Homemade Log Milling Tutorial

Due to popular demand I have videoed my process of how I go about turning a small log into lumber.  In this sequence I am using a 6" diameter sycamore log, which is smaller than I usually do, but honestly it was the best log that was at the dump.  First I drive two screws into the side of the log to hold the log to the sled.  Note that I am using a scrap piece of wood as a spacer to lift the log up above the clamps that are holding the jig to the bandsaw table. 

When I build a new and improved version I will build the auxiliary fence wide enough so the clamps will not interfere.  This jig is made from old particleboard drawer, and the frame of a old screen door.  The sled (which also doubles as a resaw fence) slides along a track. The base can be adjusted for drift and the log's size.

The blade I am using is Highland Woodworking's Woodturner's 3/8" Bandsaw Blade (105" length).  The jig is aligned with the blade to cut where I want it to and is squared to the fence bar which has been adjusted for drift. 

I have a video of the first cut, I apoligize about the quality, I was having problems uploading the non-condensed version.  It's not the most scintillating, so I understand if you skip to the end. 

After a flat face has been established I reference the newly cut face off a fence, in this case my regular bandsaw fence because this log isn't wide enough to need a tall resaw fence.  Note how in the beginning the log bucks a little.  This is caused by the log not resting securely on the table.  I should have flipped it around to cut from the other side, which would've been more stable.

With the lumber cut I paint the ends with latex paint and sticker them for drying.  Also I was sure to clean most of the sawdust out of my saw because the wet sawdust will cause rust on unprotected parts.  Even from this small of a log quite a bit of sawdust was made.

Home-milled Wood

In case anyone's curious I have posted pictures of some wood I have cut so far on my bandsaw.  I'm hoping to go get some more logs later today.

Wood 

 I also have a picture with the new guide post installed.

Nicer Photos

I decided that I should take some nice photos of my side table.  They turned out okay, not bad for the first time with a bedsheet in the doorway.

Bandsaw Fence Drift Adjustment

Edit: I have now posted my improved way of drift adjustment here.

When I posted about my homemade bandsaw fence, I neglected to show how I compensate for drift.  In order to slightly adjust the angle of the fence to the table I add (or subtract) shims, in this case washers, in between the table and the t-track.

Homemade Bandsaw Fence

I made this rip fence for my bandsaw using 5/16" T-slot track (2'), T-bolts (2"), cam clamp, thumbscrew thingies, and T-nuts.  The T-track is screwed to the front of the table using existing tapped holes.  Edit: Later I posted about how I adjust for blade drift here.  The fence has a detachable auxiliary fence (the white part) so at some point I can make a low profile fence, and maybe a high profile fence.  The white fence pictured here is about 4" tall.  As you can see I use the cam clamp, and a knob to secure the fence.  In the future I will replace the knob with another cam because I find that the knob's rotational movement occasionally causes the fence to shift when I am tightening down.  The wooden bar on the far end of the table is to support the fence when it is off the table.  Later I added the miter slot cut-out to the T-track. 

Next I added a brush to the wheel.  it is made from a old nylon brush.  Everything is epoxied together.