Making A Wooden Band Saw Mill From Scratch - Full Build

[@JohnHeisz]

More about this here: ibuildit.ca/projects/quick-and-dirty-band-saw-mill/ This video is made up of 6 individual videos that I covered in a bit more detail on my second channel, plus a bit extra at the end: kzbin.info/door/zGbp-rRVNwyFhn9gHoZr5g I make longer, more in-depth videos there, covering more of the finer details of each build.

[@anthonyfernandez9524]

were you sore the next day? Because my family has a Old Sawmill our property and when I first use it I was sort of very next day LOL

[@chielderoode8811]

noob question here, is the blue electric screwdriver an impact screwdriver?

[@bikingmnviking3801]

You have to be the best woodworker I've seen on YT. You make things most people don't even get (like s4ing grade wood with just a hand plane and TS) look remarkably easy while some guys never figure out those skills during their whole lifetime. I have a theory about the drift: I think it's the flexibility of your silicone. Too flexible and not stiff enough. Remember this is a 1 " or so blade with a lot more force so now when it gets tightened, things start to wear/compress on the wheel maybe the kerf on the inside of the blade got reduced (measure it!) and so it is going to cut where there is more space. Space is produced by kerf. So the outside had the most kerf left so it's not an up/down cut issue so much as it is drifting towards what kerf is less compressed. Maybe you could put a very fine relief in the wheel where the blade kerf is so it does not compress so much with the new blade. Would hate to see another set of efforts & expense of one of those blades go so quickly. I hope you got like a 3 tpi skip tooth design or something more like that. Did you discuss it with the blade manufacturer? The specifics of the problem. Or maybe call Grizzly and ask for the bandsaq tuning tech. You never know. It looked like it ran really smooth. Maybe start with the water earlier on next time. I usually use something like simple green to get stuff off my blades. That spray on stuff with teflon that dries white is also very good all over a woodworking shop. I was routing for you all the way, look forward to more of your videos! Perfect timing, nascar is on!

[@williwonka5106]

Yeah, Makita makes this very nice. mine does about 1400 inch lbs. If you have not yet used the torque bit screws...:) love it.

[@kimcurtis9366]

Legendary Workshop, Good idea and, in the long run, after set-up, less physical effort.

[@sorinalexandrucirstea1994]

There's something really special about seeing a 40 something year old, doing what he loves and sharing it on youtube. Am I the only one who feels this way?

[@zaneomega2]

Nope

[@eyadmardini8904]

I take it you also watch Tim (grand illusions) it's just so lovely watching ambitious old men

[@zt8458]

+eyad mardini hes not that old

[@camgreer]

40 something? I think you need to clean your glasses. He's gotta be 50 at least, probably more like 55. But yeah, it's fun watching him and wishing I had a workshop like that (and the skills).

[@Psychlist1972]

Why focus on age? Good to see anyone of any age doing what they love and sharing on KZbin.

[@davidkestly7106]

You are brilliant John, and clearly apply "how things work" to make what is a very expensive machine out of available materials. This is a way of thinking that kids and woodworking professionals alike need to be reminded that they can do. It allows us all to know that we can do so much with the resources that we have on hand!

[@tseemhmooblis4981]

This man here is very smart and friendly, he gave every details on what he is building on the sawmill. This sawmill is work as good as the once that cost high dollars. Thank you man! you are sharp.

[@FirstOnlineVideo]

I was 50 mins into this video before I asked myself, why am I watching this - I am not into woodworking. I was however captivated by this mans passion and brilliants in accomplishing his goals. The best part is the Water Drip on the Blade. He said, I hope I lined it up properly. Cut to the next slip and HE NAILED IT! I really enjoyed watching this awesome video, well made, and great narration.

[@whatthefrerejacques]

Your work ethic and thoroughness are evident in the fact that all the myriad nails had been removed from 3 3/4 x 1 3/4 salvaged studs, saving your blades. Great video.

