logs in half. They are supposed to do a faster better job. Anyone have any experience with ripping chains?

[@LisaRamlow]

I haven't tried them - I just try to be patient if I'm ripping or just be content to cut into end grain if need be and sharpen more frequently

[@AffordBindEquipment]

@@LisaRamlow Thanks for your resp0onse. All I can gather is that the rip chain gives a better finish than a regular chain. If it were faster, then would probably buy one but I haven't found that info yet. I have 3 LARGE pieces of olive to cut up and some eucalyptus that has probably sat 10 years in the sun. The olive is really amazing grain but it's major trouble getting it down to size it's so hard.

[@davo-h1t]

LR I need to build one. Would you suggest any changes or you still liking it just the way you made it?

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey Chris! So far I like it how it is - the only thing I would change and may yet still is the cradle for the noodling cut. It would be helpful for me to have the 2x10s extend down at little farther so the gap at the bottom isn’t so wide. Some of the logs I’m using aren’t huge diameter so after I cut one side of the pith for one blank the other side tends to want to fall though. I might just use some 2x stock and glue a piece of 3/4” plywood to the top and the ply can extend down an inch or so and that would be enough to make the gap a bit narrower. I also need to make a couple of wedge things so I can prop the wood up get it to sit right so I can cut it vertically and not all crooked 😂

[@gregmislick1117]

While you're getting the hang of the straight cuts... take a little time to do a little layout: 1)get vertical lines across the end of the log where you want the but to go - chalk is a good item to use, or a grease pencil, or other "rough lumber" marking item 2) Start the cut from both ends - on the end farthest from you you really only need the saw to start the cut at the top corner of the log - this gives you a visual for starting the long cut from the other end 3) When you start that cut from the near end you want to not go very deep at first, maybe an inch, at like a 30 -45 degree "up" angle so that the saw end ofyour bar is established on the vertical line you want, then roll it down to score the bark sighting along the tip and that small cut you made at the far end Now your cut line is established and you can go to town. I've also found that if you can maintain that 30 - 45 degree angle you get shorter chips and avoid that pile of spaghetti that builds up at the saw I cut through a 21" diameter x 21" long Walnut butt log and got a fairly even 7-1/2" thick slab out of it ( having a 32" bar may have been cheating, but the technique works) That first cut an inch or so at the near end long your line establishes your guide, laying the chain down the length a bit gives you that kurf to guide the left/right .. using the nibble at the far end gives you a target that doesn't vanish once the noise, vibration, and dust all start up and the color contrast between bark or outside of the log and the fresh meat inside is easy to see After you've done a dozen, you'll probably end up dispensing with the lines and even the far end nibble since you'll have established the feel of starting the cut and then following that initial kerf Nice set up hope you enjoy it.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks for the tips. Chainsawing is pretty new to me so I’ve got lots to learn 😊

[@goodguystu]

With the cost of wood today, May 3rd, that had to cost well over $100.00

[@LisaRamlow]

Good think I made mine last September! 😂 I think it took 4-5 2x4x8s

[@SteveAugust7]

I see you're using anchor seal 2. Have you tried the original and if so any thoughts on which is better? I've only used the original, but my local hardwood supplier is no longer stocking it. They only have the anchor seal 2 now. I've heard mixed reviews so I'm weary to switch from the original. Thanks and nice job BTW!

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Steve, thanks for watching! I’ve not used the original - before I bought this gallon I tried Titebond Yellow Glue thinned sown with water as some other turners have used, but it didn’t work at all for me. I’ve not noticed any staining or discoloring so far but I haven’t used a lot of it. I haven’t had the cracking issues I did with the glue so that’s a good thing!

[@lamarsmith7602]

Where can I find the plans and cut information that you mentioned during your video. Great video-Thanks

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Lamar, if you go to the Description section on Ky’s video linked below, he has the material and cut list there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4G0l313mZyqh5Y

[@emgiwoodworks]

Actually I built one based on the same design/video. After using it for more than one year now I'm not totally happy with it. Issues: When cutting out the pith, the blank wants to slide through the slit upon the second cut and you end up holding it in position with your sawblade. (I saw you doing that too, before finishing the cut on the floor.) I'm also having troubles clamping a blank to cut off the corners. The wood is moving on me when I do that under the pull of the chain. Maybe that's just my crappy clamps or I dunno but its not working too well for me. The worst issue is the balancing problem that occurs when you want to shorten a blank while it is laying in the V-cut. This makes the blank want to tip over under the pressure of the saw blade. Seems to me like you need to clamp it somehow but I haven't found a way that works. Nevertheless I hope you are happy with yours and if you have some tips on how you work around these issues I would be grateful. WT Ky doesn't seem to make video's anymore.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Leo! Following your issues with the stand. I found it holds the log in the v-cradle quite well if I go all the way through - it doesn’t bind the chainsaw bar which is what I was worried about. If I make both cuts on either side of the pith I won’t go all the way through and then just cut one side through. Finishing the last little bit on the ground isn’t a deal breaker for me, especially when you look at what I’ve been using 😂. I’ve not gotten back to my butternut so I haven’t had a chance to find more things that might need to be tweaked. I noticed that Ky hadn’t put anything up in a year