Sawmill Shed Layout

[TimW]

I am in the initial design stages of my sawmill/drying shed.  Can Y'all show me your layout.  Photos are encouraged.  Where did you put what, it relation to the mill.  Thanks in advance.
hugs, Brandi

[doc henderson]

good morning.  I think there are some designs in the drying hardwood lumber by @GeneWengert-WoodDoc   and Jake really had a nice set up.  @customsawyer  . and I know that @Tom the Sawyer  had made some neat additions.  and @Southside  and @YellowHammer  have good ideas and opinions.  I do not have a drying shed per se, but will look forward to what some of the experts have to say.  I am sure there will be many, but this may help to get the ball rolling.  Best regards!

[crowhill]

How many variables and all with good reasoning can we expect to see on this link? Maybe there's something coming forth to get me motivated to go along with all the conversation we had at a pig roast last evening about being out in the direct sun milling!

[doc henderson]

direct sun milling is great in Ks in the winter, not in the summer.  Prob. not as bad in the summer in Vermont. but Good Lord help you sawing in the sun, in the summer, in the great state of Texas! :D

[Southside]

A few questions come to mind.  How much equipment do you have that will be in the mill house?  What products are you making?  How many BF / day are you targeting? Where is the lumber heading to after it has been sawn?  IE - kiln, air drying, customer trailer?  You have to allow room for walking between / around equipment, waste handling.  Do you need any dry storage space for tools, bands, etc?  My mill house is 68' x 48' and is still tight.  I am adding on an additional 24' x 30' dog nose to one end so the 70 can sit out there as a head saw which will free up a lot of space, then will probably add another 30' run to the back side of it. 

Bottom line, you can't have too much space.  

[WDH]

Make it twice as big as you think that that you will need, then double that.  I am not kidding  .

[4x4American]

I built a 45x100 pole barn with a bunch of access doors and it's still too small.  The 16' ceiling is nice to have, make sure you go high enough with your ceiling in case you ever want to add on

[firefighter ontheside]

If you want the mill to share the same building as drying lumber, then plan to load logs from the outside.  Otherwise you will use a bunch of the interior space moving logs around or using a tractor or other equipment.  If you want the drying area closed in, then build a lean to on the outside to house the mill.

[TimW]

Guys,
 Let me rephrase my question into a statement. :embarassed:  I want to see Y'alls mill layouts. 8)  I am thinking way in advance here and would like to hear what works for you. I am not looking for any certain thing like BF a day or hour.  I would just love to see other people's shed layouts.  If I see it once, it sticks in my head and I can build it without sketches or blue prints, tweeking it to fit my needs. 

My Dad was an Aggie that was raised on a farm in the Texas Panhandle.  I know whatever you build, it will be too small.  He had sheds added on sheds that were added on sheds.  All my buildings and equipment are built and bought with growing bigger added in.
hugs,  Brandi

[customsawyer]

Mine had plenty of pictures taken of it in the "Sawing project 2019" thread. There was even some videos of it. It's 90x106 and still to small. I also have another 40x50 enclosed for dried lumber and it's to small. I have a 30x40 for a blade shop and it's to small. I'm starting to notice a pattern here.

[Southside]

Me too Jake - you always build with a "0" in both of the dimensions :D.  

[GAB]

Make it twice as big as you think that that you will need, then double that.  I am not kidding  .

If you do not follow the above suggestion, build in such a way as to be able to easily add on in all directions.
GAB

[Resonator]

Make it twice as big as you think that that you will need, then double that.  I am not kidding 

...and tell the bank that when you ask for more money. :D

[redbeard]

Having a wide head mill you want too keep in mind loading logs that won't load easily with log loader arms, So your over head cover needs too be high enough for equipment too set the odd logs on mill.
My Timberking B-20 cover building was  designed to keep operator area comfortable from weather and now realize that it is not drag back friendly for new AC 36 Cooks mill. So a new over head cover is in the works. It eliminate a handy turn around area for customers loading and unloading.
It's hard too see into the future of your operation but if your in planning stages try too keep traffic areas in mind with your buildings.
Kiln placement, log storage, log handling equipment, firewood slab cutting area, sawdust pile ECT.
Don't forget a nice area for your dogs too keep eye on what's going on in woodlot.