[@richardjreynolds6166]

Your commitment to this build and just finishing this video is, inspiring! well done.

[@crazyDIYguy]

Good for you man! I can't even imagine how many people criticized you and told you it wasn't possible or that your materials weren't right. Screw em'. Awesome, awesome, awesome 💯👍 very inspiring thank you.

[@dizzywilliams3557]

i've been bingeing a bit on woodworking and self made tools/equipment,i ended up here for obvious reasons,,,i have been watching some real smart guys,,you just outclassed them all.i love that your timber was re-cycled and your methods were PRACTICAL,,,my wife and i are refabbing a forties weatherboard house in Australian hardwood (the proper kind haha) and i have an old timber Schooner i am doing restoration work on,so wood features prominently,,thanx again.

[@objuan6]

WellDone! I know this vid is dated, but still provides excellent inspiration, example. I have built several bandsaws over the years, most of them temporary, meant for one project, many of THOSE still going. There is something about the sum physics of bandsaw that seems it’s TRYING to make you look good. Many projects a struggle every step. Bandsaw is on your side, it’s like it’s TRYING to emerge from the leftover, spare parts you’ve had for years into a functioning machine. Bravo! Keep playin’ that Rock and Roll!

[@TheHuizenre]

Thanks for sharing and the detailed movie. Thanks for also showing the issues you still have I would suggest to place the wheels in front of the frame, so you can easily change blades. Lubricating the blade will definitely help against gumming and wear. Don't give up John, you've spent so much effort and time. And take us along!

[@petnzme304]

A year later. Great attempt. Very informative. Well worth the attempt. You used what you had and I respect that. Absolutely no shame at all. Learned a lot. Some interesting things to look at. Torque vs speed. A winding/tracking system to push you dolly along... and that sharpeing system. Even soft pine needs a blade sharpen after 8 2" cuts and it would have been even more painful for a chainsaw. Impressive looking wood. Great for a veneer. Thanks for your hard work and effort well done.

[@tedberrett1493]

John; You deserve a great deal of credit for not only producing an interesting and entertaining video, but, more importantly, for demonstrating the full engagement of a, "do it yourself'er"; the happiness of doing it!

[@michaelm077]

Great ingenuity John, those black flys can be brutal, I’m in southeast Kentucky and on 25 acres, when I mow it’s a battle to keep from being consumed by them. God Bless.

[@RandyRasmusson]

This may be the best video I seen on you tube in a long time Thanks.... Ive built everything from fine furnature to three story tradition tibetan temples as well as victorian and other historical restorations and other projects for the ultra demanding ultra rich types and I can say with confidence that you are a real pro ... a real well thought out job... again thanks so much for your time

[@andrebourque2165]

Always a pleasure to watch you in your shop. I appreciate the running commentary.

[@andrebourque2165]

Also, you know the black flies are bad when they are visible in the camera.

[@ryanomalley8201]

One on each side, 1.5 “ out from your blade guides, fit 2 ballbearing guides to allow for grater tension against bowing/dipping and to ease blade strain points. Spread the tension load.

[@bencrawford8219]

I wish you were my neighbor because I like doing different types of projects, but yours was a big one! Plus I have a bobcat that would make it simple for moving the big logs! I learned a lot from your video about all the tricks you had for making this saw! I wish I was there to help you out!!😊

[@claybear000]

All the saw mills I've seen have the saw move, not the log. There are several advantages to this. I would like to see you build one that way. Thank you for making the video and sharing it.

[@aryanwilcox4721]

your descriptiveness and your proficiency with your personality on camera earned you a subscriber!

[@RobertSmith-me3gs]

That cupboard POV transition was slick asf. I loved everything about that.

[@robertmanly4418]

When I built my bandsaw I got some old truck inner tubes and cut them cross ways so they are like a giant rubber band then stretched them over the big discs that the saw blade runs on. Just lift and glue. works well. thanks for sharing.

