Do you think the carbide teeth are worth the extra cost?
Thanks for the compliment. I know enough to get me into trouble. wait...
A lot to consider.
Are you talking 1-piece or with inserts?
No debarker? I would think half your time is spent sharpening.
You may not do enough sawing to justify the conversion.
I think carbide inserts are best. If you hit something and break a tooth-easy change out. You don't take a file to the 1-piecers while still mounted.
I also think they last longer even with grit.
I believe all the stump grinders use carbide bits and they contend with alot of grit.
Have a dedicated set-up to sharpen the carbide inserts and it doesn't take much time at all. You need extras of course.
Some old-timers felt if you waited a week or two after sharpening before using a blade it kept its edge longer.
I think you may be handy enough to rig up your own de-barker.
I think it's really neat you still have
all the hardware your great grandaddy got with the mill.
It wouldn't look stock, but you could rig the topsaw to swing out of the way when not needed. What size is it?
You're really filling an unique niche.