#25 Woodland Mills Sawmill - My Mistakes and What I Have Learned

[@robertlord7911]

As a teacher ... I'd say you hit it perfectly... knowledge is always what works and what doesn't. Both the same value... learning from mistakes is smart. Thanks for your video

[@robertdillon9989]

Thank you so much, just got my 126 delivered, too snowy to even set up!

[@JCTyler64]

Thank you Chris, i just purchased a 126 and this is very helpful - much appreciated!

[@rodoquinn]

I have a woodland mills being delivered today. Thanks for the information.

[@jaysun2894]

Thank you so much for putting this video together. Great information! God bless!

[@PaulWhitedWoodStoneIron]

Hey Chris. Digging the channel. I just came across it today and I clicked because I seen in your Backround and having a setup to put your flitches In which is very similar to what we’ve made to cut ours into firewood. Cool stuff to see other have same ideas. Liking the channel keep them coming I’ll check them all out also.

[@TheCritterWindow]

Thanks for the tips. I ordered my Woodland mill last week. I spent the extra cash on the blade sharpener and setter. I cant wait.

[@carolewarner101]

Chris, thanks so much for making this video! We will be picking up our mill next Tuesday and all your tips and things to be aware of will help us avoid numerous problems right out of the gate. 8 months is a LOT more experience than we have, LOL! Really appreciate you taking the time to share all this. Your southern neighbor in Oregon.

[@mostrico]

Hey man, thank you so much for doing this, I learn a lot please keep on sharing your knowledge!!

[@shawnocallaghan3860]

Thanks Chris - I’ve struggled with my log clamps too. I’m a rookie and now milling my 6th log and those clamps have been my biggest complaint. After watching your video I realized they were backwards. Also the lubrication tips were helpful. I’m in Michigan and was milling in snow last weekend. Let’s just say that my mill wasn’t rolling easily until I sprayed down the wheels with some PB Blaster. Keep up the good work man!

[@tedwyberanec8518]

This is a great video! I just received my saw and am in the process of assembling. Listening to users experience is perfect for a newbie. So far, I’m really impressed with the quality. Very solid. I was planning on buying a separate trailer to tow, but this trailer is a tank! Don’t think I will need to buy a separate trailer to tow at least 1,000 miles. This should be fine to tow the mill. I was missing (2) if the shorter side rails & it has stopped my assembly in its tracks. (No pun intended). To assemble correctly, you need those rails! They have created a replacement order, so just delays me for a week

[@richardb.1362]

Thanks very much Chris. Enjoyed your feedback and am looking forward to setting up my sawmill that just arrived last week. You raised good points.

[@jimconverse5343]

Lots of useful information. Thanks for your time, Chris. Trying to decide whether to buy the NM 126. Own 55 wooded acres in Ohio

[@TreeHaven]

Just got my HM126 put together. Can’t wait to start milling. Thanks for making this video. New subscriber from Arkansas 👊

[@tomcrank8701]

Awesome information for us green horns. Nice to be made aware of mistakes and things to avoid or to take notice of. Thank you!!!

[@robertstaires604]

Thanks man. Definitely useful info. I have a 130max coming in a few weeks and I'll still use some of your knowledge when it arrives.

[@davidmartin5179]

Great, informative video on the little, idiosyncrasies of the Mill

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Thanks! Happy that you enjoyed it.

[@danielbeach4855]

Thanks for making the time to share your experiences!

[@billwilliams9897]

This is actually a very helpful video.

[@johnbruno4769]

Thanks for the info! Ordered the HM126 Woodlander. 12 week backorder so I have time to do some more research. Great tips!

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Thanks, glad you liked the video, I hope you like the 126 as much as I do... I think it was a great choice as far as portable mills go.

