Two days at the mill

[@Davett53]

11/2024....Fantastic Mill operation! Steam powered and it makes amazing sounds. My buddy was tasked with recovering a1920s "portable" sawmill, that was his for the keeping, if he was able to pull it out of a bog, on a farmer's property. This was way back in 1975. My friend was a self taught mechanic and he lived to restore old machines and get them running again. He was successful and removed the portable sawmill, sunken deep in a bog. He hauled back to his property, nestled in a "holler" or hallow, in Southern Ohio, South East of Athens, Ohio. It was amazingly in tact,....and the bog, protected it. "Portable" would be considered an understatement. It was fairly large, and had been powered by a steam engine, and he found the large leather belts, too. He restored the mill and immediately began using it, to cut railroad timbers, and planks headed to a local car racing track, to be used for the bench seating. The saw blades were between 4 & 5 foot in diameter,...he hand sharpened, & trued them, every other day. I am pretty sure, the cutting blades had removable teeth. I took photos of it. He powered the mill, by rigging it up to a 1945 WW2 Jeep. Another "find",....it had been in a junkyard. He rigged the rear wheels to running the leather belts. About a year later, he was directed to another bog sunken, machine. This time he retrieved a Pre-Civil war, steam engine "power plant". It was 75% intact, and he was certain he could have repaired it. He had every skill set, a person would need to fix anything. He was really book smart, and researched things, or would find old-timers, who could teach him things. He lived the Pioneer life,....he used his horse to drag the timber out of the woods surrounding his holler. He built two cabins, all by himself, using "come-along" winches, to move the heavy timbers.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks for sharing that story, sounds like your buddy was a true pioneer!

[@chasjacks9378]

Unbelievable!!! The equipment is old and simple but so effective. Cut this log in the same amount of time a portable mill cuts a 12 by 12 cant. Unbelievable, the guy in the white shirt works like a pro, He earns his Miller Time after every shift. Sad, U can only give this one thumb up.

[@MrShoptaw]

They do work hard, Thanks for watching.

[@SpiritBearRanch]

Where is this mill at I would love to visit it

[@SpiritBearRanch]

@@MrShoptaw I would love to visit this sawmill just to get some of that wide lumber where is it located at

[@peterruggenthaler1641]

. Mint l km

[@nihalwould4976]

🚕🚙🚌🚛🛺🚓

[@skatesneakerlover]

This was an ABSOLUTE PLEASURE to watch!! THESE are the machines that made America great! Tough, raw and reliable, made in USA machines, operated by tough American men! Well done!! So nice to see history like this still working and still being used.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks, glad you watched the video.

[@benash9407]

many thanks for taking the time to video this fascinating mill, I could sit and watch it all day, love that pickup too.

[@MrShoptaw]

Glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time filming there.

[@stevewilson1388]

Great to see all that old machinery still around and so well cared for. Impressive to see the knowledge and skills it takes to make it all work so well. My dad worked at sawmills in northern California in the late 1940s before i was born. Perhaps more "modern" than this set-up, but I have wondered what the systems looked like back in those days. Thanks for sharing this.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you, I'm glad you watched the video.

[@ukebum]

I had the pleasure of touring the Phillips Brothers Mill with Bill Beaty, a forestry consultant from Redding, in the 1990s. Lewis and Arthur gave us a wonderful tour. They were a fascinating pair, living off grid with very little comforts. I was the Excutive Director of the Turtle Bay museum project at the time, and working on the Paul Bunyan's Forest Camp children's area. Bill Beaty showed my the difference between the lumber practices of the big companies and the dense forest of the Phillips lands. I am pleased to see it has become both a National Register of Historic Places site as well as having status of an important preservation easement. Best wishes to the generations of descendents who are keeping it all alive and well.

[@MrShoptaw]

Not much has changed since your visit except it's now in the hands of a new generation.

[@PeterBishop-zy9xd]

I’m a much retired mechanical engineer in the UK and served my apprenticeship in steam at a power station, that’s where I developed my love of steam power, even drove steam locos as a volunteer in my spar time , only 71/4 inch. scale, that’s 1/8 of full size locomotives but fitted with all the necessary safety equipment. I would love to get my hands on that lovely steam engine and repack it’s glands. I’ve seen what injuries can be inflicted by a jet of hp steam, peeling skin off like a jagged scalpel. Also, when was the boiler last given a boiler test??