[@mcransley]

Really enjoyed this video. Good ideas using the silicone on the wheels and ceramic tiles for guides. Look forward to watching some more videos. Thanks from UK

[@kevinlupien9520]

Every time I see American ingenuity like this, I swell with pride. That was awesome! Thank you for sharing.

[@bradfordjeff]

This is Canadian.

[@TizonaAmanthia]

it's a good project, I like the inclusion of a few creative camera angles, like the "in the cabinet" angle, like good eats was known for, and the "come with me" on the lumber later on. they're seamlessly included, and aren't flaunted. I like that.

[@annettemillette4091]

John, it was good watching you build that band saw, as you said the blade sharpening, may have stopped it from spanning out, but you know what you want to build, so you build it we will buy it,if its not expensive to build then it will not be expensive to buy, never sell yourself short be confident.

[@joemilich]

That was certainly entertaining to watch what can be made out of wood. Thanks for taking the time and effort to do it, and film/edit it all.

[@kevalloyd6190]

Inspirational stuff John. I doubt that I'd ever build one myself as I no longer have access to such timber but I am in awe of all the shopmade jigs and appliances you have in your shop! Good job!

[@brunokabbaz5779]

That was the longest KZbin video I've ever seen without worrying about the time! Awesome video, that wood is just marvelous, congratulations for making it

[@humblehombre9904]

The job of the blocks is to act as a bearing, when required. Therefore this material will simply disappear and do nout. You need a slippery, yet tough material. ie. graphite. I really like this build, and have been watching for years. Thanks for your work, lots of work!

[@rawkneepeefrompleasantvall2853]

John, I've sawed alot on Sawmills with Circular saws, and done a little with band saws, I believe you just have a little downward "LEAD" built into the angle of the saw, if you didn't get the saw Leading you at a ninety degree angle to the carriage, it will automatically saw in the direction that the blade leads you. so if you tip the bandsaw away slightly it should straighten out, if you tilt it back too much it will lead you up in the other direction. Circular sawmills, have a method of moving the pillow blocks so that lead can be adjusted, you may need to use the same type of mechanism.

[@shakdidagalimal]

Congratulations on this. Bravo and hurrah. I switched out the blade on my 14" bandsaw for the 5th time, and finally it was a blade that worked. Night and day. It's still on there - even after jamming it once and jacking around to straighten it and reset some teeth, it's 1,000 % better than all the others, which were a variety of blades.

[@MakeSomething]

What a great series! Can't wait for a year to go by and see what you do with the wood.

[@JohnHeisz]

+Make Something Thanks David, I may use some sooner - a smaller piece that I'll dry in my oven.

[@leandrocabrera6038]

Kioto

[@livingwoodcreations-woodtu6540]

Nothing better that watching John build stuff for a hour

[@chetpeters8312]

60,year old youngest on a 3man tree crew loved your video made me laugh cool stuff

[@larry5948]

John Your amazing talent is ingenous and mindblowing. Here i think im a woodworker when i make homemade drawer pulls that match and you go build a sawmill bandsaw. FYI.. when we abuse our bodies as young studs we pay for it in multiples as grumpy old men. You should connect with Izzy and cremona and put your skills together. I can see a company coming together with such creative minds. Great work .!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂🙂

[@joepro.736]

Man it is a nice project it looks like old age saw,couldn't believe you can be made all of wood nice job

[@zareerhz3454]

Hi John, You did everything very clearly and cleanly. Construction of the saw, the video, cleanliness and orderliness of the workshop are excellent. 👏👏 🏆 Best regards from the Maldive Islands.

