I have been making log furniture for the last few years. A friend came back from vacation in Colorado and showed me a picture of a hollow log ice chest. I said to myself, "self, I could do that". I would straddle the log and freehand slice the lid off with a chainsaw, then "hog out" the interior with the tip of the chainsaw(dangerous as hell, and the finish left something to be desired). I said to myself, "self, there has to be a better way". I built a machine that functions as sawmill with plunge cutting capabilities, a large capacity lathe(10"dia x 108" length), a large capacity mortise machine(24"x96" bed, 14" vertical stroke), and a large capacity drill press(24"x96" bed, 14" vertical stroke). I already had  all the tools, so I've only got about $1400 in building it.

WOW!!!

did you build the lathe??

3 minutes ago, Stick486 said:

did you build the lathe??

48 minutes ago, brianpoundingnails said:

A few years back I built a sawmill so I could cut lumber for those "special" projects.

you answered my question....

KUDOS!!!

3 minutes ago, Stick486 said:

you answered my question....

KUDOS!!!

  Yes. I designed it using 3-D solid modeling software and my own wetware. I drew virtual models and built wood mockups testing range of motion for each process. I ciphered like Jethro Bodine for six months before I cut a piece of metal one. I had as much fun building it as I do building the log furniture. Go to the dropbox link for more pics and info.

 

   machine:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nr4yw91iv2hgdl0/AACv5-Unq_KSGyYK-2YHwWIBa?dl=0

It would be an understatement to say wood-working is your only passion.

VERY impressive machine work!

Can't wait to see what else you have stowed away or in-process.

15 minutes ago, brianpoundingnails said:

machine:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nr4yw91iv2hgdl0/AACv5-Unq_KSGyYK-2YHwWIBa?dl=0