How I Make Lumber with Less Manual Labour | Sawmill Shed Build - Episode 15

[@benscoles5085]

the log stageing rack is a dream, works very well, you can easy roll BIG logs on it, Well Done

[@dannyboy7086]

the new shed is awesome and the lights are outstanding

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks!

[@larrymeyers6913]

I can see why your proud of your saw mill shed it turned out great and the layout is prefect.

[@michaelhodges3841]

Idea, when you get the water catch barrel in place. Could add a 12 volt pump and run a flexible line up at a corner to fill the water / lube tank. Another idea is on the log deck bridge beams to the mill, I would put a rabbit about 50mm from the end and 20mm deep (with the chainsaw) to hook on the mill rail to prevent sliding of the bridge beams. Knock the bark off the log bunk. Ants like to nest there and destroy the wood. The ants won't mess with raw wood. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@davidclark5975]

The log platform is well thought out with minimal slope. Your tractor moves the logs with ease... beats lifting. It looks like you have a quick change disconnect on your grapple. If you had a bucket you could leave it out there and change the two out as needed. My bucket comes in so handy when I need to load up fire wood. Would work just as well to scoop up the sawdust behind your shed. A short cruise into the woods dumping the sawdust here and there. I really like your leaf blower approach to cleaning your saw and deck off.

[@TgWags69]

Looking good, nice project. I enjoyed following along. One thing I would suggest is adding a step down from your deck. You are still young and may not notice, but your knees won't last forever. Making a nice easy step up and down will reduce overuse syndrome and slow degenerative changes.

[@pseudopetrus]

Sandy, I admire your courage and inventiveness (if that is a word).

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks I appreciate that

[@5203mhr]

You are my go to channel for sawmill Great ways to learn and support your channel

[@sawingwithsandy]

Glad you’re liking the channel and I appreciate the support

[@joellemire3630]

Hi Sandy, Another good video! Mike on "Outdoors with the Morgans " uses a mix of windshield washer fluid, pinesol and dish soap in his sawmill when the weather gets cold.

[@bozzaa]

That Morgan guy is a poser.

[@greenghost6416]

@@bozzaa I wouldnt call them a poser so much as a grifter.

[@donmobley2483]

I use a 5 gallon bucket under my sawmill chute. 3 cuts will usually fill it up. Catches 75 to 90 %. Empty in the tractor bucket and spread it around

[@josephpostma1787]

Or spread it around in the outhouse.

[@albertvanorder3813]

The nicest setup I've seen

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Albert

[@Jim-si7wz]

Thank you for sharing with us all Sandy and when you build the new wood storing shed, remember to make it strong and secure, in case some low life comes along and helps themselves to your hard work, stay healthy and strong very much enjoy your video's, much respect from Scotland.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Jimmy. Hope things are well with you as well!

[@donlatimer5114]

Sandy I have two suggestions for you , ( first one ) put at least one floodlight on all four sides of your shed to light up the outside Area . ( Second one ) would be to board up the backside side of your sawmill platform from the deck to the ground to keep the sawdust from getting under the platform , I would also put your bracing on the underside of your roof beams to post using 4 x 4’s and get rid of the bracing on the outside of your roof beam & post

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for watching Don and sharing your ideas.

[@dmwi1549]

Nice setup! Your comment about the cut-offs got me thinking. I’ve also got stacks of slabs next to my milling sites that I’ve been meaning to turn into camp fire wood lengths. If I had it to do over again I’d flip each slab off the saw mill and onto a shelf with a portable battery powered miter saw, equipped with an aggressive blade and a pre-set backstop for cut-off length. In a few seconds between cuts on the mill I could process the off cuts into a basket. I’d handle them once, and done. Or with a helper this step could be done between cuts. Thanks for sharing!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sounds like that would be a pretty good idea

[@dmwi1549]

I watched your video on the off-cut rack. Nice solution that would allow you to keep sawing. And any time you fired up the saw to trim a log, you could process what’s there. Since I have stacks of cut-offs, a temporary version of your idea would allow multiple pieces to be cut at same time. I’ll try it.

[@02428able]

consider using windshield washer antifreeze instead of water for mill. dont have to worry about it freezing

[@rexhavoc2982]

Because your logs are small, make a small one hand 24 inch long Cant Hook, great for rolling logs onto the mill. I agree with Dave, the mill bed could be 30 inches off the floor, rebuild your log deck with 4 log posts and you wont need so many support logs like you have now. You do have a auger for the tractor rite? Don't put off oiling your shed wood, a pump up 2-3 gallon sprayer works great with used oil. Using a Compass and your eye clear cut 1/4 acre of trees and build a combo Lumber storage and Solar Kiln shed close to the mill. My WM LT40 SH 51 HP Cat diesel is turning 8000 hours this month. Best mill ever built.

