AccuRight Log Mill

This works nice. I have only used it for one log as I was planning on using it for an order I had for someone. The idea of it works great cut one side flip the flat side down and cut again. The problem was not with the jig itself as I believe it will work great and for the one board it did but the problem was with the person wanting the order made which was live edge both sides. I imagine this would work with a lot of time for that with multiple adjustments but I did not have the time for that. If you only wanted live edge one side such as shelving boards or you wanted dimensional wood it did look like it would have worked great as the one time I used it I made the straightest and nicest cuts I have ever made from my 14" Rikon band saw straight from a log. If I ever have time to make stuff for myself or other projects I plan on using this jig.

I have used a homemade bandsaw log mill for a few years and decided to upgrade. Originally I planned on making another more flexible log mill but after reading the literature and reviews, and calculating the cost of making one myself, I decided to purchase this product. It is much better than I expected. This is a heavy duty product that is easy to use and so far seems very well made.The only nit is that when it came time to install the mylar strips to the bottom of the sled I mistook the glossy white paper covered with clear film for the mylar itself. After I unsuccessfully tried to peel apart the white paper strip I realized something was wrong. Then I reviewed the installation instructions which are inadequate on this point. It took a call to Carter to resolve the mystery: the thin clear film is the Mylar, not the white paper strip which is actually just backing. Unfortunately, I had crumpled the clear sticky film into a ball and threw it onto the sawdust covered floor where it became irrevocably contaminated. (Yes, I'm a slob.) So be warned, the mylar is the clear film, not the white paper strip.

The problem with a lot of the accessories you see now a day's is the manufacture in their demos makes it look so easy. Then when you get it, most of the time it either doesn’t work the way they showed it or it’s just made cheaply and doesn’t last. I procrastinated buying this log mill for one, I wasn’t completely sold that it would work and two, I thought it was over priced for what you were getting. So one day I saw this listed in the Amazon Warehouse as a like new item just the packaging was damaged for 132$, so I said ok, I’ll take a chance and bought it. Well it came in the original packaging and Amazon had it in another box. Everything was good and I was impressed as to how hefty this thing was and the build quality of the metal parts. It also fit my Rikon 14” 10-326 bandsaw perfectly. I wasn’t too impressed with the MDF bottom that everything screws to. It seems to be the only thing that, in time, may not hold up with moisture, but it is laminated. Hence the 4 stars.Now for the test:I had a log approximately 8 inches in diameter and about 18 inches long. It had a slight bow so I thought that would be a good test. After squaring off the ends, I mounted it in the mill. It gripped the log very securely and with the adjustments I was easily able to align the log in the mill. I first made a couple of light cuts, moving the log closer until I had my first flat spot on the log. The jig also kept the log very secure and didn’t move with each cut. I then rotated the log with the flat spot down, then I cut the other side to make a neat perfect 90 degrees cut. After taking the log out of the jig, using my fence, I was able to re-saw 3 really nice 1 inch thick boards.My thoughts:I think this log mill is worth buying. Still a little pricy for what you get, but it does get the job done. There could be a few improvements made. One being the base could be made out of better material and two, the adjustable end bracket that you can move to the different slots. you have to take out two allen screws to move it each time you want to make an adjustment. Thumb screws or maybe a quick release system would make it easier and better.

It works as advertised but it would be nice if the miter bar was equipped with a “T” washer to make it easier to handle on smaller bandsaw table. I think it is way overpriced for what you get. It’s well built but still the price is exorbitant.

Pondering this purchase for a while, glad I got it. Easy assembly, works like a charm.

The parts are not cheaply buildt. I was expecting much less, and Carter showed up when they designed this.

I CAN CUT 21" FIRE WOOD INTO BOARDS FOR WOOD WORKING

Update, I added two flared collar, knurled head thumb screws, makes faster changeouts of back support, plus not having to keep track of pesky washers. Works great.-----------------------------------------------------------------Just opened and assembled, so these are my first impressions (although I don't actually do impressions, I am a woodworker)Strengths:- Easy to assemble- The fence and most metal components are top quality, strong, heavy; as I have seen in most Carter productsWeaknesses:- The obvious quality built into almost all the metal parts is a direct contradiction to the sled itself. The platform is pressboard, which I hope will withstand the rigors of use. It is lightweight, not very thick, and might not last. Time will tell.- The metal end piece's 2 screw holes were boogered and I had to get out my tap and die set to rebore. The screws holding this piece to the fence fit well now.If anything changes when I use it, I will update the review.