 

 

 

 

 

[Mike W]

Super nice layout there Redbeard, like the lumberjack, a nice added touch.  I really enjoyed Whidbey Island when I was doing remodel / construction work back in the mid 90's.  Seemed more times then not, when getting directions to someones home would consist of directions such as:

"you know where the ole red barn used to be?"

Well no, I don't

"yea, turn left there...." :

[TimW]

Thanks Redbeard. This is exactly what I am looking for.  Photos and overall layout.  I was gonna make it all under one structure to start out, but I like your approach.
hugs,  Brandi

[TimW]

Thanks Redbeard. This is exactly what I am looking for.  Photos and overall layout.  I was gonna make it all under one structure to start out, but I like your approach.
hugs,  Brandi

[TimW]

direct sun milling is great in Ks in the winter, not in the summer.  Prob. not as bad in the summer in Vermont. but Good Lord help you sawing in the sun, in the summer, in the great state of Texas! :D

Doc,  I have huge White Oak trees in front of the barn by the driveway.  I am sawing there right now.  Most of the day in the shade.
hugs,  Brandi

[TimW]

Mine had plenty of pictures taken of it in the "Sawing project 2019" thread. There was even some videos of it. It's 90x106 and still to small. I also have another 40x50 enclosed for dried lumber and it's to small. I have a 30x40 for a blade shop and it's to small. I'm starting to notice a pattern here.

C Sawyer,
Do you remember what page that is posted on?
hugs,  Brandi

[TimW]

Make it twice as big as you think that that you will need, then double that.  I am not kidding

...and tell the bank that when you ask for more money. :D

Don't need to ask banks anymore for DanG money. smiley_tom_tutnurhorn2
hugs,  Brandi

[Magicman]

Do you remember what page that is posted on?

There are many pictures beginning here:  LINK  And continuing for another half dozen pages.

(I'll check our redbeard's setup for you in a couple of weeks.)   ;D

[doc henderson]

there are 27 pages. this will get you in the middle with a video as an over view. pics also but not taken with the intent to show the overall layout.

Re: Sawing project 2019

[YellowHammer]

A sawmill shed and a lumber drying shed have significantly different requirements, and only occasionally, with specific species of wood, are they optimized for dual purpose.  

The sawmill should be placed where it best suits you, the lumber drying shed must be placed where it best suits the lumber.  There is a difference.  

[TimW]

Do you remember what page that is posted on?

There are many pictures beginning here:  LINK  And continuing for another half dozen pages.

(I'll check our redbeard's setup for you in a couple of weeks.)   ;D

Thanks MM.  I went to your link and scrolled through the photos.  Awesome place.
hugs,  Brandi

[TimW]

good morning.  I think there are some designs in the drying hardwood lumber by @GeneWengert-WoodDoc   and Jake really had a nice set up.  @customsawyer  . and I know that @Tom the Sawyer  had made some neat additions.  and @Southside  and @YellowHammer  have good ideas and opinions.  I do not have a drying shed per se, but will look forward to what some of the experts have to say.  I am sure there will be many, but this may help to get the ball rolling.  Best regards!

Thanks Doc.  I clicked on the links you have above and visited their galleries.  Do you know how many photos are there to look through?   Way more than I have free time to visit.  Hopefully these guys will post here with photos.  Thanks again.
hugs,  Brandi

[WDH]

My sawmill shed.



 



 

[PAmizerman]

My plans for a future set up


 
Kind of modeled after this Baker setup
Baker Dominator Band Sawmill & reverse edger in action - YouTube

[doc henderson]

Hello Brandi.  I added links to a few folks I thought would chime in.  I am not sure anyone took photos specific to your request so it may seem like a lot.  I mill outside and have a wood shop so I have no specific pics I can send, but this topic has been talked about in the past.  If you have specific questions, keep posting and everyone will chime in.  I am a hobbyist sawyer/woodworker.  best regards

[Peter Drouin]

Wood comes off the mill with the drag back.


