Category: parameters for power tools

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What tools do I need to turn a small log (10in/ 25cm diameter) into 1/4″/6.5mm thick boards?

If your log is green wood (freshly cut, or “wet”), you will need a bandsaw with a throat larger than 10″ (and capable of dealing with the irregularity in a long 10″ diameter log).

I would recommend (on the modest side) a 14″ – 18″ bandsaw like this one by Laguna Tools:

Laguna 18″ bandsaw

Then you would need a sled, or carriage to transport the log through the bandsaw.

This is a homemade log cutting jig for short logs: Super Simple Band Saw Log Sled, from Instructables.

If your log is long, you will need to make a support or rails so it will slide evenly through the saw without binging or cutting at an angle or curve.

https://amzn.to/2ECgytEIf your logs are larger then 10″ and heavy, your best solution is to purchase a small sawmill.  This book is available on Amazon, and worth reading, so that you understand the principles and capabilities of a portable saw mill.

If the log is green, you have to allow for drying and shrinkage, so you may cut the pieces 1/2′ thick and then use a thickness planer to get it to the final 1/4″ thickness, after allowing the wood to dry to dry. (8–10% moisture content before planing). This is some good information on how to dry wood; Cutting And Drying Logs Into Boards – Woodworkers guild of America.

after the wood is dried to 6-10% moisture content, you will need a thickness planer.  Thickness Planers are available from big box stores, Amazon, and eBay.

After the wood is sized to thickness, you will need a jointer and a table saw to clean up a long edge and square the board.

At this point your 1/4″ S4S (surfaced 4 sides) boards are ready for fabrication.

Some caveats: These are powerful machines, and caution must be exercised with each machining operation. Use protective gear like safety glasses, ear protection, dust protection, and gloves. Make sure you have all the machines setup and working correctly, and make test passes before machining all the wood, so the slabs will be uniform and true. (parallel sides).

Depending on your specific application, you may need a larger bandsaw, a tablesaw, a jointer, and more – especially if you make the jigs and supporting tables yourself.

Thank you for reading, and Have fun making your own boards from logs!

Disclaimer: I am a trained woodworker and have my own blog, The Chenkin Workshop

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What parameters should I consider to make sure about the high quality of power tools?

By Alan Chenkin, Trained as a Machinist/Mechanic in the NYC schools, Life long Mr. Fixit
When you buy power tools, with all the choices today, it is almost always better to purchase a well-made tool. It will perform better and usually last longer.
If we look at drills, some are inexpensive “homeowner grade”, have chucks that wobble, and may be uncomfortable to use. Others are sleek, well machined, and powerful. Both grades of tools will do the job, but the better grade tool will give you better results over time.  Always try to use the tool before you buy it, to make sure it is good for your purposes.
In addition to the look and feel, read the reviews. Most people will give an honest opinion of their equipment, and it gives you a basis to go on. Many sites have reviews of tools, comparing several brands and picking a “best of” choice.
In the case of table saws, there are many inexpensive choices, and the specs are published and well known; It is as important to set up the saw properly (link to Amazon Books) and use the correct blade for the work as the make and model of saw. Of course, if you start with a better saw – Altendorf, Martin, Jet, Powermatic, Grizzly, etc (link to Amazon tools)., And you set it up properly, it will be a wonderfully good machine to use.
There are other considerations as well. With battery tools, you may want to stay with one brand – This limits you to that line of tool, or you may have to have multiple brands of batteries and chargers on hand. Here you can pick the best compromise between quality, function, and standardization.  This is a list of Battery tool kits from Amazon.  Kits give you the best value, and multiple tools.
This is a Black and Decker 18 Volt drill kit. This kit has a good buy for a homeowner or casual user for about $80 USD. IF you need tools, and it’s not your day job, this is a good buy.
Here is a DeWalt 18 volt drill for $122. You will see tradesman and professionals using this drill, which is heavier than the Black and Decker, has a more powerful motor, impact resistant plastic case and fast charger. 
Both of these drills do the same operations, but if you place them both by side, you will recognize the feel of the “better” tool, with its higher price tag, better bearings and power.
If you are presented with choices, you can always ask/write me directly, or send me some tools to test for you! (hope you find this funny, but I would graciously test any tools given and freely blog about it)! (shameless self promotion).
Check the return policy for your tools, so you can return them to the store if they are not the quality you are expecting. Tool purchases are not everyday occurrences, so take your time and make sure you are getting a good product for your money. Also check the warranty, so if it wears out prematurely, you have recourse.
Thanks for reading my Blog – Feel free to share! – Alan