Perfect Sawmill Height (sort of) | My Back Likes It
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- Опубліковано 22 бер 2022
- Spring is getting closer but it's not here yet. On today's episode I"m making my way back out to the hillbilly hideout for some much-needed sawmill therapy. Though some would say my back sure isn't getting the right kind of therapy, believe it or not, it likes it. What I'm talking about is the height of my sawmill. I'm one of those sawyers who like to watch the blade cut through the wood no-matter what height the sawmill is set at. In my case, the low height of the sawmill means I have to get down a bit lower to see the blade like I like. This creates the "perfect" angle for my back. Many of you fine-folks watching out there have mentioned that I'm going to have long-term back problems from this position. Funny as it seems, I'm liking this stretching motion as it keeps me limber. At least that's what I tell myself haha. Regardless, I'm getting back after it today cutting up some leftover spruce using my tried-and-true Woodland Mills HM130. Glad you're all along for the ride! Here we go!
- Розваги
Glad you got some warmer weather.
Thanks! Me too
Gordon here,
That s way I bought a 12 v screw jack @ Princess Auto & I use it for a toe board. I know a manual is cheaper but I had the money $ so I bought with that in thought. That way nothing will roll away on me. I also don t move my log ramps till my log is fasten in place safely. But I guess knowledge helps. Helps also having a second cup of Folgers sludge ;-D . Have a safe one. P.S. LOL, I had one green spruce go across the mill on me but I was on the tractor , So I used the tractor not my back and old bones .lol I know the wok smarter not HARDER thing is true.
Yeah sounds like a great tool that screw jack
Green snow on log (laser) nice of you to pay homage to our Irish friends for St Patrick’s day! Good looking log great lumber!
Exactly!
Those were some very nice looking boards. I love it when I wake up to one of your videos to watch while I have my morning coffee (sludge).
Thanks Wallace! great to have ya here on the channel
Sandy... a 3' length of rough cut 2x4 will fit in the hollow end of the log bunk and protrude at a slight incline. It will prevent the log from rolling off the mill. Use one at each end of the log.
I can't take credit for this I read it on a forum. It woks great when turning a log. My mill is on a trailer and keeps the log from rolling off and crushing me!
Great idea Christian! Thank you
I know your a young man now as I once was. Over working your back now will require payment when you are older. I moved my sawmill bunks from 12” to 27” and now I can unload the 2xs without bending. Just food for thought. I enjoy your videos and your information. Keep them coming.
Thanks Johnny. Glad you're liking the videos.
I’ve done the same thing on Kitchen benches etc. Avoid bending when you can. I will definitely think how best to raise the bunks on my saw too
I hope a tractor shed is in our future plans! Thx for the no bs videos!
I sure would like to get the tractor out of hte elements more. Glad you've found the channel and happy to have ya
Thank you Sandy. Your enthusiasm and several storms felling thousands of our trees, has resulted in two crates arriving with us in Aberdeenshire Scotland. Aiming to assemble the HM130 Max and trailer this weekend when we get a break from planting spring barley.
There should be a toe board in the crate!
Jamie
That's great to hear! You'll really enjoy your time sawing lumber I'm sure of it. I think a toe board would serve me very well as well. Sure would like to visit Scotland one day, sounds like a beautiful spot! Thanks for watching
You are welcome to come and stay anytime.
The new 130Max woodlander sawmill is complete and awesome.
Thank you very much Sandy.
Thanks for confirming why I shovel snow off my logs. That handy dandy winch would have saved your Canadian bacon! 😁 Thanks for sharing your adventures, have a super day! ✌
Anytime Jill
Just a suggestion Sandy, leave the slabs on the sawmill bed instead of taking them off and re sawing them later, there’s room beside the log as you sawing it, when you have a square cant, put them beside the log and cut all at the same time.
Saves a lot of time and effort for me. Always enjoy watching and keep up the great work eh.
I was thinking of sugaring off the maples in the area for a little more value from the forest.
That wouldn't be too bad of an idea. Nice to get out and get the smell of the boil from time to time
That was another good job done! That saw was really flying! Nice work.
Right on thanks!
I have sawed frozen logs before and it's not a lot of fun but you made it through it and turned out nice lumber in spite of it. Great video Sandy
Thanks Jeff
The larger logs are nice to mill. Great work. Thanks for sharing.
