Period woodworking machines

[FamilyWiggs]

I need to cut some old beams down to make some lintels.

They will need to be at least 6 inches deep and possible more.

I'm thinking I need a new machine to do this.... all the table saws I've been looking at that don't cost a kidney have a max cutting depth of about 3 or 4 i nches at most.

What is the best machine for this type of work. I'm going to need to start cutting down planks and other stoc to make some doors, frames and windows also.

I'm a bit loathe to use the chainsaw to cut down the beams into lintels, even if they won't be seen.

All advice gratefully received.

 

[Johnboy]

I had a oak beam cut down for a fireplace lintel by a local timber merchant, it was approx 7' long by 16" x 12" and we needed it cutting down to 10" x 9". They had a huge bandsaw (the blade was at least 5" wide!). It made short work of the beam and left a really tidy cut edge. They went over it with a metal detector first to make sure there were no obvious nails, bullets, coins etc. in the cut line. I was also impressed with their patience as I wanted to make sure that the end result showed the best face. In the end they charged me £10 which I thought was very reasonable.
Obviously this sort of tool is beyond the realms of the DIY'er and would be serious over-kill, but from the sound of it you need a decent mitre saw for the rest of your projects and leave the big stuff to the pro's.

 

[Penners]

Yes, I'm afraid Johnboy is right, FW. The only tool that will really do this is a 'deeping' bandsaw (or a massive circular saw but you don't see them often, nowadays).

Ask around your local timber yards to see whether they'll cut it for you. If they don't have metal detectors, or if metal is detected within the beam, they're unlikely to agree. But you can ask.

 

[worms]

I'd go for the Chainsaw!

 

[Penners]

A reasonable idea, worms, unless some degree of accuracy is necessary in the cut.

It must also be said that ripping with a chainsaw can be a long, arduous and dangerous task.

 

[worms]

A reasonable idea, worms, unless some degree of accuracy is necessary in the cut.

It must also be said that ripping with a chainsaw can be a long, arduous and dangerous task.

I was assuming that this was a cross-cut job . I believe that filing the teeth flat helps with using it for ripping but I've never had the
need to do this.

Given the options of paying for a specialist machine that may only get sporadic use, or using the existing kit...I'd go for the shiny new boy's toy every time!

 

[skier-hughes]

cut it once, turn it upside down, cut it a second time?

 

[middi]

A circular bench saw is out of the question, you will not find a circular saw with enough power to cut oak 6" deep in a well equipped woodworking shop let alone a " home" shop. A band saw with a sturdy guide bar is the answer to cut or " size" logs into planks. lintels etc. The cuts can then be planed , if required, into smooth faces.

Middi

 

[Schoolmarm]

cut it once, turn it upside down, cut it a second time?

This is how we ripped ours down, well the pine furniture people who rent premises next to our offices and warehouse did it for us.

 

[Woody3]

I've used a chainsaw to cut some 12" x 6" beams down before. I was wary at first, but providing your chainsaw is sharp, then you should get a nice clean cut. Don't forget your PPE though!

 

[agbagb]

I'd consider using a table saw cutting from both sides. If it you haven't got enough depth to go all the way through, finish the cut with a hand rip saw. I've made solid panels in this way before.

Big (long and heavy) beams would be easier to do with a chain saw mill. You can get attachments that guide the saw in straight line. With a ripping chain it'll be a tidy cut.

 

[Penners]

Whatever method you decide to use, if you make it a DIY job I do urge caution. Ripping a heavy-section old oak beam can be a tricky business, not least if there is metal buried somewhere in the wood. A flying saw tooth is highly dangerous - I've seen one buried in a concrete factory wall.

I would never recommend the use of a chainsaw unless you've had proper training. A long ripping job is very different from a nice easy crosscut to chop up a log.

Remember - there's no such thing as a slight accident with a chainsaw.

 

[Moo]

Remember - there's no such thing as a slight accident with a chainsaw.

 

[Andrew Bodenham]

FamilyWiggs,

Depends how much work you've got to do of course. If there's quite a bit in the pipeline it might be worth getting hold of a good big bandsaw, something like an old Startrite. You get a lot of capacity for your money with a bandsaw - the key thing for heavy work is to get one which will run a wide blade of 25 - 30mm. This gives the necessary stiffness for deep ripping. The motor should be as big as your electrical set-up will allow. All you need then is decent pair of roller supports and a nice new blade and your away. Plus a spare blade for when you hit that concealed nail. And a dust extractor.

If you have a local timber yard or joinery shop who are prepared to risk their blades then that might be a cheaper option. But the convenience of having your own equipment should not be underestimated. And you can always sell it on again when all the work's done.

 

[biffvernon]

I need to cut some old beams down to make some lintels.

No you don't

What you need do is a use for some old beams and a source of oak for some new lintels.

(When the tree was first converted into a beam it was freshly harvested, green and, when it comes to cutting, a quite different material.)

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I would love a nice new bandsaw for the workshop I will finally have space for when the repairs to the outbuildings are complete in a couple of weeks - largely because I will need to start making the doors and windows for them! I've got a spindle moulder and planer/thicknesser and various circuclar/sliding mitre saws and pillar drill, etc. Just need a bandsaw and morticer and I'm all set.

I'm scared enough of the chainsaw that I didn't fancy ripping a solid beam down, so was looking at using the circurlar saw from each side, but on reflection thought it probably easier to take the beam to the local sawmill and have them cut it for me.

But on further reflection, Biff is right. As the lintel will be plastered over, I may as well get the sawmill to cut me a new lintel and I'll do something else with the pretty manky worm-eaten beams I have.

Maybe I can use them on the Diamond Jubilee Beacon I'm building? :shock: It seems sacrilege but they are pretty knackered and rather than just burn them for firewood, it might be a fitting end to them to celebrate the occasion. We're planting some new oaks anyway for the Jubilee - so it has a romantic cycle to it. 8)

 

[biffvernon]

Biff is right.

Yes, but I didn't say burn it in celebration of the Queen :evil:

Can't you find a proper use for it.

I've got a band saw and a planer and a thicknesser and a spindle moulder and a morticer and I hardly ever use them. I do pretty much everything with a bench saw and hand tools.

 

[LadyArowana]

Biff is right.

Yes, but I didn't say burn it in celebration of the Queen :evil:

You know the rule "be careful what you wish for" :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[JoceAndChris]

I think burning them in celebration of the Queen is a lovely idea.

Now I have to make my beacon bigger than yours though. Can't have you stealing our thunder. :twisted:

 

[FamilyWiggs]

I think burning them in celebration of the Queen is a lovely idea.

Now I have to make my beacon bigger than yours though. Can't have you stealing our thunder. :twisted:

Your beacon has thunder? :shock: I'll have to look up the recipe for TNT and put a little in the base of the beacon!

Yes, but I didn't say burn it in celebration of the Queen :evil:

Can't you find a proper use for it.

I can't think of a more fitting use than to commemorate the 60th year of our latest hereditary monarch on her throne, than to burn some old oak and plant some new ones in her glorious honour. I can't think how you could disagree... :wink: :roll:

I've got a band saw and a planer and a thicknesser and a spindle moulder and a morticer and I hardly ever use them. I do pretty much everything with a bench saw and hand tools.

I have a sneaking suspicion though Biff, that your woodworking skills are a bit better than mine! 8)