Author Topic: And the adventure begins! (Read 715 times)

Longshot1911 · « **on:** September 13, 2014, 10:33:42 AM »

After much consideration of mill attributes, I came across a used Peterson 10" WPF that I could not pass up. The mill was located 109 miles away, so I set an appointment to view/test drive the following Sat. Just my luck, the entire day was plagued by rain. No matter. The owner had a 26-is"x 16' oak laying between the rails when I arrived. In short order, we cut up a pile of 1x6, 2x6, and some 4x4's. I forgot how heavy these *DanG things are! In short, the mill was everything I hoped it would be and more. Even with dull/chipped teeth, it powered through the log.

Sorry I don't have pics of the test drive, but it was raining, and I was busy.

I did take these pics for entertainment purposes. You know what they say about the equipment you want vs the equipment you have? Well, I don't currently have a truck-truck. What I have is a 1984 Toyota 4runner with a removable shell. I have hauled a 1000 lb gun safe several times, so I knew it could handle the weight. I used two 2x6's to "extend" my bed for the frame. I also kept a couple of the nice quartersawn 4x4's to make new skids with (this is a 2001 machine, using the old rail support system). While it may look precarious, my buddy and I made the 109 mile trip home in the pouring rain (it let up just long enough to take these pics). Talk about an adventure!

Anyway, more pictures and stories to come in the future. That's for running such a great resource!

beenthere · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2014, 11:14:14 AM »

Nice find. Look forward to hearing more about your adventure.

sandhills · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2014, 12:11:45 PM »

SWEET! You're gonna have some fun now

Magicman · « **Reply #3 on:** September 13, 2014, 01:29:44 PM »

Looks like you may have found your niche.

I understand the "no picture" thing. When I am sawing "hourly rate" I am reluctant to reach for the camera.

mad murdock · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2014, 03:25:19 PM »

Nice mill!! Congratulations

Seaman · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2014, 03:47:07 PM »

Time to get busy !
Frank

thecfarm · « **Reply #6 on:** September 13, 2014, 05:33:10 PM »

So there. What's the plan for all the lumber?

Longshot1911 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 13, 2014, 06:13:03 PM »

All part of a bigger plan. For now, I will take on local mobile work on the weekends to gain experience. I have several friends with log piles.

Market research will continue as we look to our full time retirement plan. Final location will determine final use. At a minimum, I see some timber frame construction in my future.

Mill was purchased with an electric lift that was not installed by the previous owner. That is now done. Interviewing local saw shops to get one of the 3 blades re-tipped.

Clean, oil, and prepare equipment. Replace what is missing (coolent bottle, track levelers). From the pictures, you can see the frame is lacking the new style frame brace. I will either buy or make one to stiffen things up a bit. I just picked up a lightweight 4x8 trailer that will make hauling with my little truck much more convienent.

I will post updates as I go.

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