Favorite tools close at hand

[Bibbyman]

Don't forget good tape measures.  We've learned out lesson and buy only Sears Craftsman brand.  That way you never have to buy another (unless you loose one or one "walks off". )  We like to have a lot of them around – one in the truck,  one in the Terex,  one on the edger,  one on the sawmill control box, etc.

We've got cant hooks out the ears too.  One within a couple of steps from anywhere a log or cant may be.   Got our Pro-Sawyer Mary Sawmill special LogRite cant hook stationed on the back side and front side of the mill.  If the short handled beauties can't handle it,  then we get after it with the 60"er.  

We have a short handled camper's axe hanging on a pair of nails on the post next to the skidblocks.  It's there to use to knock off a small limb or chunk of dirt, etc.

We've got a couple of scoop shovels too.  Even though we have a blower,  still there is a lot of dust and debris build up.

[DanG]

I bought a sack full of 25' tapes at Walmart about a year ago, for $2 each. So far, none have given any trouble. It's 40 miles to the nearest Sears store.(or is that K-mart?)

Forgot to mention that I keep a box of kid's "sidewalk chalk" for marking lumber and logs. Got about 20 big hefty sticks of colored chalk in a plastic container for about $3. Works great!

[Gary_C]

One thing you don't want around a mill is a log grapple or forwarder. Sure you can pick logs from the middle of a pile and from the side or end of the pile. Ya, you can spin them around and look for defects and then place them exactly where you want them with either end towards the blade. But the problem is you get so spoiled that you will not be able to go back to the old way.  

I have a forwarder that is normally out in the woods. I use it around the mill the rest of the time and sure enough, I now just cannot seem to  get anything done without the forwarder at the mill.

They are so darned expensive and I cannot afford another one unless I bought an old one and fixed it up. However I already have too much to do and too many "projects" that are not getting done.

Don't make my mistake.   :(

[Bruce_A]

I think I know where there is a pedestal mount loader with all the controls and pump, motor etc, that can be had for $2500.00.  It has about a 20' reach. It is located in western washington.  Was used as a garbage handler.  It is electric powered.

[Gilman]

Bruce,
What part of western Washington?

[Bruce_A]

Gilman;  about an hour north of Vancouver on I-5 if you are interested, let me know and I'll check further.

[steveo_1]

DanG, good idea about the chalk, i been using a grease pencil,that chalk has got to be cheaper.I didnt see any of you say anything bout a framing square,i always have one to check my cants squareness.You guys buy alot of tape measures,i have two one in the tool box and one on my side.