I agree John. Nice change from the small ones
I'm new to your channel and have enjoyed videos I have watched. I appreciate the content you put out. I am looking into getting a mill so I have been scouring utube for videos looking at setups and mills. Thanks again for documenting your adventures.
That's great to hear Richard! Welcome to the channel
Thanks for showing the struggle with that log ,fun to watch, I don't feel so bad now when I have trouble. I thought you were going hit that upright with the blade.
It sure was a close one! haha
Nice stack! I can’t wait until you build the Hillbilly Palace!
haha next thing ya know I"ll live out in the woods
Who would want the city? I’m in New York and I can do without the traffic, rude people and crime. Give me a bear as my best friend and I’ll grow a beard
I still think my idea of a screw jack that can raise a log up for the first cut makes more sense that the wedging up as you could totally control the height and eliminate the strain of getting just right. a five dollar screw jack from under the hood of any old ford pickup would make it so easy .... might lengthen the top of the jack with a piece of scrap steel to it so the ease of making it stay in place... nice boards an so many in a log that only just a few inches larger... hopefully they will show up more come spring
Yeah that screw jack would be a good idea. Just have to see what I can find kicking around
Thanks to you I just purchased my mill, thank you for the great content.
Great to hear Cameron. They sure are nice to have around.
What size and Brand did you get Cameron?
@@JosEPh-zy3yr I got the woodland mills hm126 with 6ft extension as I don't have very big trees around me, and the price point was within my budget
I have dropped logs off of the bunks, same as your big spruce. Took me some time. I have a winch like yours, put short 2x4 under one end winched until I could put another board in. Tied one end with ratchets strap then hand winched it on the bunks. The log was12ft. X27 inches thick green spruce. It may help in future. I also reversed one of the bunks so the log stop was on the the loading side. Put tall stop in, that helped keep log from completely falling off. Keep up the good work.
I was wondering why you didn't use the winch when the log wanted to skid off the bunks, too. Maybe the heart racing and trying not to get run over by the log kept your brain in survival mode. Be safe!
I like that idea with the reverse log bunk Bryan
haha you're probably right Roberta. I totally forgot about it
Was just thinking the same thing. I've had to use a ratchet strap to keep larger logs from coming off when one end goes awry like that. I have a milling platform/deck like yours, and use the Log loading ramps from WM to winch them up. The little 'steps' on the log ramp help a bit too since I'm winching them up onto the track, rather than at the same height. Also another reason I tend to wear steel toe boots whenever I'm milling, just in case.
Enjoyed this video! Thanks👍
Great to hear Keegan. Hope all is well with you!
Been there with a couple bigger logs that don’t wanna be milled lol. A guy can work up a good sweat trying to keep the darn things on the mill bed. Stay warm bud,happy spring!!!
Btw do you think the green laser is universal enough to mount on any mill?
I agree with ya there. It's a full on wrestling match some days
I'd say the laser would work well on any mill as long as you've go a place to mount it
I hate those logs that go from 4 inches thick to nothing on the slab.. it did bring down the snowload at 10:33 though...
Your killing me with that open sawmill shed.. Meet me halfway and do some half wall height so you can see outside..🤣
Keep up the hard work and stay safe out there brother..👍👍
haha there's something about the cold wind hitting me in the face
Got things going for ya great show thanks, got my kioti back. Today the belt stayed on Hudson and cut my first log , sunshine 70 degree and baby backs on grille life is good today
Sounds like all is back and running for ya Allen. Great to hear. Those ribs sure sound tasty
Glad to see the laser is being used. I was afraid I built something that was already obsolete . great video
Yeah it's just be too cold lately to use the laser. It's starting to get warmer out so will see it in action more often
You really should consider a woodland mills toe board. We love ours.
Yeah I agree. I've been meaning to get one just haven't done it yet. Sure are handy
That’s some nice looking boards
Thanks!
When you turned the log over to make the 2nd side of the cant I thought I saw your throttle cable flop. Had not noticed that before.
I'm not too sure. I haven't noticed anything out of place on the throttle cable
You were rewarded with some nice lumber for wrestling that log up on to the log bunks.
I agree. All ended well
Yeah, stickers!
I sure need lots of those
I would square up the lumber shed to the saw shed, spread the two sheds apart to easily fit the snowblower between the sheds.
Split the walkway in two.