[@justinfreeman7942]

That's a nice looking set up

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Justin

[@haroldpetersen5584]

You have a lot to learn!!!

[@thomassnead9933]

Outstanding. You did a great job. You should be proud of your sawmill.

[@davidconaway2830]

Nice set up! I have to admit that my first thought was how much you much bend over to remove the boards/turn the logs. As a young man it's not a big deal.....but eventually you may want to raise the mill to save the lower back pain. Really enjoyed the video and will be looking for news videos when you have time to make them.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for watching!

[@psimation]

I use automotive winter windshield washer fluid in my mill.

[@glengillis7542]

Great work there Mr. Well done.

[@mikah4051]

I like it. Working smart.

[@edgarmilson8686]

Sandy, I watched one video were the fellow filled up about five cartons the size of beer cases with briquettes. They have machines capable of producing a thousand kg a day and the smallest machine makes up to 500 kg a day production. I will keep you posted. Edgar

[@charleswise4831]

Great job Sandy! I was excited for you as you “broke it in” with the first few logs. I saw some of the other suggestions and was appreciative of the community being positive as well as helpful. For those of us who are behind you (just ordering my first sawmill) you have given us some great ideas! Have a great holiday season!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Charles. Hope the milling process gets up and running soon for ya. Happy "almost" holidays

[@robertafazio3449]

Congrats on the build. Very efficient and practical.

[@bluethunder1951]

Great looking shed, glad you finished it before the snow flys.

[@mycottageupnorth8582]

Glad you got it finished. On another channel, they use RV antifreeze in their water jug so it doesn’t freeze.

[@goldenacres3269]

winter wiper fluid works well.

[@fiskfarm]

Hey Sandy when you get everything perfect you'll be bored to death😂😜👌 Love the shed. I'm still trying to find the perfect spot to build mine. Big choice to make and the mill will probably get here before I make it🤣

[@sawingwithsandy]

haha you're probably right about being bored. I do have a pretty big to-do list though that is getting longer by the day

[@richscott2952]

You should have first aid kit hanging up ,The kit ,included w/ tourniquet must , also big fire extinguisher for building ,water tank for woods fire A trail camera 3x ,these are all must have items ,In one year I used all of them !!

[@petergillon9379]

Things are looking in really good Sandy I really like your new set up. For your sawdust shoot just get a longer pipe even if flexible, and for your cut wood it would be good to have some sort of a slide or conveyor with rollers on, that you way all you need to do is push the wood of the mill rather than lift every single piece off.

[@mountainviewcattle]

Great to see the new sawmill palace in use, the lighting really worked out good too. Happy to see the Dunlops back in use, you just need to throw your Carhartt pants over top of them now to stop the sawdust from getting into your socks!

[@craignash4736]

Hey ..new subscriber. I’ve seen guys put a battery power leaf blower to good use. Thanks for takin time ....Craig. Pa.

[@lumberjill6598]

You're going to love sawing with Sandy! He actually has a leaf blower that almost blows the sawmill off it's platform!

[@craignash4736]

@@lumberjill6598 thanks

[@xpoolguy5406]

Happy video. Great series.

[@cabotbluegill]

Nice looking set up for sure. You mentioned small logs that is why I bought my mill my plan is to saw stuff that does not sell short logs and small logs to build a few things I want

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sounds like a good plan

[@eknut28263]

Great looking sawmill shack! I would add some kind of mat or mats so when you come into the shack you can clean your boots and keep that deck nice and clean.

[@exotictones1054]

Really looks good bud.it's always nice when a plan comes together.great job n great work.

[@claytonnicholson4639]

Hello Sandy from the Best Coast, I mean East Coast (sorry to all you other coastal places, but I cannot lie). The new set up looks fantastic, it must be a pleasure to use. I was watching you moving the logs on your bunk, into the shed and on to the mill. I was wondering if it would help if you put a deck extension between the log bunks. It would allow you to walk out to your stalked logs and roll them back to the saw whilst being centered to the log. Save the jumping up and down to ground level every time you need the next log. Just a thought. Incidentally, I'm just about ready to pull the pin on a mill myself (I think it'll be orange, not green, but not the REALLY expensive orange paint though!) I've been watching your build with a mind for my own set up. Keep us updated on how you feel the ergonomics are working out.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Those are some good ideas Clayton. I may end up having to see about working some of those ideas into some future episodes. Thanks for sharing!