[@ГеннадийНиколаевичИванов-т6ь]

@@PeterBishop-zy9xd К Вам с уважением. Храни Вас Бог.

[@amonynous9041]

this is real content, no ads, no bulls*, no politics, just honest hardworking people.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks for that.

[@pukaseek]

That master Miller walks around those open air blades like it’s nothing. God Bless these hard working men. These are the type of men that built this country. Not some wimpy pencil pushers.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks for watching the video.

[@Chase_01]

I’m a mechanic at a family business all our equipment around the shop is old but I like it that way it’s simple to work on easy to maintain, cheaper to run and aren’t gadget ridden like modern stuff

[@MrShoptaw]

You got that right. Thanks for watching.

[@travishendrix7026]

I became a Mill Wright in 1992. I would do almost anything to work in this mill with these men. My grandfather's would really enjoy seeing this. Many thanks.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@mikeyjohnson5888]

Thank you for sharing this with us man. Not many are lucky enough to ever experience these things.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you for watching the video.

[@lelandrentz755]

There is no better sawmill video than yours ! I watch as many as I can find. Thank you for posting your expert work

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you, I'm glad you like them.

[@lelandrentz755]

I have watched it twice. I would love to meet them

[@edgambrell5895]

@@MrShoptaw yghyyg6t4t42

[@rubenochoa994]

@@lelandrentz755 nolospamchos

[@rubenochoa994]

@@lelandrentz755 de

[@petrosros]

I am seventy, living in London all my life, I can remember the big old black steam trains and so forth. I have e even worked on some old steam heating systems, but I ain't never seen anything like that. Wonderful vid, I loved the fork lift at the end. You men be careful now, I know how dangerous those types of machines can be. And thanks again for a beautiful living history lesson.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Rest assured; the mill is in good hands.

[@kimbrewer3676]

Brings fond memories of my Great Grandfather who worked this kinda of sawmill by Deep River in Central North Carolina. He used to take biscuits and a mason jar of buttermilk for lunch. Thank you for carrying on the tradition.

[@MrShoptaw]

Excellent. I'm glad the video brought back those memories.

[@AngeloXification]

I've never worked in a place like this, always behind a desk and even as a child I played games where I'm building lumber mills and processing. Seeing it in action is truly amazing. It's fascinating seeing the old machinery seem to work so well even after all their years of service.

[@MrShoptaw]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@beggyjohn]

This reminds me of the Sawmill down the road from my home in Navan Co Meath Ireland. Every morning when we pass by going to school, we could smell the fresh cut timber. It was lovely. They also used old steam engines to run the whole operation, no modern equipment what so ever and all the cuts were very accurate! I have to command these people for the job they do, they're environmentally friendly and nothing goes to waste!

[@MrShoptaw]

Very good. I'm glad it brought back those memories. Thanks for watching.

[@UncaDave]

Fantastic! I sent this to a family that runs a modern computerized sawmill to show them where it all began. What great piece of machinery and great men that know how to use it and maintain it.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you. It was great to be able to video this historic mill. Thanks for watching.

[@steelrail-rs1sk]

What a massive tree! I've never seen the mill work so hard. Amazing video as always. Thanks!

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you. They were milling three logs that size while I was filming. Wore me out just watching.

[@daviddunn1706]

This is amazing I never see enything like this before

[@barryhansen6854]

Awesome Charlie, great to see another video of the mill never gets old, thanks for the video and your time.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you Barry. I'm starting to run out of material.

[@mikeengstrom8260]

This is the coolest sawmill video I have ever seen. Still steam powered and all. Everything looks so functionable still to this day. Thank you for what you guys are doing

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you, the mill is historic and the owners plan to keep it that way.

[@Drrayoldman]

I have absolutely no idea why I enjoyed this so much

[@MrShoptaw]

Well I'm glad you did.

[@kennethpaladino4948]

Well I do! Great video guys! Lotsa skill & hard work! Luv the ol steam rig! Just wow! 👍👌

[@JacquesBoucher-xy1mx]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 ​@@MrShoptaw

[@BubbaYarbrough]

These men are geniuses! How they work these machines and feel the equipment and timber to know when and what to do, absolute artistry!

[@MrShoptaw]

I agree, thanks for watching.

