Cutting Big Pine Logs Full of Pitch with Ripper 37's

[@timothyallbritton1961]

Hello Sandy. I just sent Woodland Mills a price quote for a new mill. I too am not interested in selling lumber as I am 62 and am looking for a new hobby and not a new job. This new hobby has been spurred on by me sitting and watching the many hours of videos that you produce. I even attached this very video to the quote I sent to Woodland Mills. I am sure I'm not the first person that has bought a new Woodland because of your videos. Keep the great content coming :)

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi Timothy. I appreciate you watching all the videos. I have had a good overall experience with the Woodland Mills products I own. Seems very reliable. I hope you enjoy your new sawmill.

[@richardprice8136]

As I was watching it struck me how much effort and time (and probably expense) goes into your videos. Thanks to you I now do pretty much everything you do with the exact mill you use (except the videos) and cannot imagine ever putting the time and effort etc. into recording that you do. So I wanted to say thanks for taking the time etc. you put in to these videos.

[@rickchapman3051]

Tim. Welcome to the club. I have had a woodlander hm126 for almost 2 years. Sandy was my inspiration and I have zero ... yes zero regrets.

[@timfeckley1689]

Hey Tim I ordered mine yesterday and I’m 61 and yes it’s a hobby and to keep the old man from creeping into my body, I also watched for months before making the decision

[@timothyallbritton1961]

@@timfeckley1689 Sounds like we have some things in common other than just our names :). Good luck :)

[@jimputnam2044]

You said a while ago to remind you to keep your slab pile neat...This is a reminder..LOL

[@sawingwithsandy]

hahah I'm falling back into my old habits Jim

[@Andrew_From_NB]

Hey Sandy! Great video today and good work getting that lumber processed! Glad to see the blades are working well for you! Looking forward to see the other methods you mentioned for lubricants as well as the new project! Thanks for having us over, I always enjoy my visit to the red pine forest! Take care! Andrew from NB :)

[@sawingwithsandy]

Always great to see ya Andrew!

[@mcsawmill]

when you do your lubrication test make sure you try cooking oil, old amish trick that really works for pitch. Just put some in a squirt bottle and give the blade a little squirt every now and then while running, cleans it right up.

[@larrybartlett7419]

Yes I agree with you, cooking oil will work. It’s environmentally friendly. In fact, they use it for hydraulic oil in places like Sweden for that same reason the environment.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for that. I will be sure to give a try. Would be a good option.

[@larrybartlett7419]

SANDY. USE COOKING OIL! YOU CAN GET FREE OIL AT ANY FAST FOOD RESTAURANT. YOU CAN ENJOY THE SMALL OF KFC 🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗 ALL THE WHILE YOUR MILLING. YUMY YUM YUM ENJOY.🤗🤗 BE SAFE

[@m9ovich785]

Thanks Sandy.

[@MichelFortin-y2d]

I’m going to have to get me some of those Ripper 37 to I’m 68 and doing it for a hobby

[@SkidderKev]

We will use diesel in a water bottle and squirt it on the blade to help clean and keep the sap off. Also those lines on the log is most likely a tooth that is out of set. Some nice slabs

[@mr.lynnrosaasen8218]

I love the smell of the pitch!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Me too!

[@johnwoody4905]

Good video they do saw very good. I have had good luck with bug and tree sap remover wind shield washer fluid. Take care, be safe and well.

[@Jimmyfisher121]

Thank you Sandy another very good quality and entertaining video, I really enjoyed it.

[@mirceanouradachian9168]

👍👍👍💙💛❤Buna SANDY. Ma bucur pentru lucrurile minunate pe care le faci. Asta arata o mare experienta pe care ai acumulata. Nota 10 +.💙💛❤👍👍👍

[@josephperillo7992]

like you i always used woodland blades on my hm126, going to try ripper blades nex time i need blades thanks for the info,

[@tripleBacres]

Hello from New Brunswick Canada 🇨🇦. Love your channel, Sandy. I'm learning something from you on every video. Keep em coming. I definitely think these blades will be added to the purchase list. I'm not sure if you've tried this already. Take a couple pieces of 2" PVC pipe and place them over your log stops before turning your log. I think mine are about 24". It makes a world of difference for those big logs. Take care and play safe👍

[@sawingwithsandy]

Great idea right there about the PVC. I'm not used to the bigger logs but I think those would be a great addition for even smaller logs. Thanks for that and all your support on the channel!