 
Then the slabs go oneway flinch the other way.


 

 

 
Tale man can put them where ever stuff goes. Cut a bunch of lumber from the cant. push the pile with the drag back and sticker them.
Then edge em


 
The wind comes from the Northwest most times, The drying shed faces that way.


 
See how the back wall is. the wind blows through the lumber
The mill faces South for the sun to come in, in the winter.

[Bruno of NH]

Peter has a great set up.
All built with wood except for the I beam header over the mill opening.
I'm hoping to get something built over the new mill this year.

[Peter Drouin]

Snow is coming to Bruno.
I would like to get something over the Hot rod lift too,
But the snow will start to fly before I have time to get it up. maybe, I know a place where all the wood is piled up. :D ;)
If you have time get the lumber ready for the shed, so when you get the time it will be all dry and good to go. 

[Southside]

Snow is coming

Honestly, I would appreciate it right now if it did.  

[TimW]

My sawmill shed.



 

WDH,
      Your open design was what I was initially thinking about.  Where do you stow your blades and tools?
         hugs,  Brandi

[TimW]

Wood comes off the mill with the drag back.


 
Then the slabs go oneway flinch the other way.


 

 

 
Tale man can put them where ever stuff goes. Cut a bunch of lumber from the cant. push the pile with the drag back and sticker them.
Then edge em


 
The wind comes from the Northwest most times, The drying shed faces that way.


 
See how the back wall is. the wind blows through the lumber
The mill faces South for the sun to come in, in the winter.

Thanks Peter.  How long are your extensions?  How long is the I beam and what size I is it?  I like the layout with the back wall storage.  How do you take care of the sawdust?

On your drying shed, what is the reason for the slatted back wall?
hugs,  Brandi

[TimW]

Snow is coming

Honestly, I would appreciate it right now if it did.  

I would settle for just a cold front.  Anything to blow this humidity out.
hugs,   Brandi

[WDH]

Brandi,

The sawmill is situated on the old homeplace where I grew up, so the old house is there, and although not really fit for habitation, I use it to store my stuff as well as a whack of dried lumber.  I have two of those sheds.  The other one is dedicated to air drying lumber.

[nativewolf]

@Peter Drouin :  question for you on your layout.  How large an opening does that steel i beam span?  Do you know offhand how large it was? 

[TimW]

@Peter Drouin :  question for you on your layout.  How large an opening does that steel i beam span?  Do you know offhand how large it was

Yes, inquiring minds want to know.
hugs,  Brandi

[TimW]

Brandi,

The sawmill is situated on the old homeplace where I grew up, so the old house is there, and although not really fit for habitation, I use it to store my stuff as well as a whack of dried lumber.  I have two of those sheds.  The other one is dedicated to air drying lumber.

Thanks, but my question is about the drying shed with the slats for a back wall.  Why slats?  I am confused. ???
 hugs,  Brandi

[TimW]

My plans for a future set up


 
Kind of modeled after this Baker setup
Baker Dominator Band Sawmill & reverse edger in action - YouTube

PA,
    What is a green chain?

[TimW]

Thanks guys.  I am getting lots of good ideas and learning stuff from Y'alls comments and photos.  Keep 'em coming.
hugs,  Brandi

[YellowHammer]

A drying shed has different requirements than a sawmill shed.  We have several air drying sheds, each is optimized for drying.  Air drying sheds require proper ambient airflow, non stagnant conditions, electricity for fans or blowers, open sides or gaps in the siding to promote airflow.  I've had one air drying area that ruined every load of wood I put there, and yet moved it 100 yards away, and it was perfect.  The position and effort put into the air drying shed depends on the quality of the finished lumber you want.  An air drying shed should be concrete or otherwise have a very flat surface for the stacked lumber, as the lumber will dry and pick up the shape of the ground it was setting on.  