[@Samtzu]

Grew up in timber country just North of Yosemite; worked on two of the three railroads in the county and actually did green chain for about twenty minutes (too much like work) Thanks for taking me back to those times.... and I almost expected the fork lift to be steamoperated as well....

[@MrShoptaw]

Glad it brought back those memories. Thanks for watching.

[@pacomechampignac5386]

Fascinating movie, no music ,no blabla, very nice filming and old mecanics. Incredible moment out of time. Vraiment un moment magique..merci.

[@MrShoptaw]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@georgejones1336]

I can’t remember the last time I saw anything this cool. Hard work repaid with a great final product. Big thumbs up.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks, I'm glad you watched the video.

[@slhasebroock]

Wow, those old steam sawmills are awesome! Thank you for the video!

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you. It's a great subject for video.

[@alecward-e3v]

Absolutely brilliant video real men at working as a team with some fantastic good old reliable Low Tec machinery great job fellas .

[@MrShoptaw]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jaredallen1149]

If I could cut up just one of those logs a day, I could retire in 2 years. What an awesome example of what America used to be. Thank you very much for sharing this peek into the past that is making a HUGE resurgence right now.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you, I'm glad you watched the video.

[@DaleDirt]

This was amazing .... Thank you for showing us the old school and respected way of a sawmill . Those logs were from virgin forest no doubt . The land must have been in the family for a long time , centuries .

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you. Yes, the timber they mill comes from their own forest land. It's been a family operation that goes back to 1897.

[@CrustyRustysRestoration]

I’m loving this whole operation! Seeing the old iron still putting in the work is amazing! The thumbnail with the 41 Chev got me here. I have a 41 Buick and that grill is iconic 😃 The steam, the mill, the jalopy everything! Awesome video!

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you. Glad you liked the video!

[@offpherj7884]

Thank you, for this sawmill fix! I'll be okay for a day or two. lol I could watch these sawmill videos all day long. Steam power is amazingly cool. Thanks for posting...

[@MrShoptaw]

Glad to help. It was a real treat to be able to video it in operation. Thanks for watching.

[@petecunnien5368]

What an awesome piece of machinery!! Those old saw mills are just wicked awesome!! Must be fun to run that set up

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks for watching. As you can see it's a lot of work.

[@hihatjas9477]

At 65 and getting ready to retire I wouldn't mind working there for free just to learn a new trade. As a automotive mechanic all the moving parts and how everything works together is fascinating. Big respect for the danger too.

[@MrShoptaw]

Best wishes on retirement. Thanks for watching the video.

[@kasandrakingston9955]

Very skilled people working with precisioned tools. Love all the math that goes into all of the workings of a opperation like this. Havent seen one quite like this. Love that its steam!!!

[@MrShoptaw]

it is a real treat to watch the mill in action.

[@alvinhayat]

I appreciate that you folks are still using the old machinary

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@Rob-ln7dd]

What a fantastic combination of wheels, gears, pulleys, winches, belts and steam...just brilliant...

[@MrShoptaw]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jimputnam2044]

This was a trip down memory lane. When I was very young My dad used to get up very early and go to the mill to fire the boiler so it was up to pressure to start sawing at 7. I used togo with him on saturday, barely old enough to shovel in the sawdust.

[@MrShoptaw]

Great. I'm glad it brought back those memories.

[@davidschwartz5127]

For me also, I worked on 1897, Allis Chambers, steam-powered, 5000 HP, reversing, 36" Blooming mill, I was an electrician apprentice on the 3rd shift ("turn" as known in the steel industry) from 1970 to 1972 when it shut down for good and went to the scrapyard in 1976. It was a sad day when the engine took its last puff of steam as the mill died for good, as seen in your video when the sawmill was shut down, the whole rolling mill crew was there to watch it happen. By the way, everything but the rolling mill had been slowly converted from steam to electric over the years 50 years.

[@jessicabuckman9675]

Since I was very young I've loved steam powered anything. This is just wonderful, my hat of to those men who still do this kind of work.

[@MrShoptaw]

I feel the same way. Thanks for watching.

[@OldGloryLumberandMilling]

Same here! I wish steam power would make a comeback.

[@erniescarano1522]

the most satisfying "saw mill" video I've ever seen....thanks.....make more!

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you, there are many more videos of the mill on my channel.