[@lonewolfFirearms]

Hi sandy, as I've said before once i found the ripper 37 blades they are my first choice. I put a brand new one on the other day and was cutting a very pretty walnut log into 3 inch thick slabs. Well i was focused on how beautiful the grain of the wood was looking i forgot to lower my stops, well i hit the top of the first stop and sparks flew.. i decided i would lower the stops and just continue the cut and to my surprise the blade still cut through like butter and i ended up making two more cuts to finish the log. Amazing blades..

[@sawingwithsandy]

That's pretty impressive that they still cut!

[@rickchapman3051]

Okay boss, I'm going to try these ripper 37 blades.

[@rodneywroten2994]

real great cuts

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Rodney

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hope things are well with you on this fine Wednesday

[@Johnlewissawmill]

You got a lot of knots in that pine , those ripper 37’s will be able to handle it. I’ve been using 37’s for awhile . Have fun

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks John

[@bobwollard9105]

Those new blades really seem to be performing well. It is surprising as to how smooth the cuts are, even after a fair amount of use. The blade manufacturer must be dipping the blades in magic sauce before shipping them out the door. 😊

[@sawingwithsandy]

I was surprised as well Bob as I figured I"d get some saw marks or waves with the numerous knots that were in those big white pines

[@russwilkins1622]

I have the best luck for pitch build up with windshield washer fluid and ERA laundry soap plus water.

[@deprived56501]

I'm a day late watching this one. I'm glad the blades seem to be working for you. Seems unreal how much pitch is in that log. Good vid. Thanks.

[@tomt8320]

Hi Sandy. No worries about the quality of your saw boards. That is some good looking wood.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sure came out good Tom

[@carlmclelland7624]

Those are some nice looking slabs, at least as they appeared on the video. Maybe trim one of them for a shelf to install a Sludgemaker at the mill site, and the new shed. Matter-of-fact, it's turned cold, wet and rainy out here in the 'Wild West,' so I forewent my afternoon Bombay Sapphire martini for a sludge! Good choice!!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey there Carl! I sure wouldn't turn down a nice cup of sludge in that situation either. Cold wet weather here as well. All the leaves are now off the trees nearly and it seems winter is inbound.

[@leonschufletowski8874]

I’ve been using the ripper 37 for awhile now and really like it a lot. The “37” from what the maker has told me is that it is suppose to last 37% longer than other blades.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I learned something new. Thanks Leon

[@tomki6asp]

Nice live edge planks

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Tom

[@hyjackr]

Sandy, I was having the same trouble with pitch build up. I started using windshield washer fluid at normal flow. When I notice build up I increase the flow, after a few more cuts build up is gone, then return to normal flow. I have a lx25, and have cut somewhere around 12-15 thousand board feet. That procedure works for me, maybe it might for you.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for sharing that. May have to give it a try

[@noel3065]

good deal, it looks like you found a good saw blade. nice job

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think I'm set now on the Ripper's . Have been quite happy with them so far

[@lornesteed2417]

Keep a spray bottle filled with diesel Sandy, and just spray the blade after each cut. That will help with really pitchy logs. I do that on summer cut hemlock out here on the west coast. I use Ripper 37 on a Range Road sawmill.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I've heard just what you said is a good idea from others as well. Hemlock would be some nice wood to cut I bet

[@lornesteed2417]

Its nice wood Sandy, but very pitchy if summer cut @@sawingwithsandy

[@johnaddis1022]

Good Wednesday Morning, The Ripper Blades appear to do well you did look a little apprehensive at first I'm wondering if the temperature of the wood also made a difference in the pitch. anyway taking what looks like junk and making something useful is always a plus.Stay dry and warm my friend. John 🤠

[@sawingwithsandy]

I was a bit skeptical as with the blade that exposed and wide-open I figured there was going to be some waves in the lumber with all the pitch but was happily surprised. This log sure was a bit of a dog to get into place but happy to get something useful out of it

[@aboulderlifeoffgrid]

I'm looking to upgrade my blades as well. What do you think of the carbide tipped blades? Thanks for the demo on the ripper 37s.