[@LloydMorgan-l8w]

Awesome message I'm just about finished putting my hm130max together and I will check everything you mentioned 👍

[@arnoldpraesent174]

Hey. thanks for sharing. I ordered a HM130Max just couple of hours ago. My biggest concern is how to handle the logs until they are cut up. I assume that has a lot to do with the hight of the saw mill you put it from ground. Second thing im thinking about is how to get saw dust unter control not messing up the whole area. The learning curve and learning a new skill is one of the main reasons why im doing it. Im more into carpenter projects than lumber making projects but i definitely like the idea of having a tree in the woods, choosing the richt ones, cutting down, milling using it in the wood workshop and making nice projects out of it. Soo, from tree to work piece in the living room - the whole jain of wood processing. To some trees i got a relation (story to tell) and wouldn‘t it be cool, sitting on a table in the dining room knowing you have done everything by your own and you also know who plantet the tree, how it survived ww2, how you played as kid on the tree… and now you are sitting in front of it with your own kids and telling all the stories… and everybody tells me: if you own a saw mill, you will have rapidly have new friends. 😂.

[@bruceshearer1719]

A great video ....thanks for posting

[@delmanicke9228]

Rule a thumb if it can go wrong it will eventually go wrong and you will find that No matter how much experienced you have it will still happen, go slow and have fun, good video I picked up a couple good tips 😌👍 thanks.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Good advice, thanks and glad you liked the video.

Thanks for all information! Merry Christmas 🎄

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@JosEPh-zy3yr]

Thanks for this video! 👍

[@FrankLutz2]

Just ordered a 130MAX from Woodland, expected to ship out to me end of Feb. Watched your 1 year vid just before this one. Both great info while I await my delivery date. Great to know all the ‘little’ tidbits which I surely would’ve run into as well. Good to know you’re well satisfied with the purchase. By the way, nice location / setting for your mill. Always curious about everyone’s ‘discard’ scrap piles. Seen a few do similar to what you have there parallel to the mill. Thanks for the great vid and info. 👍

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

No problem, thanks for watching. Hope everything works out good for you with the 130 max.

[@stevenwatson3496]

Great video! I learned a lot. Still waiting on mine to get here.

[@johntillotson4254]

Great presentation. Thx

[@whitepinewoods9029]

Same thing happened to me with the cables under the wheels. Also ripped my glove on the pullstart. Great video, thanks!

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Glad you liked it, seems like a lot of people run into the same issues.

[@michaelscott2381]

Nice video. I to am a new mill owner. Big learning curve. I have tore a lot of stuff up on my own stupidity. Blade tracking utmost importance. Most fun you will ever have working.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Yes there sure is a lot to learn, but I agree tons of fun.

[@todd8335]

thank you for your videos' haven't got mine to my property yet but you give a good heads up on what to expect.

[@CreatingASimplerLifeOffGrid]

Great video . I've been looking at this mill for some time now. Thanks for the info.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

No problem, was happy to do it.

[@dmiller4474]

Great very useful Chris, thanks

[@fightingforfitness5098]

Great video. I have had the same sawmill for about the same amount of time and have traveled your journey. Would have liked to have watched your video before I got started.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Thanks! I know I have learned a lot from other peoples videos, so like trying to share my thoughts. There is definitely a lot to learn, but a lot of fun too.

[@woodardcreekcreations8234]

This was helpful. Thank you Chris. My Hm 130 max is to arrive this week.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Glad it was helpful. Hope that you make out well with your new mill, I know I like the 126 it has performed very well for me so far.

[@bluethunder1951]

All good points and suggestions, on the throttle cable, I pinched one end of a short bungee cord on it, so when the head is lower the cord keeps the cable up enough to not snag the tension bar.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Thanks, that's a good idea. I will have to try that, its one of those small things that is a little annoying after it gets caught a couple times.

[@MrRidingman]

Awesome video sir, much appreciate you taking the time to walk through all details and explaining it. I will likely be buying one and never had one either so you were of great assistance.