[@johnwilkinson5718]

Wow thats some beautiful wood. Really like the old chevy car truck too and that saw mill is amazing sure glad there's some of those left in operation.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks, glad you watched the video.

[@koshstephtcb]

This is awesome footage and knowledge that should be taught to younger generations. A lil nerve wracking as there was no safety precautions back then, but it truly is awesome seeing this working by these men and woman. Just awesome! Thank you for sharing this.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you. It's really eye opening to see how early sawmills worked. It's also easy to see why they were eventually automated. Thanks for watching.

[@evolveausevolveaus]

MrShoptaw id love to spend some time at the mill with y'all. I have worked in mills here in australia 🇦🇺 over the years and lived in some timber towns. Always been interested in the history of the timber industry. My father in law was from Tasmania and in the timber industry from when he was a lad, used to tell stories of being out in the bush camps in Tasmania around ww2 time - he was too young to go to war. He really would have gotten a kick out of watching this. I will show my wife when she gets home 😊 Thanks for creating such an amazing piece of history and sharing with us in KZbin.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you for that. I hope they can keep their mill operating as is for generations to come. It's a treasure.

[@chuckthebull]

Always enjoy watching these. Really neat to see how this was done back in the day. The ingenuity and craft and skill all come together.. Dam thats a big treee!

[@MrShoptaw]

You are right about that. Thanks for watching.

[@АлександрИвочкин-и5я]

Да это интерестно столько лет прошло

[@chuckthebull]

@@АлександрИвочкин-и5я Для меня это было то, как много они знали и создавали с ограниченными возможностями и без электроэнергии, от которой мы так зависим сейчас, И да, даже в России и во всем мире, начиная со времен Архимеда.

[@robgm6926]

Truly enjoyed watching that old machinery. It amazes me when I stop to think of what it took to set all that up. To get everything aligned so those flat belts work properly, and how massive the framework has to be to handle the shock of turning those big logs on that carriage and still stay aligned to get a straight cut of uniform thickness every time. Used to be a lot of small sawmills around here. Knew a farmer who bought an old one and set it up, mostly wooden framework, didn't get it quite right. Carriage was a little off in relation to the blade and the boards he cut were thicker on one end than the other. But it was good enough for him. The trees he cut were from his farm and the lumber was for his own use. Used to help him when he ran the mill. Powered it with an International ID-9 tractor. Many, many years ago.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks for sharing that and thanks for watching the video.

[@williamharris9529]

Watching this reminds me of something I once read about a cider works in Somerset. They had an ancient steam-powered machine that had run every day since the 1870s. In the 1960s the bosses decided to refurbish this relic, give it a new coat of paint and so on. It was completely disassembled, cleaned, new bearings fitted, the works, and.......it never ran again! Just would not start! If it ain't broke.........

[@MrShoptaw]

Good point. Thaks for watching.

[@VE3UET]

as a college kid in the 1960's I worked in Noel Turnbull's saw mill in Milford Bay Ontario, we had the same setup except we used a Franklin engine, my job was to roll logs with a cant hook, and pile lumber, I'm really impressed with the size of the heart of this log and wonder how old it is

[@MrShoptaw]

thanks for sharing that. I'm glad you watched the video.

[@BitterDemo]

That Log looks like Old Pine with that bark. Love hearing that old Hit and Miss engine, I was involved years ago wit the Starting of what has became a main attraction now in Northern Kansas. The Meriden Antique Steam and Tractor Museum and now I am told like a Resort. I had a Case Steam Engine

[@MrShoptaw]

Sounds good. Thanks for watching.

[@johansomeone1948]

Nice vid of a old hillbilly steamer sawmill. 😅 Those tandem sawblades looks dangerous tho... Hell the whole mill do. Stay safe and keep those timbers rolling. 😄👍

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks for watching.

[@MGarrison]

I worked at a couple of old ass saw mills but they sure as hell weren't this old! Dangerous work with equipment this old but damn that's a lot of money coming off that log.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks for watching.

[@ishure8849]

G'day Mr Shopsaw, I've seen a couple of vids on this Mill and its number one on my list of mills to visit. Thanks for putting it up 👍🇦🇺.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you. It is a unique time capsule.

[@yexacom]

Most interesting to see "old" machines working. Nice video.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you very much!

[@Felix-fy7ki]

Man, this was so relaxing! All this old machinery and still working well, great to watch!