[@FarewellAcres]

Lots of good suggestions in the comments. Looks like you have it almost all tuned in, small changes and you will have exactly what you want and what works best for you.

[@fender101111]

Lights are great! You may have already done this by now but possible to hang a rack for temp lumber storage from the rafters? Keep cut lumber out of the elements.

[@brucejgallettajr1014]

Put winter windshield wiper fluid in your water tank it won’t freeze or use a little bit of antifreeze in it it won’t hurt it it’s the same stuff in the wiper fluid

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

Lookin' good Sandy!

[@chriscox6598]

Sandy a couple of suggestions, notch the bottom of the removal log ramps so they drop down and lock onto the sawmill rails. Also, take a piece of rope or a piece of broken ratchet strap and put a handle on the end of the removal log ramps (hope you understand what I'm trying to say). Should have waited till the end of the video before I suggested the handles.

[@henrymarshall6557]

You have a nice setup.👍👍

[@tseabaugh8747]

Awesome job, just need a beer frig. Might think about putting saw on some 6x6's to raise it up a bit so not to bend over as much. Also maybe a step on the log bunk side.

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

We Saw what you Saw, when you Saw logs. Lol I just realized that your property is an engineered forest. All the trees are in perfect rows.

[@braveseven4655]

what I have been doing with my HM 122 is I measure the small end and large end then i raise the small end up so the heart of the tree is level try it i know you'll like it. much better true cut!!!

[@lumberjill6598]

I just watched a passed Sandy video and Woodland Mills offers an add on that does just that. Seemed pretty reasonable in price too. Love things that make it easier on you.

[@braveseven4655]

@@lumberjill6598 ok thanks Jill DNN

[@Mike-vo8nk]

Build a simple u shaped rack for your offcuts and leave gaps in it every foot or so for your chainsaw. That way every few logs you mill you will be able to cut up your off cuts for firewood and then throw them straight into and ibc rack without so much double handling. You could walk away every day without leaving a pile of crap to deal with

[@doc3356]

Looking great!! My small suggestion would be another strong of lights down other side, if the battery will support it. But looking great. (Coming from a fellow Sawyer without a shed!!)

[@coffeehouseforge5632]

Great look shack.. I will be using many of your ideas this spring when I build mine.

[@resolutekravmaga651]

Great job! Try a V shaped trough for the saw dust.

[@rongray4118]

Beautiful work, Sandy!! Man! I just watched one of your videos about thoughts and purchasing...MAN! Have you changed the entire scene on your mill!! Blessings!!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Ron. I sure have upgraded my sawmill shelter

[@leif2335]

Looks good!

[@jimmysquires5093]

Battery powered leaf blower is real handy for blowing the sawdust off your lumber, mill, and deck

[@markb1487]

Really excellent video.. 👍👌👍

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Saw shed is looking great. I got 2 maple trees dripping sap the last few days

[@DawnRedwoodGroves]

Nice comment "big or small I cut then all." I don't cut anything less then 10" it just get to dangerous on my LX150 sawmill. Besides that makes great firewood. :) Enjoying your channel.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah I can see what you're saying there. Firewood on the small stuff definitely is the best option in most cases I'd say too.

[@lumberjill6598]

Is there a friendlier way to keep the water from freezing/lubricant in the tank other than antifreeze? I'd don't want that going into the ground and I have pets. Caught myself smiling watching you saw and wishing that was me! So jealous! Someday... Super cool!

[@dansullivan1120]

If it were me, I’d think about installing 70-76 cm wide sheet(s) of aluminum diamond plate with hinges on the outer edges that could be tipped to dump the dust off onto the ground when it got deep and you wanted to walk around the mill. Seems easier than breaking out the leaf blower to me.

[@bwillan]

The Hillbilly Hideout 2.0 is officially christened!!! Congrats. Do you switch to a windshield washer fluid based solution for your lubrication tank when milling in below freezing temperatures? Perhaps a future addition to help with ageing knees and back would be a couple of steps to get from the ground to the platform in the area of the log bunks.

[@howtodave1725]

on the bottom of the log bunk spanner 4x4's, you could cut a slot to fit over the sawmill guide rail. This would increase the angle downward to the sawmill just a bit. The deeper the cut the greater the angle.

