I need to build a workshop so I can have a place to do woodworking projects, maintain machines and keep myself and the tools out of the weather while I’m doing it. I have a building site selected and quite a few 8 to 12 foot logs that have been cut to 1 1/2″ thick slices. Now I need to take all this limber that I made with the Alaskan MK-III Chainsaw Mill and cut them down into usable 2×4 and 2×6 dimensional lumber like you would buy at the lumberyard or home improvement store. So, this post shows how I convert rough cut slabs of lumber into usable 2×4’s and 2×6’s without using a table saw.
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| The cut slabs are stacked on level cinder blocks with 1″ sticks (called stickers) as spacers to aid in drying |
A 2×4 that you buy in the store actually measures 1.5″ x 3.5″; and a 2×6 actually measures 1.5″ x 5.5″. I will make my boards match store bought dimensions so that in a pinch I could buy a few pieces of lumber if I’m short and still have everything stay consistent.; Measuring at the most narrow part of the board; calculate what boards you can get out of it. This one measures a little over 10 inches; so I can get one 2×4 and one 2×6; which adds up to 9″. I could possibly get three 2×4’s out of it (10 1/2″ total); but I would be a little short when I take into account the 1/8″ thickness of the saw blade. I’ll make a pen mark on both ends of the board (on the left side) while keeping the 9″ inches of usable area centered.
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| Keeping the circular saw right up against the steel bar produces a nice straight cut right where I want it. |
I keep repeating the process until all the cuts are made. Here’s the finished boards with two small pieces of waste on either side.