[@MrShoptaw]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@goodmoodgoodday5385]

I can't believe that such a sawmill still exists, that's totally crazy, so cool. You still work with a steam engine, amazing. Everything is just so beautiful to look at, mesmerizing to watch. Guys what a company you have there is really great. I envy you for that, the mere fact that you work in the forest in this wonderful environment is actually priceless. I know old equipment is a lot of work and probably needs constant repairs, but please preserve this wonderful, historic sawmill.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you very much! The mill has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Its family owned and operated with the intent to preserve its historic character.

[@cmw184]

This has got to be the most eco friendly, sustainable, industrially efficient process of turning logs to lumber man. I swear.

[@MrShoptaw]

I agree, thanks for watching.

[@samuelberghuvud5527]

Only potential thing i could see would be a even cleaner burning boiler but this is akin to living museum, it's absolutely amazing. One of the coolest channels on youtube

[@buckyflex1]

See those 2 ball looking things spinning on the steam engine? Thats the flyball governor the faster the engine runs the more they spread out which is where terms like "running balls out" or "balls to the wall" comes from.

[@MrShoptaw]

Yes indeed. Thanks for watching.

[@buckyflex1]

@@Joe-qv6jh hey sure I'll stand corrected on that 1.lol

[@ЮраПарфенюк-с8щ]

Великолепно! Музейные экспонаты врабочем состоянии.Спасибо за видео, с уважением из Беларуси.

[@MrShoptaw]

It is my pleasure. Thank you for watching the video.

[@davidshettlesworth1442]

Wow! Thank you for this excellent video. I learned a great deal. Tremendous respect for the old school saw mills of the past. There was no OSHA in those days.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks, glad you watched the video.

[@keepcalmandfarmon5401]

Awesome! Thanks for posting another mill video. Man! That was a big log!

[@MrShoptaw]

Yes it was! Actually, they were milling three that size while I was filming.

[@florian21p]

WOW! I'm absolutely thrilled and impressed. The old technology is very fascinating. 💯

[@MrShoptaw]

Those machines were built tough. Thanks for watching.

[@ShevillMathers]

This highlights so many of the good stuff we don’t have today, and why I see our planet as a dwindling finite home for all its inhabitants as we race to the bottom line, money, greed, profit, bugger the environment and tomorrow. This video tells a fantastic number of stories for those who can see them. Thank you immensely for taking the time to record this and post it for all to see. Greetings from a long retired octogenarian medical scientist, with many interests outside the medical field, living a good life in Tasmania Australia.😊

[@MrShoptaw]

I couldn't agree more. Every time I visited the mill to film, I felt a calming wave embrace me. It is a special place indeed.

[@MarkPulford-p7i]

A real find. Took me back to the Estate sawmill where I grew up (Leaton Knolls Estate, Shrewsbury UK). Our mill was powered by electricity however - although the building and yard looked the same. We had a "pickle pot" where sawn timber and peeled round stakes /posts were boiled in creosote!! The heat source (fire) used to set the thing on fire every couple of years - very exciting. Thanks mill guys, take a big bow all of you. And many hands make light work narky bloke. White vest did put in a shift but he was a youngun - wise old heads and beards were all part of the team buddy nark (and the lad with the cap on the wrong way!). Could smell the lumber. But also smell the dust! Being a health and safety limey woose I would have to wear a mask and probably goggles!! And those belts gave me the hebe jebes. I'm sure there's a future for the mill as a working mill but also a great bit of industrial archaeology. Don't let anyone close you down. You should be a protected site of invaluable historical significance and working class culture. Sorry to blather on. PS loved the solar panel system to keep the truck battery charged and don't sell the truck!

[@shortwavesurfer7222]

Absoultely incredible video !….True craftsmanship at it’s best! Hard tough work for sure but this is what made America great. Keep it coming Guys and congratulations to you all💪💪💪

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you very much!

[@Farhan-wm8mr]

This is fantastic.. Old time machine. Still useable. What year this sawmill build

[@MrShoptaw]

When their original mill built in 1897 was destroyed by a flood, they built this on in the 1930's.

[@MrStanwillis]

I can smell the oil, sour saw dust and beechnut... bring back memories. Thank you.😊😊😊

[@MrShoptaw]

Wish I could capture those aromas on video. They are an important part of the scene. Thanks for watching the video.