[@280813jb]

That white pine would have made good 3” flooring for your machine shed.

[@russellbelliveau1694]

I’m sold on the ripper 37’s I will order a box soon, I’ve only ever used Lennox blades and they’ve served me well. I’m curious how you will make out sharpening them.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi Russell. I'll be sure to keep you updated. I haven't gotten to sharpening any yet but will before long

[@JosEPh-zy3yr]

Before you made regular lumber you had some pretty slabs.

[@rodmagee7895]

Good video. I've been using Equate dish soap mixed with water for cutting Doug fir for quite some time. I have minor pitch build up which I have only had to clean of at the time of a blade change. Any build up on the belts has easily come off with some minor scraping.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for that Rod. I think I can get that dish soap local as well

[@danielnicholls6868]

do they have blades with carbide teeth like a skill saw blade?👍👍

[@murraywickes819]

They should make beautiful tables or benches

[@sawingwithsandy]

They would make good material for that for sure

[@cliffdunning9296]

Hey Sandy, I bet the turpentine smell coming off that log was unmistakable! BTW That is definitely not a typical white pine log. You get the very odd one with that much pitch in it. Usually it is a result of the tree being under stress from injury or disease and it produces mega-pitch to deal with it. Happy sawing, great videos!

[@sawingwithsandy]

It sure did have a smell! Great info for me Cliff. That tree was being attacked by ants for sure so.

[@robertwazniak9495]

Redneck room deodorizer is what we call it around our mill.

[@cah_sawmill]

you did a good job my friend

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you!

[@SuperHurdman]

So I have heard that when a white pine is cut in the summer or warmer months it tends to turn black because of mould! I have never seen it so keep a look at your lumber and let me know if it does? I have heard the preferable months is january and febuary.

[@SevenOaksOutdoors]

Just ordered some ripper 37s myself. I watch most of your videos and enjoy them. I can’t remember, did you ever try a cooks diesel drip? It’ll take care of your pitch and it’s not messy at all. Uses very little fuel as it rubs it on with a felt pad. Keep up the great work!

[@sawingwithsandy]

That setup by Cooks is pretty slick! I've wondered how I could add this to my sawmill but my main concern is this sawmill having belts that run on the blade whereas the cooks sawmills just have steel band wheels running on the blades

[@SevenOaksOutdoors]

Yeah mine has the belts too. I’ll let you know if I have any problems! 👍

[@lukefisher7618]

Have you tried sharpening one of the Ripper 37s? If so, how'd it go?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi Luke, I haven't cut enough to sharpen them yet but will bring everyone along with a video when that time comes. Thanks for coming along for the video today

[@brianwestveer9532]

Just got around to watching, I notice you have some blades hanging there , wondering if you sprayed them with something to protect from rust.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Good question Brian. Those blades are new ones and still have the oil coating on them from the factory. sometimes they will still get a little rust but it comes off on the first cut with them

[@tinamcivor2996]

Hi Sandy, I had a pine tree felled in June of 2022 and kept a few 8 foot sections of the trunk. I hoped to use it for something and wondered if a portable sawmill would be worth hiring to mill it into planks.

[@sawingwithsandy]

It would make some nice pieces of lumber I bet. Just depends what the cost would be for someone to mill it

[@richvail7551]

Not sure what the perfect pitch cleaner will be but I so glad you decided not to use hydraulic fluid. I think that would have left a mark on everything lumber related. I hope you end up with something simple and beneficial to the rest of your process.

[@terryporche9059]

Try varisol That stuff cleans anything.