[@camgreer]

I read a few of the comments, with some ideas about why the blade was drifting. The way I see it, I believe the blade needs support closer to where it's cutting. If the blade guides were adjustable along the length of the blade, you could get them closer to the action. For example, if you were cutting that 15" wide log, you could move them to about 18" apart or so, just outside the width of the log. I believe the blade is twisting and diving down, 'scooping' out the wood at the end. A steel frame and wheels would allow for more tension, and that would help, but I think you could eliminate most of the problem with better guide placement. Maybe even a real sharp Timber Wolf blade. Your ceramic and bearing guide system is really cool, by the way.

[@fonhollohan2908]

" ya since those screws are a little bit long I'll cut them off with the table saw." LOL Thats look afterwards was priceless. love your sense of humor there John...timely at best. Thats a great idea with the silicone John

[@briansephton8777]

I love the imperfect videos ,why show it if it is perfect it just puts people off . I admire the effort and as you say it might be easier to buy common lumber but I know it is not as much fun . I make many projects that cost me more and take more time but I just like to prove to myself I can sort a problem out . Well done you .

[@bradpendleton5675]

Great effort, man, that wood ways a ton, especially if you're not use to that type of work.

[@FoxyCAMTV]

I would just cut it with a hand saw...Your Patience is unfathomable to me.Good job.

[@PortofinoXXX]

Great project.Thank you for sharing the video with us. If you wanted to raise the log for the next cut, rather than lifting the log on the cart. Lever up the cart and add 2x's to the track.

[@BabaLuzer]

Great build, Mr. Heisz. At the end when you showed what the grain and spalting looks like... very nice. Can't wait for it to dry up and see what you make from it.

[@Ford6968]

Damn found someone that tells you what he's doing. and gives the size. way to go

[@IncogSkbb021]

First off, badass setup! Only thing I would change and this is what I see with every other mobile mill is that the moving sled is where the blade is, not where there log is. When doing it that way, you're able to put shims in between the log and cut piece so that you dont have as much friction on the blade. Great job making a wooden bandsaw! It was fun to watch.

[@Pauken11]

Kudos for your efforts and engineering on this project!

[@bjoernandersen8287]

Great video, really impressed by your woodwork skills and you saved me the time and effort to make one myself. I will probably buy a Woodland Mills who is constructed and tested by professionals. I already have logs ready to cut.

[@jamessimmons3968]

Very good information in how to build something with what you have available. Good build.

[@MrAsoran]

Always nice to watch your ingenuity. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.

[@xChromed]

Finally someone on youtube that does not only use those (in my opinion) crappy dewalt tools, makita is really the way to go, lightweight and durable, really nice videos on your channel, keep up the good work :)

[@wynefredoboligao4418]

nice. job well done. I will build this. but I will improvise. instead of pushing the log, I will use a jack so it will push the log firmly and finely. thanks for this idea.

[@garydungelman6530]

good mechanical engineering abilities.... don't give up so easy my friend...

[@loganpickett8271]

Great video, but there are a few suggestions/upgrades I would suggest. The first thing is to add a hydraulic jack system you could use to life the log x amount of inches, instead of hurting you back. Second, I would get a small wench and attach it to the front of the mill, so you can maintain a more constant speed and do less work. Third, I would connect a rubber hose to you bucket and mount it to the wood. The reason I would use the hose is so you can use a small hose clamp on the end, and tighten/loosen it to control the drip rate of your water. Awesome build none the less, but there are some things I thought of while watching.

[@Jester12036]

Very interesting. I like your "thinking outside of the box"

[@travissmith7471]

Your project was a success... Because this was a very informative video... You thought me what to do and what not to do... This actually makes me want to build a sawmill... Thanks for sharing...

[@chaosmike84]

i thoroughly enjoy how most of your big tools are hand-made.

[@offgridgetawaycamp8034]

You got a nice workshop with all the tools needed to do the job.

[@wierpkevin]

Great craftsmanship, should be proud of your accomplishment.

[@110americalovingpatriot2]

I got my grandpa's table saw that looks like yours kinda, it was from the 1950s and it's a heavy duty beast and works great, original everything.