[@mst5632]

I loved the video, Chris’s. Extremely informative tips. Took delivery of a HM130 Max last Fall and will be getting to work setting it up this Spring. Thank you very much for sharing and taking the time to make this video. God bless, stay healthy and safe.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Glad that you enjoyed it, I'm happy to do it as long as I know someone is getting some value out of it. Good luck getting your mill set up.. I know i am enjoying mine very much and have no regrets. Its been fun learning a new hobby.

[@CopperBarnHomestead]

Awesome video and info. Just starting assembling our 126. Thank you

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with the setup and hope that everything goes well for you.

[@GTDwithMatt]

My mill is coming in today thanks for the info very helpful.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

No problem, happy to do it. Good luck with your mill!

[@randypedersen2141]

Thank you Chris. I have watched alot of sawmill videos but yours was one that will really help me down the road. My HM126 will show up in about a month. I have designed a base for it that has the horizontal beams it all sits on 3 inches off the ground but I think I will change that to 6 or 8 after seeing your video. I can see myself installing the clamps backwards as you did so I will be careful with that when I get there too. I just subscribed so keep on sawing and I will keep on watching. Randy

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Thats great Randy, good luck with the new mill hope all goes well with it!

[@garybarnes3998]

Thanks for sharing very informative!

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Thanks! glad that you liked it.

[@wildbitshomestead8811]

Super helpful, thanks for sharing. Just got my HM126 last week and building base for it now. I had some PT 4x6s and build a track for it with those. Going to keep it 12” or so off the ground that way to make it easier to clean the sawdust out. Based my design off ‘lumber jack’ ‘s channel.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

That looks like a good design, i will have to keep it in mind when i redo my setup.

[@wildbitshomestead8811]

@@ChrisBrackenridge nice. I’ll post a video of my setup once I get it up and running also.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

awesome i will be interested to see that

[@timberlineoffroad]

Great video thanks for the tips!!

[@jamesdesylva9723]

thanks sir for this video that's gonna be very usefull for a lot a guys including myself,having a hm 126 ordered ,be here in november.i had a round blabe sawmill since 10 year but my kids were a little bit scared working with it so i decieded to change for the bansaw one ,i might regret it .thank anyway for those good advices ,sure helps.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

No problem, I hope that the new mill works out for you.

[@fiskfarm]

That was very informative Chris. You hit on lots of good points. Between you and Sandy I will be an old hand at this by the time my 126 arrives. I plan on Sona tubes (concrete piers) at the suspension points and this has convinced me. Problem is I have to really nail down where to set up lol. Good stuff bud. TY Now you need to build a nice saw shed. 👍😎👌

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Concrete Piers sounds like a good idea. Yes I definitely want to have a much better setup for next winter if possible, just have not decided exactly what to do yet. A saw shed would be awesome.

[@stephensmith7307]

Thanks for taking the time to go over the points you covered. I have a HM 130 Max Woodlander on the way and can’t wait to get milling. I’ve watched a lot of videos from Nate from OTW, and have seen some amazing material and informative info. He has a Wood Mizer. I think the Woodland Mills product will be more than sufficient and simple enough to keep up and running, less things to go wrong. Be well and enjoy...

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Good luck with your mill, I know I really enjoy mine. I watch a lot of Nate's videos as well, definitely a great channel if your into saw milling.

[@conradervin1338]

Thank you . I just bought th HM 126 Woodland Mill . Have it together but not cut yet . I hope to avoid mistakes if possibe or at least minamize . I need all the tips I can get . Again , thank you .

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

No problem, good luck with the mill, hope everything goes well for you. I have really enjoyed mine.

[@rolandgoertzen5055]

Chris I think you will find that the clamps work better for smaller logs the way you now use them but for large logs, ones that may overhang the rails a little, they work better the way you initially used them, took me a while to figure that out because I don't mill large logs too often.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

That's good to know, thanks I will remember that.

[@ruaraidhmac8171]

Great info. Thanks.

