Edu....no, Sawcation

[Radar67]

It's official, I have received a proper sawcation from Woodbowl. He came to MS to help his cousin saw some down timber from the storm. He invited me to join him for the day.

I arrived at 10:00, the saw was already set up and running (they already sawed a couple of logs). I considered the day similar to an apprenticship. The knowledge I gained from spending 7 hours with Woodbowl was invaluable. Not to sell anyone short on the forum, but there is nothing like hands on, in your face instruction on sawing. I could have read about the process for months and not gained the insight I received. Below are pictures from the day.

DanG - I heard some stories about you!  ;D


The gang at the end of the day.


Cant split into blocks for 2x4s.


The lumber stack when I arrived.


Woodbowl hard at it.


Whack of logs on the ready ramp.


Largest log of the day (Woodbowl just finished "man handling" it into place.


More "man handling".


Woodbowl and I early in the day.


Taking the first slab.


Near the end of the first slab.


Setting up for the flitch.


Second cut.


Seperating 2x4s from blocks.


Resawing.


Another log (old pine log, two years on the ground, very little blue stain)


Log pile in the background.


Lumber stack at end of day.


"Heart wood"


More resawing.


Off loading logs.


Off loading.


Off loading.


Another view of all the lumber from the day.

Woodbowl estimated 2200 bf for the day. The knowledge he imparted will be with me for many years to come. I'm so thankful that he invited me. If I get a chance, I'll visit him again this week, as he plans to be here thru next weekend.

[Part_Timer]

Looks like a great time.

I can't tell but did you debark those logs.

[brdmkr]

That's what I call PICS 8) 8) 8)

Thanks for all the photos.  Looks like you guys had a really good time.

[DanG]

Stew, you did yourself a good turn by getting over there to watch, help, and learn.  Woodbowl is an excellent sawyer on a bandmill, and has the experience you need to be soaking up.  I'm sure he has saved you months of trial and error already.  Did ya notice how much measuring he does when setting up a cut after turning?  I hope you asked him for an explanation of just what he is doing.  If not, get back over there and get the rest of your lesson.  Look at how consistent his boards are, and you'll realize the importance of that.  Didn't see no wavy cuts either, did you?  He knows how to maintain his blades, and is meticulous about it.  It shows in his work.  That ol' mill of his looks like a rag, but don't it cut sweet? ;D

I gotta tell ya, though, don't believe all he tells ya about other people.  There just ain't no tellin' what he'll say about a body when their back's turned. >:( :D :D :D

[Ernie]

Thanks for the pics, looks like you had a ball.  Hands on, the best way to learn, I'll bet he didn't even cut a dog :D :D

[Radar67]

Looks like a great time.

I can't tell but did you debark those logs.

The logs with no bark are a couple of years old. They cut real nice too.  ;D

DanG - I noticed his measuring and got a real good class on what he was doing. He made it look so simple to peel that log into almost perfect lumber. I have to admit, being there today already has me wanting to do some hydralyic upgrades. All I'll say on the stories is he made you out to be a respectable person.  :D

I had a blast, the best day I've spent "working" in a long time.

No DOGS lost their lives today.  8) 8) :D ;)

[woodbowl]

Hey Stew,
   I'm back in Biloxi at my kin folks for the night. Only got a little bit of time on the computor so I'll make this quick. Gona head out in the morning to try and finish up. It's possible that we may get in a few more logs as well. Come on out if you can. We would like to have you visit again. I'm glad you could pick up on some things to use around the mill. It was a fine day! .................That Stew,........he ain't afraid of work. He had his camera, good duds on and a good reason to ease around to make it a casual day. He got to smellin' that wood, next thing you know he couldn't keep his hands off it. After he got both feet in it, I don't think he knew the difference between fun and work. I think I know another fellow like that.  : : ............Now DanG.........I ain't told Stew nuthin' about you  that wern't the truth.  : :.......... ;D ;D

[DanG]

That's what I was afraid of. :-\      :D :D :D

[Radar67]

Hey woodbowl,
    If I get off early enough, I'll try to get back out there. I have to say you're right, I ain't afraid of work, I could crawl up and go to sleep around it all day.  :D :D  I went an hauled a few logs for myself today. And would you believe it, I went and broke my pick ax handle, DanG!!!! Had the little wife help me load them on the ready ramp, she weren't happy, wanted to know where that "back saver" I promised her was! DanG, you know what I'm talkin bout.

woodbowl, I need more info on your hydraulic blade tensioner, I think I can make it work on my mill. When you get back home, we may have to do some figuring on it.

Now DanG, the truth don't hurt.....MUCH.  ;D

[SAW MILLER]

    Radar,you are fortunate to have spent A day with an experianced sawyer like Woodbowl.Thats the best way to learn the ropes.Are there any seasoned sawyers in Ohio needing an offbearer for a day?I ain't too old to learn!!!! :D

[Radar67]

Saw Miller, It was a good experience. I was hoping to get back out there today, but ended up havinig to work late.  :( I would recommend spending time with an experienced sawyer to anyone that wants to learn a lot in a short amount of time.

[woodbowl]

Back at the Biloxi base again Radar. We finished up today and pulling out for the Fla. line first thing in the morning. Sorry you couldn't make it yesterday. I was hoping you could get away one more time. The blade tensioner that I have is the same thing that is availible from WoodMizer. Bet you could post a topic like "homemade hydraulic blade tensioner" and get all kinds of input. ;)