[@rosariomusumeci3615]

I have enjoyed a lot watching your approach in building this saw. Too bad about the misfortune with the blade. Thank you anyway for sharing it with us, I have learned so much.

[@MRrwmac]

I think it was a great project, build and test of the DIY concept! Lessons learned of course but it was definitely worth the effort. Big thanks for taking the time and effort to share with us!

[@walterhynson2898]

My friend ,Mapel is rock hard and will stop a nail in its track and for your first cuts you did good.

[@gworxtaiwan402]

When he went to cut those screws on the table saw my eyes bugged out. Got me!

[@dmkinney]

You’re an excellent instructor - and a fine videographer. Great camera angles and good lighting. Tks.

[@cole.in.wa.15]

Super cool to see a functioning bandsaw mill constructed out of wood in a ship! Although, for the sake of milling, you could have probably afforded a chainsaw and mill for close to the same expense you put into this. Once again, love the project and narration throughout!

[@johnmitchell1614]

Nice try John, I wouldn't, but you did. Respect for your ingenuity and patience.

[@JamesEF90]

John you should add some sort of scissor lift to your cart. You're total genius so I'm sure you've come up with something already!!

[@lewis7315]

realllllly neet !! :) one suggestion that works for freehand drilling... use your drill press to drill a hole in a 2x4... then use the hole in the 2x4 as a guide to keep your hole drilling straight !!! If I ever need a band saw mill I will buy a pair of pullys though :) wooden pullies will wear out quickl;y....

[@ericmcrory4668]

Great demonstration of resourcefulness! The camera seemed to be attracting flies.

[@chakravarthy68]

Hi John, Chuck here all the way from Malaysia! I love the way you come up with new ideas. This bandsaw mill is no lesser than a genius idea. I haven't seen the 2nd part of the built video yet but may I suggest a few things for this? I would put 2 bearings, one on each side of the blade, about 3-6 inches from the blade guide to prevent dipping or bowing. For the feed, instead of pushing with a piece of wood, I'd prefer to hook the dolly with some pulleys and gears and maybe with a separate motor if available. Thirdly, instead of water, you may want to try using "Chainsaw oil" to cool down the blade. It will not damage the MDF as much as water.

[@echooutdoors2149]

Finally a design I've been considering haha. Everyone else makes metal trailers and fancy stuff, I just need simple

[@lowellyates6685]

To turn the bandsaw blade on and off without shutting the engine, I took the electric clutch off an old 60" cut, 21hp zero-turn gasoline lawnmower which I saved. The clutch was mounted on the engine and drove the 3 blades of the mower. It had a switch to turn the blades on and off. I have a 21hp engine from an old portable generator. The drive shaft for the generator is what drove the rotor on the generator which protrudes about 1 foot from the engine case. Since the taper on the protruding generator drive shaft and the taper on the electric clutch are not the same, I then packed the electric clutch shaft hole with some JB Weld (not the clear stuff, it is crap). I then pushed the electric clutch until on as far as it could go. Beforehand, I drilled and tapped 4 holes around the clutches shaft collar. By tightening the screws, I was able to take the wobble out of the electric clutch pulley. I then mounted the mower blades on/off switch in an easily accessible location. The on/off switch is a yellow panic-type switch. As we used to say for filling out an airplane's maintenance logbook, "Cut to size, pound to fit, paint to match"! I hope I have painted the explanation clearly enough to understand.

[@nikrodox]

This guy is absolutely amazing at what he does. (and those camera angles too!)

[@haroldyates500]

nikrodox B y

[@davyderr9067]

You got some serious heart dude I can only get better not worse

[@fieroboom]

This is my kinda video!!! Common sense building without all BS catering to the commenters who will undoubtedly have negative BS to say. Excellent build!!! 😁👍

[@BrianSmith-lo3mj]

You're one heck of a hard worker, that's for sure. That looks like some back breaking work.

[@tenderfingers]

His laugh at 21:56 killed me! I must have replayed that joke five times just to better hear it. Awesome video!