[@jjsmachine]

Thank you for the tips. All very good and useful. I'm waiting for mine to ship so this is all good info for a newbie like me.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Right on, good luck with yours, I have no regrets with mine that's for sure,

[@RaperJason]

Good Vid Chris very informative just one point WD40 is like the kiss of death to bearings WD stands for Water Displacement it is not a lubricant when you spray it into a bearing it washes all the grease out and the bearing runs really smoothly for a while then it wears very badly it also allows water in eventually causing rust I have seen so many bicycle and motorcycle bearings ruined in months where they would have lasted years if they were regreased So slap some grease back into those bearings to save later problems

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Thanks for the info! That is good to know.

[@craigjones1115]

Lots of good tips. Thank you for the video.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

No problem, thanks for watching

[@johntillotson4254]

Great tips

[@murraydelawski7496]

I have the 130 max .lots of trouble with that stupid ball bearing on the crank handle. The ball allways falls out and I replaced 6 times already. When I crank it I make sher it doesn't touch but it still falls out .

[@danielmahoney8669]

Put cap nuts on exposed bolts to protect against getting caught with gloves etc.

[@shinyu45]

great video

[@dannyboy7086]

Hey Chris, found your site. been watching Sandy for a while but leaning more about getting a 126. I'm thinking your in Ontario because your trees look bigger. I'm in manitoba.. thxs for excellent video

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Hey, yes I watch Sandy also, lots of good stuff on his channel. I am indeed in south/central Ontario, Peterborough area.

[@seaniegleeson]

Very good tips, thanks.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Happy to do it!

[@nicholaslukash1331]

My mill is a used 2016 model so I wouldn't be surprised if I have some updates needed but I cannot find where you enter the serial # in on the site.. Do you recall how you did it?

[@johntillotson4254]

Thx for sharing ❤

[@villegas59chevy53]

Good job explaining, thank you

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

No problem, happy to share what I know.

[@thomasschmitthomesteadproj6025]

Great video Chris, Even after you have a lot of time with the mill mistakes will happen trust me you will see in my next video. this is the first mill I have owned but I have run lots of mills for others and I made rookie mistakes.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Looking forward to your next video. I thought it would be a good time to document what i have learned so far before i forget, but like you said I know the learning process is far from over lol.

[@lolitosantos6438]

I always watch your video I want to have that kind of bandsaw but I'm from the Philippines and I dont know if they have distributor here can you help me thanks more power

[@MichaelDavidHiltner]

Well done Chris! Thanks for your insights. They should help me (and others) down the road. Oh, on average how many logs can be cut before you need to either sharpen or replace a blade? Oh, and have you thought of a bungie setup for that throttle cable to keep it up and away from your blade tension handle? Thanks.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Thanks! I would say on average maybe 4-5 logs before having to change a blade. Although obviously it does vary greatly depending on the length of log you are cutting, diameter, and type of wood etc. I cut mostly cedar probably average 16 inches in diameter and 12 feet long and for that would say 4-5 logs per blade. Yes I think someone else previously mentioned to me about a bungee cord for that, its a good idea I should do that, just one of those things I have not got around to yet.

[@marka9049]

My HM126 will be here in a few days. I ordered my blades from Woodmizer. A buddy of mine said they're better than Woodland Mills. What blades do you use? Great video. Thanks!

[@murraydelawski7496]

I put mine on a steel 6x6 squares off the ground 2 feet so I don't have to bend over so far.i also put 3 big log to put my cants on to roll on easy.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Nice that sounds like something I will want to do in the future.

[@drivewaygarage1561]

Thanks for the information

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

No problem.

[@woodstockpotter]

I'm something of a novice with this; my HM126 arrived late last fall and is still in the box. I have some experience around mills, bandsaw and rotary, and related equipment. When I set up my mill I want to put it on two long +/- 9"by9" timbers with 3/8 cross ties, with room to add a second extension if I choose. My question is: How far apart would you place those timbers if you were setting up that way, as in, how far apart centre to centre are the adjustable feet on the tracks? Thank you for the video; I'm trying to make note of your suggestions and a lot of others as well because if there are mistakes to be made, I'm sure "Murphy" will help me make them. Thanks again!

