Newbie in Southern Maine

[Rafterman]

Hey guys,

I'm in southern Maine, just got my Fathers Hudson sawmill set up. He used it years ago when I was in highschool, he couldn't cut straight or square, so he got frustrated and just stopped. The mill sat in the shed for a few years.

Being done with college, and having a bit of free time, I decided to try and set it up again. I had a buddy come over and we poured a slab. Neither of us had done it before, so it was kind of a learning experience.

The 1 cyl gas engine was siezed as well. Poured some ATF down the plug hole and let it sit for a day. Then I put my impact on the crank and let her rip. Engine busted free, and runs pretty good now.

I found an unused blade and started to saw. A few days later I had to take a break and go back to work, but I've been having fun fiddling with the mill. Now I'm back and looking forward to cutting some more.









Right now I'm skidding wood with the 7.3 Ford. I'm also only cutting crooked/dead stuff.

Going to look at a skidder tommorow. Anyone got a contact in southern Maine for sawlogs?

[Magicman]

Hello Rafterman and Welcome to the Forestry Forum.  It will be interesting to watch your sawing progress.

Adding your location to your profile will help us to remember.   ;D

[tnaz]

Welcome Rafterman, and glad to hear you have your Dads old mill, your new mill running.  Lots of great info to be had here. 
Thanks for the pictures and keep us informed as to the straightness/squareness issues.

Terry

[slider]

Looks like you have a plan . Welcome to the form.

[Sixacresand]

Welcome to the Forum.  Have fun with your mill.

[Kbeitz]

You was lucky that you did not split the flywheel putting an impact on the flywheel nut.
I've seen it happen more than once.

[Chuck White]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Rafterman!

Always good to see some of the "younger crowd" taking an interest in the "sport" of sawmilling!

[thecfarm]

Welcome to the forum.
There!!! You got a good base for the mill now.  ;D
Have you worked in the woods much? Cut logs before?

[Czech_Made]

Welcome!

Does the mill cut straight/square now?

[Rafterman]

Thanks for the replies.

The mill does cut better than before with the solid base. I may attempt to locate some channel iron to further stiffen the rails. Been having better luck and better results. I think the next step is to just practice and read.

I've worked in the woods with my Father and Uncle. Mostly firewood. They had a little tractor/winch combo that worked alright.

Going to order a few new blades and a belt for the mill.

Then my buddy and I are going to saw up some trap runners. Little sticker sized pieces of oak that go on the bottom of lobster traps. Lobsterman need new ones every few years.

[scully]

To bad you aint from the " county" but that don't make you alll bad ! You look prity serious though ! Nice job so far .

[wng-2]

Where in Southern Maine?