Log Wizard

[Tatius]

http://www.loghomesupply.com/log-wizard-chainsaw_95_d.htm has anybody used one of these is it worth it or does it damage logs?

[ChainsawGrandpa]

It's fast.
It also damages logs.

-Rick

[kyle]

Yes it works, but hand peeled looks so much better!

[huffjohndeb]

I purchased a Gransfor Bruks Drawknife. It doesn't damages the logs but it will give you very manly hands when your finshed peeling logs. My wife calls it a giant carrot scraper.
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/browseproducts/Gransfors-Bruks-Log-House-Drawknife.HTML

I don't remeber what company I bought mine from but I shopped around for the best deal including shipping.

[akemt]

It depends on what your end goal is...Even the draw knife harms the logs, if you're going for a "no stain, no rot" home. If you're willing to do the upkeep and maintenance for a home that is somewhat more prone to rot in return for a faster peel (not sure how much faster --experienced builders?), then do what you want. It all depends on what is more important to you. Both will work and both can make a nice log home. Make sense? If I'm building on a loan with time constraints, I'd probably build the faster way, but I know that will mean more upkeep as well as a change to my building plans to help protect the logs. If I'm building slowly as I have money, without a loan, then I'd hand peel. Of course, I've done none of the above yet...

Best of luck!

[rreidnauer]

I purchased a Gransfor Bruks Drawknife. It doesn't damages the logs but it will give you very manly hands when your finshed peeling logs. My wife calls it a giant carrot scraper.
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/browseproducts/Gransfors-Bruks-Log-House-Drawknife.HTML

I don't remeber what company I bought mine from but I shopped around for the best deal including shipping.
Yikes! Look at the price on that sucker. I think my biggest drawknife (14" blade, NOT bought for peeling) cost me $35 at a flea market. (and I thought that was high, LOL)

[2 cents]

This guy used a log wizard to peel his logs. He had a nickname for using the tool, "gwizzing". ;p

http://www.paulandellen.com/

He built his house LHBA-style, but LHBA methods wouldn't recommend using this tool, since it does cut into the rings and that takes away the natural protection of the logs. But as others have said, if you like the look and are willing to do more maintenance, it's certainly your prerogative!

2 cents

[2 cents]

Here's the picture of Paul "gwizzing". I knew it was in there somewhere!

(4th photo down.)

http://www.paulandellen.com/loghome/pix1997a.htm

[huffjohndeb]

I think my biggest drawknife (14" blade, NOT bought for peeling) cost me $35 at a flea market.
Sounds like you wasted $35 if you can't peel logs with it lol.

[rreidnauer]

Sounds like you wasted $35 if you can't peel logs with it lol.
Ahhh, but perfect for other projects, like making tenons for log furniture, or shaping my wind turbine blades, to name a couple. ;-)

[cowfire]

So I have never seen a gwizzer in real life, but I have spudded, and maybe even draw-knived a few logs in my day, how much does the gwizzer take off below the cambium, I would like to hear from someone who used it, what their recommendation is.
As far as the cambium layer, I know why many people choose to leave it on, my question is, how thick is it, what exactly does it look like, and what's the best way to not damage it.
Correct my if I'm wrong, but most people spud their logs, and eventually sand or walnut blast or whatever their logs.... Doesn't that effectively remove all your cambium layer?? And isn't the cambium thicker or hardier, or botanically different during different parts of the year??? Any other cambium tidbits?? Thanks in advance for the recommendation & studious knowledge>

[huffjohndeb]

Have you ever bought a bargin bin screwdriver? I bought a 99 cent phillips head and it served me well untill I tried to drive a wood screw in with it and the point broke off . I guess my point is that you get what you pay for. I don't ever buy the most expensive tool bot I NEVER buy the cheapest either. I only buy tools that will last. For example good old Poulan chain saws you keep poulan and poulan and it will not start.

For example chain saws
Poulan $195
Sthil $465

Which one do I own?

[kyle]

For example good old Poulan chain saws you keep poulan and poulan and it will not start.

LOL! Thats good.

[Shark]

For example good old Poulan chain saws you keep poulan and poulan and it will not start.

LOL! Thats good.

Hah, I have to clean up the cheerios I spit out after that one! Nice lol.

[zato_ichi]

As far as the cambium layer, I know why many people choose to leave it on, my question is, how thick is it, what exactly does it look like, and what's the best way to not damage it.


http://www.backyardnature.net/woodtwi2.htm

http://waynesword.palomar.edu/trjune99.htm
for this one click on the article about stem and root anatomy

looks like the cambium is mighty thin, and the best way not to damoage it is to not cut the tree down, LOL

http://waynesword.palomar.edu/images/dstem3.gif

[spooky]

If you use a log wizard and dont whant that look you can go over it with a draw shave to spruce it up.

[counterfit]

Here's a video of the Log wizard in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aMh37jt2i0

Here's a video of the log wizard being attached to a saw:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJfkWgIx9eI&feature=related

And a video of log peeling done the "right way" (draw knife):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STkJdXt0FDw&feature=related

I was suprised at how easy the drawknife method looked, I'm sure he's a pro but still looks like he would be done with the log in

[kyle]

[quote=counterfit]And a video of log peeling done the "right way" (draw knife):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STkJdXt0FDw&feature=related

I was suprised at how easy the drawknife method looked, I'm sure he's a pro but still looks like he would be done with the log in

[ajax]

Boy you're right, that looks way too easy. And yes the log looks like it has been sitting in the sun and rotated for 2 years....lol.......and yes again it looks like he should have on a filter type of mask and safety glasses with all the debris thrown up from the knife.

I notice the short sleeve, and sunshine and the lack of winter outdoor gear like bibs, gloves and hats.

Somehow I do not think he would have the same nice and easy time working on logs that have been cut down in the winter. Mr.Gripe and I are peeling logs at his site in the Catskills, and when you factor in the cold weather, it seems to take about 3 to 4 hours to do a 35' log using a spud.

I sure wish the bark would come off that easy in the winter, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

John