Manual Bandsaw Sawmill Experiement

‪@SawdustandSweatNC‬ I am on a quest. The quest is to do my best to try to be as efficient as possible with the equipment I have been blessed with. If I understand efficiency, it is getting the desired results from as little effort as possible while performing in the shortest time possible without sacrificing quality. One of aspect of sawmilling all sawyers face is how to best remove the "off cuts," or "slabs," from the mill bed to the stacking area. I must be straight up on this, I have not yet acheived or arrived at my final destination on this. However, the quest continues. This video is a simple part of that quest.

[@richardknox1028]

Wanted to say hello and enjoyed the milling. Just sold our Norwood and have a Wood Mizer coming a little larger.
Smoky Mountain Outpost

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

Green with envy but glad for you Bud! Thanks

[@jacksanders7018]

Remember it is ok to give out, just don't give up, thanks.

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

Gonna remember this line. It might pop up in a video. Thanks

[@jbarlazye911]

As much as you are streamlining your lumber processing, I see an automated feed system in your future. A wheelchair motor, a couple sprockets, a length of #40 chain and a little thought and you'll be in business. Also, instead of putting a piece of pipe over your log stops, install a couple bearings where the cant will roll over the top and not snag. I'll try to send you a couple pictures how I built mine. Ed.

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

Thanks Ed! Also, appreciate the humor!! Thanks again.

[@richardferster8049]

It seems inevitable, that the majority of the log setting happens at the 'away' side of the deck 30+" reach . The smaller the log/cant becomes the further the reach and the more strain on the operators back and visibility. What happens if the vertical cant stop was closer to the near side or at least adjustable, it would not be easier on your back and easier to set up roll the log and cant, etc. Also there is a thing called, chasing the bark, where every time the log is turned until its a cant the blade is entering through the bark rather then clean wood. The only mill I've seen to prevent these two issues is a Cooks brand. Looks much better. Not sure if Woodland mill could be adaptable. Still tinkering, right on. Good video

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

Thanks. You my friend have the wheels turning.

[@richardferster8049]

I am seeing guys , and gals reaching precariously over the deck. You like myself [67] are not spring chickens. Although exercise is good, some might be awkward, a struggle and hurtful. Easier might be more productive also. Take care.

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

Totally agree.

[@Pascalore]

One thing you have always done that I don't see any other manual mill users do is remove the cut off right after you make the cut, which I think is a good idea. They always raise the head to pass over the entire log then have to lower down again to make the next cut. Seems unnecessary raising and lower of the head. Anyway, I did notice you don't use the adjustable blade guide to shorten the exposed blade. Is there no advantage to using it or not using it? Thoughts?

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

Yes, it should always be used, I just plain forgot. Thanks

[@rolandgoertzen5055]

I see someone else already mentioned this but it looks like you forgot you have adjustable blade guides.

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

Yes I did forget. I had been working on my water dispersion from the grease fitting and totally forgot to readjust. Thanks for the observation.

[@mikefay2145]

Greetings - I'm a fellow HM130Max user. One comment - Be very careful using your impact gun on your toe board. I was using mine quite regularly when I was attempting to lift a 28inch 8ft red oak. It chug a chugged a lot of resistance. Come to find out either the threaded bolt or the threaded block stretched or cross threaded just a little. Enough that my jack froze up completely. FYI They will sell you a new scissor assembly but no individual parts on the toe board scissor mechanism. FYI - We utilize 2 8 ft roller tables in out setup.

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

Thanks. If you get a chance, curious how you utilize your roller tables. Thanks

[@mikefay2145]

@@SawdustandSweatNC If you picture in your mind a roller table 90 deg to the saw rails. On the left side of the roller table is a Flitch cut bunk. On the right side of the roller table is a Stacking/stickering/banding station. In front of that is a holding spot for anything that has to go back on the mill to edge. Straight out on the Flitch side is another roller table for fire wood. We have a chainsaw setup at the end of the roller table and flitch rolls down and cut to 16" unto a table and eventual Pallet stacking.
I can run the saw down, take whatever I cut and shoot it down the roller table. Bring the saw head back then walk around the other side and decide what I want to do with it. Lucky for me 95% of the time we are a 2 man operation.

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

@mikefay2145 I get the picture. Thanks, work in progress, stay tuned.

[@toothandnailsawmill102]

What area are you located in? I’m in NC as well.

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

Piedmont

[@toothandnailsawmill102]

@@SawdustandSweatNC nice! I’m in Yadkin County. Practically neighbors!😀

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

@toothandnailsawmill102 Roger That!

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

I'm through your county often. Lived in Iredell county for several years.

[@toothandnailsawmill102]

@@SawdustandSweatNC no kidding! That’s great!