[@frotobaggins7169]

sandy, don't leave the spring compressed on your torque wrench, it makes it in accurate. you have to store the tool at 0 ft lbs/nt mtrs

[@dannyboy7086]

wow I didn't know that.. thxs

[@galanjones8123]

Like your new set up looks good 😍 it should work a lots better for you

[@brianrajala7671]

I envy your platform. I ended up tripping over slabs to falling on my shoulder tearing an already torn rotator cuff. I keep a blower handy for sawdust. Still a problem. Maybe mulch?

[@marlinrogers9307]

Great build. Just needs a coffee pot

[@CedarTrailsLiving]

I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the sawdust. I'm torn because I dont want it piled right next to the mill where the log stops are since I walk there a lot but in my case dont want it flying all over the place either.

[@scrhino40]

Get 2 big barn door hinges and then you can flip the 4x4 up out the way and then lay them down when you roll logs on the mill. Have a great day be safe.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Good idea

[@rickaser2383]

Consider inclining the log bunk; since the logs are loaded via mechanical means, the added height at the away end (from the mill) would not be an issue and then you would have a gravity assist to move the logs to the millbed.

[@edgarmilson8686]

Hello Sandy, I was looking for a way to make sawdust burnable and I believe I have found it. This machine puts so much pressure on the sawdust that it makes briquettes about 4 inches wide and as long as you want them. Forget about veg. Oil this machine uses nothing else but electricity. I will get you the name of the video if you want to look at it. Regards, Edgar

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for the info Edgar. If you have a website for the machine I wouldn’t mind seeing it. Thanks again

[@rexhavoc2982]

Looks like you can cut down the loading beams to 4x4, Wood Mizer has a sawdust exit port angled down ,but you can have yours straight out, 3x3 square thin wall tube or round tube about 6 inches long, if the dust gets blown back into the shed slip on a chunk of smooth thin wall plastic drain pipe. Park your tractor so you can put the flitches in the loader ready to move out.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sounds like some good ideas Rex. Thanks again for watching and passing those along

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

I think Mike Morgan uses a good Windshield Washer Fluid with some Dawn Soap for his saw mill

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

@m9 ovich I forgot that

[@MidnightAmratha]

If you place plastic where the sawdust gets dumped, you will have a lot easier time moving it due to the slippery surface, you could even place it at an angle to make it slide off easier.

[@sawingwithsandy]

That's a great idea, I'm going to have to keep that in mind. Thanks for sharing!

[@tjjewell4115]

Suggestion, consider putting hinges on the timbers that you roll the longs from the bunk, might make your job faster, TJ

[@brandonmunson5747]

Raise the mill up, and on the backside put metal roofing at a angle so the sawdust drops off the back. Or get a cordless leafblower.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Some good suggestions there. I do actually use the leaf blower currently to clean the mill off. Works real well

[@thelogfather5002]

I think I’d rather have my mill lower like yours, mine is 48” wide and I find I’m stepping through the frame a fair bit. Lower would definitely be better for me! You did a great job, as usual!

[@allenchancery4847]

Man i really like it ,im readyfor next show ,say howdy to koda, thanks

[@wardo17]

Seems like this is working out great. The height of the sawmill rails won't bother you now but I can see as you get older, you'll appreciate it being higher so it won't put as much strain on your back. You definitely need to get your cut lumber out of the weather. Are you going to build another shed or something as simple as keeping it off of the ground and putting a tarp over it?

[@5203mhr]

May be make a video about your mistakes and tricks you learned or wish knew before setting up and buying the saw mill What to look for when sawing like knots , wood grains etc

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks I’ll keep that in mind

[@Thesaltyseafish]

leaf blower for the dust? I have their 18" oregon chainsaw, lawnmower, and inverter. 1500whr between them, can cut a half cord on one of the four batteries. nice being able to hear yourself and no idle, can't recommend it enough

[@sawingwithsandy]

The leaf blowers are helpful for sure. I use a gas backpack blower usually. I’ll have it out soon as I’m milling more logs as we speak

[@SuperHurdman]

Sandy why not cut notches in the end of your log bunks so the cross over logs (Spanner logs) go in the ends use hardwood pins drill holes and make like a hinge This way all you have to do is lift it up and have it cut in such a way that the cross over logs (Spanner logs as you call them) set back slightly so they stand up this way you lever the back into position instead of pulling them out and pushing them in every time you want to load a log!

[@sawingwithsandy]

That does sound like a good idea Marc. Thanks for sharing.

[@garnettrist510]

Very nice project ,but as you get older you will find having your log bunks at 24 inches is a lot easier on the back. In stead of water for the blade we switched to a fuel oil & chain oil mix . when it is properly set up it takes very little to keep the blade clean and the blades do not rust as much.