I may have to do this come spring
Just a thought, if you had a couple 6x6 pieces (or there about) you could keep the log at a consistent height even if it rolled off the mill for ease of getting it back on.(that situation looked like it could have gone bad really quick. I know easy to toss comments out there from behind a computer screen not trying to be critical. I would not take the chance of bending my rails on the mill by attaching a strap or chain to it to hold the log... I do really like your set up and look forward to all your videos. Thanks
Think that may be a good idea. Wouldn't be too hard I can imagine and save me some headaches
Love the hat!! ;)
Lots of good lumber.
Absolutely! Thanks Gene for watching
Sandy I will say that log was what I call a carrot by lifting the small side up it help to get the most lumber out of it like you did also on last video you had problem with the valve under your tank I have to clean mine 2 to 3 time a year like you said water form some residue and it blocks those hole I just unscrew it and blow back word and tape it a little and it takes cares of it don't forget I am in Florida so the water spoiled a lot more have a nice day P.S. suggestion for a video show the people how you read your gage for thickness on the mill
Good to hear I’m not alone with the valve. Good idea for thay video. I’ll keep that in mind. Hope all is well down south. Wish I was enjoying the sun down that way
yes every body has rolled a log off the mill. if you had it high like others want you to do. you would never have got log back on and may have been hurt. i think you need to keep mill low un less you are loading logs with tractor or a loader good video take care, be safe and well.
That's a good point there John. Big log like that could easily break my floor boards
Sandy, Maybe, a pair of suitable sized wedges would save any chance of the log rolling backwards and possibly damaging you and your building. Just a passing observation. Regards Robin.
Funny how we need to take a step back sometimes, as you started wrestling the big spruce I was thinking why not use your tractor, you heard my thoughts!
haha I was listening to ya
Hello Sandy, very nice Video as always. Have you thought of covering your log deck so when the snow flies your logs won't be covered in snow or ice? Just a suggestion, TJ
I think this will be a good idea for sure. Going to re work things I think come spring
Raising the tracks by a foot would allow the long log stops to work better by dropping down in the pockets, and your cant hook will have more of a bite making it easier to turn the big ones in one turn, if you do raise the tracks don’t forget to raise the log deck by a foot, so the logs roll onto the tracks.
I think if I change around the orientation of Buildings a change in height could be possible for sure
I found raising one foot was about right also.
with all that lumber do you have another project coming for use. can't wait
Always projects coming up
Lol "sludge" is like a clutch it engages the brain ....
haha so true. Like the oil in my cars engine
I’d consider moving the log deck off to the side and loading logs onto the mill bed from the deck with the tractor. Probably that wouldn’t be as fast when dealing with small logs though.
That could be a good idea though
@@sawingwithsandy I think your drive-thru idea will work well. you could have a second bunk off to the side for larger logs. Thanks for helping us all think through all these issues. I haven't purchased a mill yet, but I'm going to and your videos have been very helpful with pointing out the behind the scenes stuff that I haven't thought through.
You are at an age when you can manage the stooping and your back will not be the worse for it, for now. In time and with a little hindsight, you may find the experience being suggested in the mill height, had merit.
For the record I have a back issue. The advice and treatment i received over the decades is allowing me, at the age of 72, to fell and draw out over 60 mature ash trees from our forest, one tree at a time.
Good points. Thanks for watching
good job enjoyed the vid, did the laser for the blade cut come with the saw or is that something you added?
I had to buy that separate. I've got a few videos with that laser in action in a playlist as well if you're interested. Thanks for watching
As mr Ferguson said , look after your back while you are young ,it will pay dividends in your future , dont make the mistakes we did. I can tell you some days are hell.
👍
@@sawingwithsandy we cant have you denying us of videos because of a bad back !
MM77 Approved 👍🏼👍🏼
Hey I'll take that!
If I was doin' it, I'd cut the outer ends of the deck cross logs in a vertical line, then spike them together with a 2x6. Then I'd cut the cross logs inside vertically and do it again. That would keep the vertical supports but allow the tractor to get deep into the deck. I think that the weight alone would keep the deck walls in place, but steel T posts could be driven into the ground on both sides for insurance.
I like the idea. I think my revised log deck will be something similar to allow easier access
Just getting ready for my build. Great idea with the tpost for extra support, that will save putting on my post hole diggers.
Plan is to load with my grapple.