[@billyhaddock5540]

You got some nice wood plants out of that one med size log.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Billy. Despite all the knots they sure did turn out nice

[@bryansaunter4124]

I find when you get pitch, friction causes heat, I retorque an clean blade, seems to straighten the cut. Water an 2 oz of dawn in spray bottle small scraper. I cut lots of spruce

[@sawingwithsandy]

That sounds like a good setup you've got down

[@paulgray4215]

Yard trees + nice blades means you might want to add a metal detector to your tools! Nice to see the larger logs on the mill, too.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey Paul! I know what ya mean there. I gambled a bit here

[@timmyfields6159]

Do you need a specialized stone to sharpen those blades

[@jeffhuffman5433]

The new blade did a very good job and I was just thinking if you were to put Pine-Sol and Dawn in with the washer fluid if that might really keep the blade clean. Just a thought. Great video Sandy.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi Jeff. I'm going to give the solutions a try for sure. I figure once I know what these new blades can do with straight water it will give me a good comparison once I start adding some different lubricants. Hope you're keeping well!

[@jaminparker929]

Blades look good. I have been in the sawmill industry for roughly 24 years. We use a mixture of water and oil to cool and keep pitch off of the saws. I was wondering if you have ever thought of putting a digital readout on the mill?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Great to hear from you and thanks for sharing that

[@saintaugustine1715]

Good morning Sandy I am surprise that you did not keep some of those big slab to make banches or other decorative pieces for your yard those would of been perfect for that By the way the blade was less jumpy with the bigger log I don't know if you put more tension to it or it was the fact that you had full cut if you had the same tension then when you cut smaller logs I would try a little extra tension ( like 30 to 32 ps I stead of 25 ps. ) It did a smoother cut for sure have a great day

[@sawingwithsandy]

It did seem to cut real well. This blade had the same tension on it that I've always set all my blades at which is whatever 25ft lbs on my torque wrench gives it. Only reason I didn't keep the big slabs is I have some stock piled already

[@delmanicke9228]

I'm liking those blades. Sense they are harder metal I'm anxious to see how they sharpen. Some nice live edge lumber, is that for your use? If so hope to see the finished product. 👍's up as always.

[@sawingwithsandy]

For sure. There's a few tricks to setting the blades that I understand but I"ll be sure to show this when I get to sharpening them for the first time.

[@sawingwithsandy]

This lumber is for a project of mine

[@perrybroughton4728]

Hey Sandy ! Another enjoyable video you put together. You speak very highly of the ripper 37 , just wondering what price they are asking and where would you purchase these blades?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi Perry, glad you came across the video. In the description just below this video there's a few links for where these blades can be bought depending on location. Hope that helps,

[@bajabandito1855]

would running a none sappy log through a couple of runs between white pine logs clear the sap from the blade?

[@sawingwithsandy]

That could do the trick. Never thought about that

[@earlholmes9740]

Curious if using cordless grinder with brass bristles would help efficiency and time on that pitch build up as long as you are going the opposite way of the gullets?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Good question. I'm guessing as long as you didn't hit the face of the tooth it would do the trick

[@jmar5787]

Sandy your spoiled with that log loader i use my forks to load my sawmill quite often espically on big logs. Still deciding on the ripper 37 blades - so far are you happy with there performance, run time?

[@sawingwithsandy]

I’m quite happy with them so far. Seem to cut nicely through the hard knots

[@bigcampnewyork3586]

I'm wondering if you would run a hardwood log (oak Maple) after doing a pine log and that would clean your blade?

[@sawingwithsandy]

That may work well. I've got some big red oak that came down I may have to hold onto as it's so big it would be a shame to go entirely to firewood

[@BLSXJ]

I prefer to sling the log under my forks when loading. It avoids contacting the rails with the forks and I don’t knock the mill around. Granted I’m not in a shed, smaller loader, and the hm122 has less of everything

[@sawingwithsandy]

That would be a good method I bet. My main concern is I get too close to the roof when slinging below the forks with large logs

[@2drsdan]

When I get pitch and sap all over my hands I always just use water to remove it. Diesel, in mineut quantities 3 drops/second. Less is more.

[@armands3083]

Heey!!! Would you recommend this HM130max as my first sawmill??? Thanks! ;)

[@sawingwithsandy]

Good question. It would likely depend on what size logs you'll be sawing and what options you would like to have. I like the electric start and powerhead option for up/down and so that would be a big deciding factor for me. I started on a HM130 which was the model before the new HM130max and it did a great job

[@buddyreed2623]

Hello Sandy. If you have any slabs left, someone may want to buy one for, say, the cost of one or two blades. 4x4's and 2x4's will make a nice project. Have good days!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Buddy Reed!