Here is the simplest one we have, a basic metal garage structure, available cheap and erected by a contractor in a few hours.  It's on a hill, gets excellent airflow from all directions, and had hard tire forklift access.



 

 
A sawmill shed requires much more infrastructure, and hopefully room for expansion for future equipment.  Power for fans to keep personnel cool, sawdust extraction systems, preferably near your tools to help with maintenance. Nice to have multiple wind walls to keep the cold and rain off the equipment and when sawining.  Need room for staging logs, need room for a log deck, and need room to facilitate clean up.  Good to have running water, and an air compressor.  

Here is our layout.  It is fluid as new equipment comes on line, or gets uninstalled and removed.  It is more linear than boxy.  



 

We use an open ended barn, three bay structure, one for the mill, one for the edger, and one for the secondary processing equipment.  All bays and equipment can be run simultaneously or independently, so each is isolated by a wall. Notice the air compressor line and dust extraction hose.  Roller tables for slabs and flitches, and access from the side and end by loader or forklift.  


  

[Peter Drouin]

A better pic of the back wall.


 

 
This side facing do south, the North wind off my back this way. Use the wind to dry stuff and keep the sawdust out of your eyes.
YH I didn't think you- all had hills down there. :laugh: :laugh:

The door is 45' wide with an I-beam. It's big and heavy for the snow load up here.
An engineer helped with the size
Best you get one to tell you what size you need.
The guys down south can get along with the tin ones.  :D ;)

[Bruno of NH]

Used bar joist work good for sawmill headers.
I have been on the lookout for one or 2
I might try building a warren truss. 

[PAmizerman]

@Bindian here is an example of a green chain in a nice setup.
The green chain is the piece closest to the camera that is transferring the flitches and finished lumber to the edger 
3000 bdft / 8 hr shift wood mizer LT40 G25HD - YouTube

[YellowHammer]

@Peter Drouin  
You have a real nice place. 

[terrifictimbersllc]

@Bindian here is an example of a green chain in a nice setup.
The green chain is the piece closest to the camera that is transferring the flitches and finished lumber to the edger
3000 bdft / 8 hr shift wood mizer LT40 G25HD - YouTube

Can I watch some paint dry instead? :D :D :D

[TimW]

Sorry for not asking more questions.  I had surgery on both feet Friday and am struggling to stay/get in/get out of the recliner.  Gonna be down 30 days.  Stitiches come out next Monday.
hugs,  Brandi

[APope]

Ouch! Get better quickly. Hope that it all heals correctly.

[TimW]

Thanks Ahope.  I keep cutting logs and designing a deck for my friend's trailer and my mill shed in my head.  Just now getting cabin fever.
hugs,  Brandi

[Dana Stanley]

Used bar joist work good for sawmill headers.
I have been on the lookout for one or 2
I might try building a warren truss.

I have been thinking about making a Warren Truss too. I have several 24' 2-1/2 sch 80 galvanized pipes I can use 2 of them for top and bottom cords!. Not sure what I should use for the webs though. It would likely be carrying 1/2 of a 12x24'  span 6/12 pitch 35psi snow load . 

[TimW]

@Bindian here is an example of a green chain in a nice setup.
The green chain is the piece closest to the camera that is transferring the flitches and finished lumber to the edger
3000 bdft / 8 hr shift wood mizer LT40 G25HD - YouTube

That is a neat setup.  How long did it take you to get that all dialed in?
hugs,  Brandi

[PAmizerman]

@Bindian  it's not my setup. Just a video I found.

[doc henderson]

pbs airing woodsmith shop, S12 ep1 on setting up a woodshop, space and tools, might be interesting although not exactly what you are doing.  I guess it is something to watch if you are off your feet.  can prob. get it on google ect.