Does mill have square block for both sides. If it does put your longer log stops on that side help . So it won't roll back on your legs or feet .
thanks for another great video i am little jealous i wish i had a tractor ,it would help allot.
Glad you're liking the videos! Thanks again for watching
Do you have a scissors lift jack help on tapper logs to center them up. Or you use block of wood.
I wish I had a scissor jack but I just use a piece of wood for now
Cutting that spruce to 1.5" thick - after it dries where will it end up?
I’d imagine it could shrink by 1/8” at most but not much more
You need a chain hoist to help you move the log, even a ratchet strap could help.
That’s a good idea Carl!
On some your cuts do you square up everything first. Or cut live edge off so dont have as much waste on others. How you figure out your maximum use on some versus other logs.
I normally square up all the slab pieces by cutting one edge off first then I just start lowering the mill until I cat the width I want on the second cut
Like your jacket
Thanks Timmy!
Pretty sure this video convinced me to get a mill with hydraulics for loading and turning the logs.
Yeah sure would be nice. The big drawback for me is the price
Sandy, in the last video I saw , you used a cable and winch setup. Where is it or, have you not gotten to that yet.
I used the winch last time and found that it's a bit more useful to mount it to the sawmill shed but haven't got around to do that yet.
umm Sandy...why didn't you use the winch on that big log? :P
A roof rake could be a help to pull the snow off the roof.
Good point there Jeff
Sandy, could you try to give the dimensions of the logs that you are putting on the mill? I still have not been able to set mine up and I would like to be able to pre-determine what size lumber I can get out of a log.
Thank you for your excellent video productions, you have been very helpful to me.
You need to work out max cant size first which is simple maths based on the smallest end e.g. say your log diameter is 10" then max cant size is half of 10 x 10 = 50. Max cant size is square root 0f 50 = 7.07" - From this it's easy to work out what sizes you can get. I hope this is useful.
@@tonygrimes13 Thanks Sandy!
@@TheMakersMarkTSF I'm not Sandy, just a maths geek!
@@tonygrimes13 And I am not an idiot, I knew you were not Sandy and I know how to do math. Perhaps next time make sure you understand what you are talking about before answering for someone else.
Even your mathematical genius reply starts with a known quantity.
@@TheMakersMarkTSF I apologise if I have upset you.
No blade guard? How often to you cut into log stops?
It fell out and I haven't gotten around to putting it back in. I cut the log stop about once a year or so when I haven't had enough sludge to kick my brain into gear haha
How often do you check your drying area make sure your still level for your boards.
I generally just visually check them. If they look flat then I don't worry too much about them
"Brain is not quite working yet." Sounds like you need more sludge.
I'm going to need a sludge IV one of these days
@@sawingwithsandy Or a patch!!! Hahahaha
How big is the floor under your sawmill? Thinking ahead.
Hi Mark. It's 10' x 20'
@@sawingwithsandy Do you ever wish for bigger or is it just right? I've got a 16' mill ordered and thinking about the shelter I want to build.
What happened to your boat winch ???
I still have it but I haven't had a chance to attach it to my sawmill shed yet
@@sawingwithsandy I think it will save you some grief when positioning those big, slippery logs on the saw mill.
Why you leave the snow on log, why didn't you cut the knobs off, instead of strapping log to get it lined up we just chalk one end.
Since the sawmill ends up cutting off the knobs I just leave them if they didn’t get cut off when limping because they were in the snow
@@sawingwithsandy Sometimes they get in the way turning the log,also i've had them in the way when pushing the saw head down the track, see ya next time,
Do you have a real job, or did you win the lottery. Good for you for what you have.
I do have other work I do outside of this
You have a winch????
I do, just haven't attached it to the sawmill shack yet
Your tractor come w a cup holder.may be time for a roof on the log bunk buddy.
Oh yeah! The tractor has 3 cup holders. Almost like it was made for a sludge drinker like me haha. I know what ya mean about the log bunk roof. Sooner than later I hope
You need a com a long in your wood shed
I think you're right
Are you Sapping this year Sandy?
Hey Marc, unfortunately life has gotten in the way and not looking good as I think the window for sap is now and about to go by. How about you?
@@sawingwithsandy I ordered some new taps and was waiting for them to come in from amazon so I had to go with the old method. I usually get about 17 trees taped I have about 40 litres so far and made a new evaporator. I was able to get 8 litres of syrup last year. Think today will be a good run! I enjoy your channel Have a great Day!