[@jeremeyweeks7409]

It's a lot of work with a commercial mill, let alone a mark I home built. Some thoughts...Add dish soap to your drip system. Put spacers as your cuts develop to keep tension off the board as the cut lengthens. A peavy is cheap and will let you move logs with a lot more ease. Great build, a lot of great thinking went into it!

[@thomascostello5780]

most appreciated video -- neophyte to woodworking here and just sponging up what I can. 64yo retired guy love working w/my hands but never had any experience with wood. Looking for a piece of land in Marshall/Asheville NC area to build a house. TY

[@problemwithauthority]

We need more people with skills like this.

[@bouyant8659]

You gave it a try.. Probably a crummy blade. BeautifuL build .BRILLIANT.. THANKS FOR SHARING

[@LTBROYT6A]

John, one thing I noticed with other bandsaw builds was adjustable blade guides so that they could be as close as possible to the wood that they were cutting. Barry Broyles

[@jamiecollins4329]

A lot of effort for perhaps a small amount of useable timber. But what an ambition you gave to all your views, I had to recharge the battery on my iPad to see the second half, couldn't wait so excited to see the first cut. Praying that the blade was going to go all the way through that thick log. YES Made it,,,,,,,

[@cromwell13649]

you are a brave man to take on that project . well done

[@tyrellrutledge52]

this video probably took as much time making as your saw, I'm impressed! good job I love your videos

[@JohnHeisz]

+Tyrell Rutledge The videos took roughly 5 times as long as the actual build. I finished the saw itself in about 12 hours total.

[@martinpook5707]

I enjoyed watching this. I'm sorry it didn't work, but then again I'm not because I do things like this and sometimes, quite often really, they don't work, so it is heartening to see others have problems too... the best laid plans!

[@philiptetteh3365]

This is Super!!!This is a great job you have done. I think everything seems simple and precise for anyone to be able to build their own sawmill from regular home stuff... I learned a lot from this.Thanks for sharing

[@JustInTimeLearning]

this is awesome I had no idea you could build power tools out of wood. excellent

[@andrewevans9557]

Thanks for the effort sharing this. Quite educational. You may have convinced me to go back to the chain saw I have. But very interesting watching your build. Great attitude!

[@riotkayaking15]

When putting a drill chuck in the lathe, I run a section of all-thread through the hole in the lathe into the back of the chuck and put a washer and wing nut on the outside of the lathe. I can't remember the exact size of the threaded hole in my taper piece on the chuck, but most of them that I have seen have it. That solved my problem with the drill chuck wanting to wander out while I turned bottle stoppers.

[@Pyxe_ZA]

Great project. I don’t even know how I ended up watching it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it 👍🏼

[@elizasalazar5170]

Ok I'm sorry but I've been watching this for 25 minutes and I took a quick break, came back, pressed play and the first thing I heard was "tighten up these nuts here." Too funny lol you have my like and my sub

[@richardbottom9843]

almost had a heart attack at 21:52

[@cathyannwatson8247]

Wood work is such a beautiful thing, i wished i had learn to make things out of wood for myself.

[@YourOldDog]

Just a heads up. Some Russians made one but instead of using a long pole to feed the saw they screwed an eyebolt near the bottom of the long and then used a boat trailer winch to crank it through. If you get the worm gear version you can use a battery drill to crank the winch. Fun looking project you got there !

[@baltsosser]

The vice you were cutting the threaded rod was very nice work.

[@fuerzalatina134]

you are a genius.....probably a little crazy......I enjoyed you video very much!!

[@kimcurtis9366]

You got some very beautiful wood from that log! I'd love to have some for knife handles!

[@crbnated]

I don't know what's more impressive, your camera work or your carpentry. Either way great video.

[@petedetects7012]

Nice effort, I appreciate the time you took to complete the project. It did give me ideas on other possible projects that I have in mined