What to do with Father in Laws Sawmill?

BUGGUTZ · January 26, 2020, 06:10:39 PM

That is an amazing setup! I am definitely jealous! There is a lot to learn about these mills, it can be overwhelming. I have found once I covered the safety of circle milling and got down to the doing it was a bit more basic than I thought. That is as long as the mill is working correctly. I think its pretty therapeutic.

Iwawoodwork · January 26, 2020, 10:04:39 PM

That mill looks like your FIL put in some thought to the assembly, good looking set up. "Keep It" Got any more pictures \, close ups of operator station and the controls, the drive system and the mandrel and bearings. I have an all steel circle in need of assembly so always looking for ideas and your mill looks well done.

jsahara24 · January 27, 2020, 09:38:56 AM

Quote from: Ron Wenrich on January 25, 2020, 01:08:44 PM
The problem with handset mills is that they aren't worth a whole lot. They're usually bought by people who like the old mills or someone one who uses it for a hobby mill. They cost less than a bandmill, will put out production a whole lot quicker, and aren't all that difficult to run. The hardest part of the mill is already done. It is already put in place and is ready to run. So, if you're looking for a hobby mill, you're all set. If you're looking to sell it, you could make it a stipulation that the buyer removes it.

I'm not sure what part of Schuylkill county you're from, but I know how some loggers in the area that "selective" log. All depends who was in there last as to the quality that was left. You might be able to find someone to come in and cut some trees down for some weekend cash. You can then drag them in to your mill for your own use. Getting a logger in to cut your timber for your use is probably a different story. For them to move in equipment, they'll want to do a sizable cut. They're also more expensive then a weekend cutter. They would only fit you in when they don't have anything better to do. If you go the weekend cutter route, I'd talk to a few local mills to see if they knew of someone who would do that work.

I'd also stress you should have a forester at least look at the timber knowing that there wouldn't be a timber sale involved. It takes out the sales motive. If you want to have it managed, have them mark the timber for future growth. That might end up being taking out the junk that has been left behind. It could mean a lot of firewood.

If you need someone to give you pointers on your mill, I have a bit of experience on both handset and automatic mills. I don't think my back will take running a handset mill any more, but I still remember how it's done. 40 yrs industry experience. I'm down in Lebanon county.

Appreciate all the comments. I am probably less than a half hour from you, I am currently working on getting the place cleaned up now. Trees and overgrowth had been growing around the edge of the sawmill for years, I cut them out this past summer and I removed the stumps this weekend....getting everything in order so I can keep the area mowed in the summer and make access easier as the barn is up in the woods.....
I was watching videos on circle mills last night, actually doesn't seem as complicated as I originally thought. I was wondering what RPM do these mills typically operate at?

I was talking my mother in law this weekend as well, she said her husband actually ran this mill by himself....

doc henderson · January 27, 2020, 09:42:05 AM

could mean a lot to the family if you learn to operate it. If you eventually sell it, will get more if it is running. look it over, and the way he appears to care for his stuff, a little lube and flip a switch, and you are set. did he have any buddies that occasionally worked with him?

Woodpecker52 · January 27, 2020, 10:37:15 AM

He really had a sweet setup. Electric motor means speed should be ok for mill running. Hydraulic lever on yellow tank is your carriage speed back and forth and thus feed speed of log through sawblade. I would recommend moving the on/off switch to motor closer to the sawyer position just in case for safety reasons. Main thing do not be fearful or intimidated to start getting it running again there is no machine that can not be understood and used just scratch your head, think, research, and go for it. I tend to think of sawmills as survival, and freedom equipment, worse comes to worse I can always provide shelter for my family. Another thing going is the generator power producing potential.

jsahara24 · January 27, 2020, 01:03:03 PM

Quote from: doc henderson on January 27, 2020, 09:42:05 AM
could mean a lot to the family if you learn to operate it. If you eventually sell it, will get more if it is running. look it over, and the way he appears to care for his stuff, a little lube and flip a switch, and you are set. did he have any buddies that occasionally worked with him?

I thought the same thing about getting it running. I am however getting the opposite reaction, I believe its just due to his accident and how it was related and the fear something similar could happen to me.
His accident was ~20 years ago, so mostly everyone has disappeared and I only know of the logger who came in after.

jsahara24 · January 27, 2020, 01:05:23 PM

Quote from: Iwawoodwork on January 26, 2020, 10:04:39 PM
That mill looks like your FIL put in some thought to the assembly, good looking set up. "Keep It" Got any more pictures \, close ups of operator station and the controls, the drive system and the mandrel and bearings. I have an all steel circle in need of assembly so always looking for ideas and your mill looks well done.

I'll take some more pictures next time i'm in there for you.

scrout · January 28, 2020, 01:50:15 PM

Whether you sell it or not, you better get it up and and make sawdust first.

47sawdust · January 28, 2020, 05:00:37 PM

I would feel much more comfortable with a more modern bandmill if this is just a hobby.The learning curve is smaller and the mfg.'s support is right there for easy access ,fewer headaches and less aggravation.
You have to separate out what is sentimental attachment and what is practical and you will come to that in time.
Best of luck and welcome to the forum.If you can adopt Ron Wenrich and have him move in then keep the mill.

reride82 · January 28, 2020, 05:18:24 PM

Throw some logs on there and make some sawdust! I'd kill for that setup!

Levi

Woodpecker52 · January 28, 2020, 06:01:54 PM

Sometimes you just need a like minded gear head friend who is interested also. The reason I got my mill again is my neighbor who we cut logs together and split wood or profits. Someone will come along to help you this machine is just to interesting and fun.

moodnacreek · January 28, 2020, 07:15:47 PM

If you put a good saw on and everything is already lined up and you saw some logs, you would never be happy with a small band saw mill.

luap · January 29, 2020, 03:39:11 PM

My mill has a good foundation and protected from the weather and once sat idle for eleven years due to my poor health. Fired up and sawed perfectly with no adjustments necessary. So yours may need very little if it was working good in the past.