[@larrynelson734]

WOW!!! THAT IS REALLY AMAZING. looks like really hard work. I love seeing old time machines working. Tried and true. 👍👍👍❤...

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you very much!

[@brettjolliff]

I love it,best wood working video Ive seen yet,been a carpenter the last 25 years and love the old school ways,hate new technology bs,and cheap shit they habe nowadays,when men were men and boys stayed out the way. These kids of today are too involved with their phone and video games,I wasn't even aloud in the house until it was 9 or so and dark out, and was taught with a leather belt and 2×4 in the backyard. Spent all my time in the woods. Lotta lessons learned in that backyard but made me tougher than nails

[@MrShoptaw]

I agree, had a similar childhood. Thanks for watching the video.

[@donaldmiller1207]

This dude is 'In-Tune' with the Old Beast. On his toes and frosty. Great display of a master at work...

[@MrShoptaw]

I agree, thanks for watching.

[@theupscriber65]

It's amazing that mill produces enough that those ol boys all make a decent living. Heck one has a convertible truck and 3 out of 4 are able to afford shirts. The American dream.

[@MrShoptaw]

Yes indeed. Thanks for watching.

[@chrisbailey459]

Don’t forget the Sun hats !

[@killersugar6816]

What a beautiful machine. Gorgeous engineering… and look at the size of that log!

[@MrShoptaw]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching.

[@didpanas7041]

Вот это вещь! С такой лесопилкой не пропадешь в любое время, не нужны никакие блага цивилизации. Но если мы, все люди на Земле, не будем дружить, то скоро опять вернемся к таким механизмам во всех отраслях промышленности. А работягам большой привет из России и уважение!

[@MrShoptaw]

I agree. Best wishes and thanks for watching the video.

[@742amid]

"не нужны никакие блага цивилизации" цитата. что за ерунда? а форклифт, которым подавали бревно в воду? без достижений цивилизации на таком станке должны работать не четыре рабочих, а сорок.

[@didpanas7041]

@@742amid Ну я образно сказал. Сейчас случись энергокризис - все станет, а такая лесопилка будет работать! И хоть 100 рабочих, но дело будет идти и работа у всех будет.

[@neilspiring1498]

GREAT video, Saw was just amazing, and the other old equipment was exceptional. That saw new was a great invention and to see it operating still , is awesome. Thanks for making and sharing

[@MrShoptaw]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@mickbatchelor5366]

Thank you for sharing nice to old machines in work

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you for watching the video.

[@johnholland723]

I can see that patience is key to the success of this operation. Greg Brown, the Iowan folksinger, has a great story about his grandfather morning steam Mill.Says,” yes, there are trees in Iowa.At least there were Until my grandpa got here.. This video is nothing short of inspirational.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@scottmorton5379]

This is incredible. Using the sawmill waste to power the steam engine is true recycling. I’d compare this to shooting a muzzle loader, it’s more satisfying when there’s work involved with each shot/cut. Great video!!!

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you. Glad you watched the video.

[@lo2740]

just saying, all sawmills do that, even modern one, this is a basic concept of any industrial operation, if you generate a lot of burnable waste the most obvious thing to do is to use these waste to generate some or all of the vast amount of power you need.

[@IRONHORSE427RACING]

You know for an older steam powered mill you guys turn out some fantastic lumber. I could stand and watch you guys saw wood all day.

[@MrShoptaw]

I know what you mean. Thanks for watching.

[@IRONHORSE427RACING]

@@MrShoptaw I'm a Faller/ Logger and along with my Wife and Son we run our own little logging company. We bid on blocks of Timber to be thinned and we take everything that the US Forest Service Forester doesn't mark ( everything marked is to stay ) then we skid it to the landing and buck it to fit our logging Truck and haul it to the mill for sale ( unless we have a lot of logs piled at the landing then the mill sends out a buyer and he marks it all and they have guys haul it for them) I've taken our Son and Wife to our local mill so they can see what is done with our logs and it's all fairly newer equipment, a lot of it automated of course but it's still perdy much done the same way just newer and by computer, the men just run the machines now....very little brain power involved lol. Anyway I have told them about sawmills like yours but they really couldn't grasp the idea of what I was telling them till I found this Video and they both watched it one Sunday at Breakfast. Needless to say they were impressed even understanding how dangerous those old mills are they both were mesmerized by how things got done but we're also impressed with how so many things they saw in the video are still in use today by us so thanks very much. Someday when I find one of these old steam powered mills still running I hope to actually take them to see it first hand. Thanks Again.

