The mill ahs 4 log locks on it, and they may be configured into 7 different locations. When you put the raw log on the bed the locks canbe pivoted up to the centre line of the log and are locked in on the oposite side. Once you have cut a 90 degree corner the locks are dropped down, and the locks are used to secure the log to a series of bumpers that arewelded to the crossmembers. I will post some pics tommorrow, cause its dark here now.
As far as firearm selection goes, I found the Browning 22-250 to work the best on boyfriends. I have never had to squeeze the trigger because of my rep as a traditional Karate instructor.
The blades are an interesting conversation piece. The mill came with a band that was supposed to be the best on the market. I guess it might have been, I believe that I may have made some errors is cutting, heating etc.. The first band cut about a cord of poplar slabs 1"X 10"X 8', a couple 16"diameter green ash, and about 6 pressure treated douglas fir power poles 24D X 18'. The ash and the fir were compairable to sawing concrete. The first band broke in two places as the clutch was engaging and no where near the log. The second band cut about 6 power pole and became dull, it was put away until I buy a sharpener, which will cost around $1250.00. The jury is still out on whether or not to sharpen bands as they can be custom built for $35.00 each. This option also allows me to use different tooth configurations to match the materil we are cutting. I don't think the snow is an issue, but the junk like gravel that sticks to it does dull the bands in a hurry. On a side note, MOST of the commercial mills in Saskatchewan run at capacity in the winter, it has nothing to do with the logs being frozen, but if the bush trails are frozen that eliminates the need to dig logging truck out of the muskeg
