A CNC Resaw/Mini Sawmill Project

[Clockwork]

I adjusted the fence to track with the blade and the cuts came out perfect. No visable saw marks on any of the pieces. I think the constant velocity through the whole cut really helps. Light sanding and they're good to go.

Almost ready to try it with expensive wood.

[ger21]

How about some video? And what kind of bandsaw is that?

[Clockwork]

The saw is a Laguna LT18.

Everybody wants to see moving pictures. Perhaps in a week or two.

Need to do some experimenting with the G-Code. I'm currently using a path milling function that has a final bottom and incremental depth/pass. This routine retracts the Z Axis all the way to zero after every pass. Need to modify it so it only retracts enough to clear the blade.

[txcowdog]

Oh Man!!! That is so cool. You are an absolute genius. Congrats on such a fantastic machine. I would love to make something like that to handle 10' logs.

[Clockwork]

Thanks for the kudos.

Laguna Tools sells a accessory they call the "Timber Master". I got the idea to build my machine after looking at the video on their website. It's a manual feed machine that is expandable to accomodate long logs.

You can watch their video by clicking on the text at the bottom of this page:

http://www.lagunatools.com/index.asp...PROD&ProdID=47

It may give you an idea on how to build something that will suit your needs.

[txcowdog]

Thanks for the link. I think something could definitely come from that. I had never considered making a CNC sawmill. This was a GREAT idea.

Looking forward to more of your videos.

[blackbeard52]

Pretty Kool!!! Looks like you could chain drive the y and acheve a great 10 foot log extension

[Clockwork]

How about a chain drive garage door opener to move the log on the y axis. You could use the optical safety sensor to detect the end of the cut. It would retract on its own when the sensor is tripped.

I just installed a Genie DC screw drive opener. It retracts at 3X the speed that it goes down.

You would most likely need two synchronized stepper/servo controlled ballscrews to attach to the log (kinda like the video) and index its position for the next cut on the z axis.

[Clockwork]

Today I tested the machine doing what is intended for. Prepared blanks last night. I'm using poplar as a backing board. Between the backing board and the workpiece I glued drywall shim strips with wood glue.

The poplar can be reused after a couple of passes through the drum sander.

The slices are a little over 1/16 inch thick. They are perfect.

I had expected to have a few ugly surprises with this build but they didn't happen.

[DonW]

That's just to cool for words. Walnut?

[Clockwork]

Don

Yes the wood in the photos is Walnut.
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I think that most of the CNC movies on Youtube are boring. Mine is no exception. Didn't realize until after it was done that my dog wanted to get in the act.

The squeaking noise is coming from the sawblade - not the CNC components.

YouTube - CNC Resaw

YouTube - CNC Resaw

[DonW]

Nice doggie! That looks terrific. It's certainly inspiration for those of us who are thinking about how nice it would be to automate certain function in our shops. I do a ton of resawing, and that would be a great thing for me to do. Maybe someday!