[@Joe1935429]

Love it! Where timber becomes lumber. Wish I could smell it !!

[@MrShoptaw]

The aroma is to die for. Thanks for watching the video.

[@colinwarner7762]

Wonderful, a man in harmony with nature, you take care of the land properly and the land will take care of you. Regards, Colin. Bristol. The UK.

[@MrShoptaw]

Yes indeed. Thanks for watching.

[@STEFAN23744]

I live close by. I would love to watch the mil run. I love steam power

[@MrShoptaw]

It is a sight to see. Thanks for watching.

[@Dan-ud8ob]

This is probably the best sawing video i have ever seen.. and i've seen A LOT of them .. love it !!

[@MrShoptaw]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate hearing that.

[@scottdiehl2726]

I find it amazing that a plant like this is still running, very cool to watch. tip my to you all, nice work

[@MrShoptaw]

The family owned and operated mill is a source of pride for them. Thanks for watching.

[@Lightandlovetoyou]

What a team !! Beautiful work And GOD bless you the uploader and the mill team and all their families Truly I was standing here watching in my wee kitchen and I didn’t move a muscle Juuuust watching the old girl work and the lads skillfully work together Wow More interesting than anything on the box we call tv and far better than any superhero film haha I’d love to visit this place I’d just stand in one spot like I am now and take it all in The smells the sounds the memories Thank you GOD for all my senses so I can do so And for this video

[@MrShoptaw]

The sights, sounds and smell of fresh cut lumber are awesome.

[@tonyallis5249]

Great old mill, what in the world type of forklift is that? Very cool 👍

[@MrShoptaw]

The forklift is a Gerlinger. Thanks for watching the video.

[@peterjones4621]

Love the steam power, what an incredibly beautiful old steam engine, that is a big tree! That is definitely hard work, you guys earn every dime you make! This was a lot of fun to watch, thank you.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you watched the video.

[@drd7154]

Mechanic will be luxury of the future. Great so see real work, real workers and real machine in harmony!

[@MrShoptaw]

We agree! A glimpse of what it was like to work in mills before they were automated. Thanks for watching.

[@jimtomassetti8928]

This vidio is fantastic. To think how old these machines are and chugging right along! The old stuff is the best all on Steam. It does the job's!!!!

[@MrShoptaw]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching.

[@fisch69]

Well obviously this is a beautiful machine.. the men working with/on it are specialized, skilled individuals/Sawyers, with an intimate knowledge of steam mechanics and carpentry.. I am amazed (I’m a carpenter) at the ignorance of many of the people commenting on what they are witnessing..obviously zero knowledge/experience of mechanical/ manual skills of the past or even modern techniques employed in everyday life.. I’m afraid we need to improve our understanding (education in schools) of technology past and present.. this is a great opportunity for learning about the potential of human invention..humanity did not become “ingenious “ in the last 20 years..😂

[@MrShoptaw]

good point. Thanks for watching the video.

[@realemonful]

You mean you are the gopher, that carries the lumber for the carpenters lol

[@berniepokorski6608]

As a retired Union Steamfitter, I can say: "Very Well Done!!!"

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you, much appreciated.

[@vaman5591]

Indded!

[@granch4211]

Nice old mill it's slow going but relaxing we are a band mill lots of fine saw dust that looks relaxing nice video

[@MrShoptaw]

You can see why the mills were automated. Thanks for watching.

[@hollywinsman9464]

Beautiful sawmill!

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you very much!

[@untrusting]

That forklift looks to be as old as the truck. Fantastic video. Fantastic mill I wish you showed a date of when it was built. 😊

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks. Their first water-powered mill was built in 1897. This one was built sometime in the 1930s.

[@untrusting]

@@MrShoptaw fabulous 👌

[@bret354]

coolest thing I will ever see. thank you

[@MrShoptaw]

Glad you liked it!

[@AllanDee]

The gantry operator stopping the slide because he saw that the top keeper hook was going to go into the blades was my favorite part. Good stuff gentlemen. I salute you all for your devotion to this trade.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you and thanks for watching the video.

