I love the smell of cedar in my workshop!
A friend gave me a couple of freshly cut cedar logs recently. The logs were fairly small diameter, about 5″ and the pith was offset quite a bit to one side. I cut the logs into 2′ lengths using my chainsaw, but did not want to split the logs using my chainsaw. I knew I would get cleaner, more accurate cuts with my bandsaw and would waste far less of the wood. I needed a safe way to cut the round logs on the bandsaw.
This is the simple jig I put together. Two pieces of scrap plywood with a couple of supporting triangular brackets.
The log is then screwed to the jig at the front and back of the jig. I made sure that the screws went into waste wood.
Set the bandsaw fence making sure that you will not be cutting through the screws! Because the log is screwed to the jig, it will prevent the log rotating while it is being cut.
Once a flat surface is established, cutting the log into spindle stock is fairly straightforward.
The end results. A bunch of 2″ to 2 1/2″ spindle stock with some beautiful color. Ready for the end grain to be sealed and then stacked and stickered to dry.