[@donmacdonald7758]

Have you tried turpentine for the pitch?

[@sawingwithsandy]

I haven't tried that. Will have to add it to the try out list. Sounds like it would do the trick

[@papasbackyardgardenhavingf4468]

I never see you scrapping to much sawdust away. I have lots of sawdust between cuts and have to scrap every piece of lumber before stacking.

[@bryansaunter4124]

Clean the guides also. Large logs use your winch loading and helps with turning larger logs

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Bryan

[@purecanadianlifestyle]

How many hours on average can one blade cut?

[@sawingwithsandy]

I haven't cut enough with them yet to have a good guess yet

[@purecanadianlifestyle]

@@sawingwithsandy how many hours were you cutting with the older blades you were using?

[@hobbs306]

how do you load your log mill?

[@sawingwithsandy]

I use a log loader trailer most often

[@09FLTRMM77]

MM77 Approved 👍🏼👍🏼

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hope your Wednesday is going well!

[@noelgreen9381]

I see you are throwing your slabs into the back for more chaos later on.

[@sawingwithsandy]

hahah I know. I'm still trying to get around to getting a different solution into action

[@denisbeaudry5396]

should add some wire cleaning brushes in a couple spots. likely help.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I've heard of that and am looking into that as we speak. Thanks Denis

[@paulmarshall4794]

When you first cut the slabs I thought you were going to make a butcher block table, then you cut those slabs up into smaller lumber.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I don't have alot of uses for the larger slabs but I do have jobs for the smaller 4x4's. I've got a good stockpile of slab wood right at the moment otherwise I may have kept some of them

[@robertwazniak9495]

Perhaps you could make or find a device like a blade brake but with brass brushes instead of brake pads. When you shut down your mill you just apply the “brake” against the blade to stop the blade and wire brush the pitch off at the same time. No pitch? Don’t apply the “brake”.

[@sawingwithsandy]

That's a neat idea Robert. I've not thought about that before but the idea behind it makes alot of sense to me. Thanks for sharing that

[@georgefeener8682]

Use 1#2 cup pine sol it works all I cut is pine

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks George

[@wallacefrey6247]

If you have room enough in the blade guard,maybe you could mount some small wire brushes to clean the blade after it passed through the log,and before it touches the first band wheel.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think that would help alot. I'm going to be sure to see about adding this in. Thanks Wallace

[@wallacefrey6247]

After think about it a little more,I thought if you had one brush on top and one on the bottom,you could put a spring between them to keep tension as the brushes wore down.@@sawingwithsandy

[@robertwazniak9495]

Make sure you find a brass brush to do something like this. The last thing you need is a spark from a steel brush in a pile of sappy sawdust…

[@wallaceloper637]

How many can you cut on a tank of gas? just saying

[@sawingwithsandy]

I'm not too sure to be honest as I never let the sawmill run completely out of gas. I can cut all day though and not run out of gas

[@fredanderson5544]

first two cuts looked like very nice coffee or picnic table. as for your sap i suggest bleach with borax.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Fred. Yeah if I didn't need the other lumber pieces I"d use the first two for just that

[@fredanderson5544]

ammonia with borax might work too.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for that Fred. Would be easily accessible at my local stores I bet

[@rickfreitas281]

Could you just take blades off and soak in atf then wipe clean and reuse.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I've never thought about that idea Rick but that would work I bet. The main thing would be I'd just have to switch blades as soon as I saw the blade getting caked on with pitch. May not be a big deal though. Thanks for that idea

[@kensmith4918]

like your camera views and you haven't sawed your camera yet lol

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Ken! I’ve had a few close calls for sure hah

[@robertsundling]

Alcohol completely dissolves pine pitch (for real). Have you considered using vodka for lubrication? 😃

[@sawingwithsandy]

I've heard good stuff about that as well Robert

[@robertwazniak9495]

Are you referring to lubricating the sawblade or Sandy with the vodka?

[@murraywickes819]

But i guess if you want dimension lumber 😢

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi Murray, yeah I didn't need any slabs at this point as I do have some stockpiled but I did need the dimensional lumber for a project

[@kevinrecoskie519]

If you use lots of water you get very little pitch.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Kevin