[TimW]

Thanks Doc.  I will check it out.  Can't stay too long at the computer.  I try to prop my feet up, but just not comfortable.  What I need is a wireless connection to the new 65 inch TV with a wireless keyboard for the recliner!
       hugs,  Brandi

[doc henderson]

i got a dongle so i can see my phone screen on tv.  cheers

[TimW]

i got a dongle so i can see my phone screen on tv.  cheers

Doc,
  What is a dongle?
hugs,  Brandi

[doc henderson]

it can be purchased on amazon, and is an interface so you can play a you tube video from your phone on any tv.  so I got one with a lighting to HDMI and can play my phone stuff on a tv.  they have many combos so you need to know that you want to play on the tv, and get the correct ends.  about 20 bucks.  i use it when I teach, "stop the bleed" courses cause I have the video on my phone, and can plug into a tv.

[doc henderson]

 

 
dongle.  the plug on the L plugs into my phone.  on the R upper is the HDMI, and the little slot on the R lower, is to plug a charger in as well if you want to simultaneously charge your phone.

[jeepcj779]

I'm a little late to the party, but microsoft also makes a wireless adapter that plugs in to a TV that has HDMI (audio video out) and USB (power) connectors (about $50). You can turn your TV into and extended monitor from any compatible wireless device. I use mine to sit on the couch with my feet up watching sawmill videos on the TV (wirelessly connected to the laptop as a monitor) while reading about sawmills on my laptop screen.

[TimW]

I'm a little late to the party, but microsoft also makes a wireless adapter that plugs in to a TV that has HDMI (audio video out) and USB (power) connectors (about $50). You can turn your TV into and extended monitor from any compatible wireless device. I use mine to sit on the couch with my feet up watching sawmill videos on the TV (wirelessly connected to the laptop as a monitor) while reading about sawmills on my laptop screen.

The new 65 inch TV I bought has wireless on it.  Just gotta figure out the HDMI ports and how to switch it.  I have 3 sources with one being hooked to the satellite.  You tube is already on the TV, so I guess click that and see if it connects to an open HDMI port?
hugs,  Brandi

[flyboy16101]

I built this in a hurry just so my mill would not be left out in the weather and so I could so saw anytime that I got a chance (some how my day off work is always 100% chance of rain). I knew from start that it would be a little tight on space. I am drawing up plans for a 44x40 to replace this and also store some lumber and equipment (skid steer, maybe an edger) but the more I think about it I doubt I will have very much lumber storage due to equipment and being able to move around while I do things without moving machinery outside to make room to work. I would like to go 40x100 or bigger but I have to make a lot more flat ground to build on first.

[TimW]

I built this in a hurry just so my mill would not be left out in the weather and so I could so saw anytime that I got a chance (some how my day off work is always 100% chance of rain). I knew from start that it would be a little tight on space. I am drawing up plans for a 44x40 to replace this and also store some lumber and equipment (skid steer, maybe an edger) but the more I think about it I doubt I will have very much lumber storage due to equipment and being able to move around while I do things without moving machinery outside to make room to work. I would like to go 40x100 or bigger but I have to make a lot more flat ground to build on first.

Looks warm and cozy.  Can you run it with the doors closed?  Flyboy, is that mean you fly?
hugs, Brandi

[flyboy16101]

I was going to put an exhaust in but didn't since I don't have room for the lumber inside so the doors are always open when I'm sawing. I fly some a flight engineer for the reserves but not very often anymore.

[TimW]

I was going to put an exhaust in but didn't since I don't have room for the lumber inside so the doors are always open when I'm sawing. I fly some a flight engineer for the reserves but not very often anymore.

Flyboy 16101,
     THANK YOU for your service.  I'm an aircraft mechanic with a major airline.  Been there 27 years.  Years ago, I thought about becoming a WOC in the Army to fly helicopters.  At that time I was rebuilding wrecked helicopters.
                                                hugs, Brandi

[jeepcj779]

If your TV is new, it is likely of the "smart" variety. That being the case, you can probably just use the TV remote to select youtube and watch it using just the TV.