[@woodstockpotter]

I should be able to get a shovel under my timbers to remove sawdust. I'm setting some charred posts in the ground as foundation for the rails.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

I'm not sure off the top of my head. I know the track is 30 1/2 inches wide so the feet would be about 28 1/2 I'm guessing but as soon as I am back at the mill I will measure for sure and let you know.

[@juliewaugerman2621]

Where did you get log arch need 1 like it

[@eneskdk5543]

Why don't you rotate the pull cord case so you can pull it from the other side?

[@Grunt49]

Thank you

[@kensebring3683]

I know the guide blocks on my 130 max wore out in less than 100 hours on the machine.

[@laszlogregovicha]

Thanks for the video, enjoyed it. Where are you located in Canada? I'm North of 60 and looking at an hm126 with the 14. One comment on your videos that I hope is constructive, due to me being a millennial with no attention span, is speak faster with less pauses and reiterating. Great work thanks again.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

I am down in Ontario just a couple hours north east of Toronto. Thanks for the suggestion, it is something I have tried working on, its really hard to change the way you naturally speak but hopefully I will get there.

[@OregonOldTimer]

Starter pull problem is easy to fix 12:15. Three 8mm bolts hold the starter cover on. Remove them and turn the starter cover to a different position. I can't include a photo of mine, but I now pull the starter from the right side of the mill. It's easier, and the pull handle doesn't interfere with choke and start lever.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Thanks! that sounds like a great solution, better than what i was thinking about doing.

[@VTKingdomsawing]

Is there a spot for a starter motor on that engine? When I was mill shopping, I developed a list of all my wants, prob should haves and then the must haves features in a mill. I was surprised that most things fell into the must have category (BTW, that would include electric start).

[@OregonOldTimer]

@@VTKingdomsawing the HM 122 doesn't have electric start option. I don't know about the 126 Chris has or whether the engine can accept a starter. I've had surgery on both shoulders and have to be careful how I use them, but starting the 9.5 engine is no strain. Call Woodland Mills and ask the people who know.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

You have to go with the hm130 to get the electric start.... I know that was the one thing that I would have liked to have but couldn't get it with the hm126 even though it has the same 14.5 kohler motor as the hm130........ so something tells me maybe if you were handy you could probably figure out how to put a starter on it lol. But that's a little out of my element.

[@blackwolfacres2759]

I don't find the upgrade section.

[@ruaraidhmac8171]

Looks like you're cutting a lot of frozen timber? That must wear the blade out swift.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

I imagine so lol, actually I have had the mill for under a year and 90% of what I have cut has been below freezing so I don't have much to compare it to yet, but starting to get into the warmer weather now.

[@renderuthis]

I have this mill and am happy with it, i see the price has shot up from last year when i got it. I do not know if id buy it again as other saw have not increased so much. It was the most saw for the money or the most weight for the money . I do not like the wheels. There is a reason why most saws do not make them this way. the blade rids on 3/4 of an inch fan belt or less, not a wider wheel with a hard rubber or that urethane as it should be. Ive had the first blade pop off in my life. Ive never had a saw blade just come off before and I believe it is do to this poor design. I have a saw that uses the exact same blade for 12 years and it never came off. Ive been using saws before that one and this has never happened. i see it has happened to others here on youtube. The back of a fan belt is not good and it can flex some and is not wide.

[@mikeoxlong3224]

When u say change the blade every couple logs. Can u be a bit more specific. How much board ft about before changing

[@donwimberley4772]

Turn those glove grabbing bolts around.

[@ChrisBrackenridge]

Good idea, thanks.

[@kenbo3246]

BAH!!!

[@robertfee2013]

Very helpful information . Thank you