[@tommyfuller103z]

I own a place in West Virginia and there are a couple of family-owned saw mills there. The one in Huntersville has equipment that goes back 100 years. The other one in Beaver creek is more modern .I have several mature White pines on my Property where I have had both Mills cut it for Building lumber far cheaper than the Crap one can buy at Home Cheapo or lowes. I am glad to see this video and the skill of these sawers!

[@MrShoptaw]

Those machines were built to last. Thanks for watching.

[@UncaDave]

Nice to hear from a fellow mountaineer! I live on the other side of the mountain across the river from Seebert. This year I picked up a good load of true 2x4’s from J&J on Beaver Creek to build a workshop. Good people for sure and good product. The old mills are really something. Jessalyn had another baby too.

[@tommyfuller103z]

Hey thats wonderful news! In the past, she jumped on the skid steer and took pine logs with that machine that are at least 2 feet in Diameter . Off of my 20 foot flat bed trailer! Yes a very nice set of folks and good to see a young couple working so hard!@@UncaDave

[@caspaabriel4794]

Hi from NZ. Love this, people on the land working really hard to earn a living. Conjures up the ol'days how the US was built. Honest sweat and toil. But I must say, our Health and Safety Department, would be having multiple heart attacks. Still good on you guys. . . and gals. Kind Regards

[@noleftturnunstoned]

That is a fantasy. Many working poor laboured so a few could prosper. When technology advanced these people were thrown out to look for work else where. When they unionized, they were beaten and killed, often with help from the Federal and State governments, along with deputized thugs employed by factory owners. Examples include: The Battle of Blair Mountain, 1921 Ludlow massacre, 1914 Coal and Iron Police in Pennsylvania, 1865 -1931 The Anthracite Coal Strike, 1902 Even more interesting were the Company Towns formed in the US during this time. They were essentially run as strange little fiefdoms. Pullman, Illinois Hershey, Pennsylvania Gary, Indiana Glad these days are behind us.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you Caspa, I agree with you. Thanks for watching the video. The mill is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the owners are committed to retaining it as such.

[@richardward-pf8xu]

What a pleasure to watch real historic equipment operated by craftsmen, looks like white pine or hemlock maybe.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks, I believe they were sawing Ponderosa Pine that day.

[@amonynous9041]

I came here to see just a moment, and stayed mesmerized through the whole

[@MrShoptaw]

Excellent, that is what I like to hear.

[@stevefromlondon9175]

The guy in the white earns every penny he gets I was tired looking at him work so many moving parts thank you for sharing this video. Regards Steve UK London

[@MrShoptaw]

You can see why they automated the mills. Thanks for watching.

[@stevefromlondon9175]

@@MrShoptaw Yes your so right my friend worked in a wood mill back in the day and lost a finger due to no guide health and safety weren't the best then so love to watch the old machines how clever they was to think and make the machines you won't see the machines of today last that long keep safe Regards Steve

[@pappabob29]

Videos like this show hot businesses don't need to be "greedy" to survive !! It's the other "greedy" businesses that kill the "good" ones that are happy to make a handsome living and take care of their employees. Love how this old, made to last, equipment keeps doing its job day after day even as worn and noisy as it is !!! Made with "Pride" when that kind of thing "mattered" !!!

[@MrShoptaw]

I agree. Thanks for watching the video.

[@kazimierzspaczynski7401]

Good Job men. I just love these old machine. What a quality. Thank You all and God bless You.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thanks, you too!

[@stuarth43]

in Germany they use recipricating blades,, sawing 4 cut at one time, was in oak too, but this vid is great, is that Spruce or oregon pine

[@MrShoptaw]

It may have been Ponderosa Pine. That and Cedar are what they mill mostly.

[@udojahn8538]

Yes, my father worked with 1950 in the Odenwald near to Heidelberg. These 4 recipricating saws called Gatter meaning Gate also driven with a steam engine from an old train. There was electricity too, made by unused steam and stored in an open basin with Acid and lead plates. They produced wooden boxes for the export of refrigerators to America.

[@lo2740]

@@udojahn8538 wow, bassin lead battery, that is wild

[@jagdishprasadkhaitan4815]

Awesome outstanding unbelievable, the equipment is very old but it still working as new, you maintained the machine as good as new. You are sawing such a huge and heavy log very nicely in the exact sizes.

[@MrShoptaw]

Thank you, yes, those machines were made to last. Thanks for watching the video.