Need advice cutting log slices

[NCJim]

My wife wants some edge live edge log slices for craft projects. I tried to cut some on my 12” DeWalt miter saw. I cut a couple but one kicked out and scared the bejeebies out of me. Any suggestions on how I can cut these safely? Maybe some type of jig to hold the log? I watched a video on doing this using a “Little Ripper” but I don’t want to buy a $300+tool for a onetime project.
PS: I want to cut 3"-4" slices

 

[JRedding]

Chain saw and belt or disc sander? I did some like that for my wife, with about 8” diameter and 2” thick - disc sander was easier for flattening.

 

[creasman]

I'll sell you this for $45. Good for the heart and no kickback. Does require sharpening.

 

[Berta]

A long, long time ago I saw someone, somewhere post about screwing a flat board to the bottom and side of a log to make it stable for cutting on a bandsaw. be extremely mindful about where the screws are and remove the ones getting anywhere near the blade. Sounded plausible to me.

 

[Howie]

My wife wants some edge live edge log slices for craft projects. I tried to cut some on my 12” DeWalt miter saw. I cut a couple but one kicked out and scared the bejeebies out of me. Any suggestions on how I can cut these safely? Maybe some type of jig to hold the log? I watched a video on doing this using a “Little Ripper” but I don’t want to buy a $300+tool for a onetime project.
PS: I want to cut 3"-4" slices

Resaw/Bandsaw maybe a member in your area.

 

[NCJim]

I'll sell you this for $45. Good for the heart and no kickback. Does require sharpening.

View attachment 214448

Thanks for the offer---if it don't have a motor, I don't use it LOL

 

[Gotcha6]

Thanks for the offer---if it don't have a motor, I don't use it LOL

But that saw not only builds furniture, it builds character.

 

[Josh Bryie]

I'm with JRedding. Chainsaw, battery/electric or gas powered either way, and then use a sander. If it's small enough, you can run it through planer. No kickbacks that way, but you'll spend a little more time getting it smooth. That's how I do mine. I specifically bought a battery powered chainsaw for live edge slabs and ripping pallets down.

 

[NCJim]

I'm with JRedding. Chainsaw, battery/electric or gas powered either way, and then use a sander. If it's small enough, you can run it through planer. No kickbacks that way, but you'll spend a little more time getting it smooth. That's how I do mine. I specifically bought a battery powered chainsaw for live edge slabs and ripping pallets down.

Thanks Josh

 

[awldune]

If you are using a miter saw, they must be very small logs/branches? A bandsaw is the way to go. For a log that is very small and very short, a chainsaw will be difficult.

IME messing with milling small logs, it is often worthwhile to first make a flat spot on the log with a handheld power plane or a scrub plane. This makes it easier to make a straight cut and makes the log less inclined to roll.

 

[kelLOGg]

If it is big enough for my sawmill to hold tightly I will cut that free if the drive from Randleman is OK for you. Send me the dimensions if interested.

 

[NCJim]

If it is big enough for my sawmill to hold tightly I will cut that free if the drive from Randleman is OK for you. Send me the dimensions if interested.

Thanks for the offer Bob. I just have three logs 5" dia, x 12"lg. that been aging in my shop for over a year now. I think I will make some kind of jig to cut them with my miter saw.

 

[kelLOGg]

OK, that's best. Too small for a mill.

 

[pop-pop]

I think I will make some kind of jig to cut them with my miter saw.

You just need a small board tangent to the bark fastened to one end to keep it from rotating. Then go to the nearest bandsaw. Rip a nice flat on the log and you’ll have a reference surface.

IMO, trying to use a mitre saw for essentially ripping a roundish object is very scary.

 

[bob vaughan]

How about a crosscut cradle on the band saw? Cutting round stock does require the stock to be secured in a cradle for best results.

 

[NCJim]

How about a crosscut cradle on the band saw? Cutting round stock does require the stock to be secured in a cradle for best results.

My band saw is a 9" and will not take more that a 5" log non have the power to cut it. But maybe a "cradle type jig may work on the band saw to keep it from rolling?

 

[NCJim]

Thanks to all who replied and gave me some advise.

 

[bob vaughan]

Dealing with side thrust loads on cylindrical stock is routine for the metalworking trade. Run a google search on the term: V Block

There may be some inspiration there for a make-do wood holding rig.

 

[farmerbw]

I cut logs/limbs in the 5"+ range on my 12" miter saw pretty regularly with no issues, or at least I did back when I had time to ww. I use a 4x4 stop block clamped to the fence to set my thickness so it's repeatable and it also helps with keeping the cut end "square" and stable while cutting. I have used a 1x2 screwed to the piece if it wasn't perfectly round to keep it from rolling/twisting while cutting.

This one is about 4.5"

Christmas Ornament

• farmerbw
• Dec 22, 2008

BJ's Preschool teacher

This was about 6" or so.

Maple Log

• farmerbw
• Sep 6, 2008

Nice and smooth and flat.

Maple Logs

• farmerbw
• Sep 6, 2008

Cut to length Maple Logs.

 

[golfdad]

I made a sled a few yrs ago to do such things on the band saw