[@sideburns1142]

Been watching 👀 you build your sawmill shack and it's is really nice . Like the 12v lights but can't find them on Amazon, can you help me with a description so that I can get some. They would be great for my shed out back. Thanks and keep sawing.

[@raycarlosjr.7588]

You could use a leaf vacuum as a dust collector that's what I use on my woodland mill

[@sawingwithsandy]

Not a bad idea. Thanks for sharing Ray

[@raycarlosjr.7588]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4OoqZmBn9p6hcU quick video of the dust collector I have so far

[@kenactofkindness4017]

notch the timber that logs roll to sawmill on so lock in and at decline so logs will roll sir easy peasy

[@pauljelen2330]

You have a great setup. You're going to enjoy milling even more now. I have just cut some white pine for the first time. They are big and I am planning to mill them in a few days. They are very gummy. Since you mill mostly pine (red) if they are really gummy do you have any advice that may help me with my white pine? I normally mill hardwoods.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi Paul. Thanks for watching. I just keep the water for lubrication going and that seems to work quite well. I don’t use anything other than water and in the winter when logs are froze I don’t use anything for lubrication

[@terrycarlson2064]

Keep on, keeping on. How many red pines you got?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Not sure exactly but a few thousand for sure

[@orjanbrattberg]

Aboout the sawdust. Move the sawmill closer to the end of floor. When the sawdust is out of the floor it is on risk building up partly under the floor. If you make a wall from the floor downwords, you can use your tractor to push the sawdust away from your shed.

[@eastcoastlogworx9481]

It don't look like the dust chute will clear that one post if the mill is closer to the edge.

[@duncanraeside3290]

Sandy, I love your videos, I live in Southern Maine and love working in the woods, I was just wondering do you have another job other then working your forest.?

[@EarlybirdFarmSC]

Those lights work great. They put out a good bit of light. Looking nice. I have a Kioti CK3510, I wish I would have gotten the DK4010 but that is how it always is right? I really like the log bunks. I am wanting a sawmill and that was one thing I wanted to put on mine as well.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Well the tractor you did get is a good machine so I’m sure It’ll get the job done for ya. Thanks for tuning in!

[@EarlybirdFarmSC]

@@sawingwithsandy I like it so far. We have 15 ac and it works well for what I need it for. I got right at 50 hrs on it so far. Anyways, I found your channel because I am looking at getting a sawmill so I will be tuning in more. I am Ronnie by the way. Later my friend.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Nice to meet you Ronnie

[@EarlybirdFarmSC]

@@sawingwithsandy You too Sandy!

[@salmonhunter7414]

Have you used windshield washer fluid.

[@pierremoisan4048]

Hi I made myself a firewood cutting rack so I put the slap and none useable wood on, then I cut at 16” with chainsaw once I have a good pile great to save time and work pile only once of the ground. One question what kind of light did you use and where did you get them. Tanks great videos.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Good idea Pierre. Thanks for sharing. In the playlist that this video is in there is another video that has the installation of the lights in it. Check out the description of that video for the name/location I bought the lights. Please let me know if you aren't able to locate them.

[@BubbasDad]

Need more stickers between layers of lumber. Will stop some warping with drying. Distributes weight more evenly.

[@danielroden9424]

sweep off? thats what a leaf blower is for!

[@richardprice8136]

You mentioned draining water from sawmill tank to prevent freezing. Could you put RV anti freeze in mill and run the mill off RV anti-freeze instead of water, and not drain it during freezing months? Asking for me :)

[@ArmsFamilyHomestead]

That platform turned out nice but I think I would rather have the mill taller and easier on the back!

[@sawingwithsandy]

You may be right. Thanks for watching

[@ricklarade3593]

my back is shot, and i just bought one of these mills, and i am looking towards your style of shed, from what i see, for me, is my back would be toast at end of day, but i love everything else about this set-up

[@bozzaa]

Yes, first problem I saw.

[@bozzaa]

Should of skipped the wood deck and made just a pole roof. Then built a trailer under the mill instead. Raise the mill up to a decent working height then make log bunks. Pull mill out of shed once in a while to clean out sawdust with tractor .

[@manfredwesteroth8241]

I saw a bandsaw mill that had a scoop attached to the saw to collect the sawdust and you flipped it up to dump the sawdust. That way the sawdust isn't spread over the whole area.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think you've got a good idea going here Manfred. I'm going to have to try to come up with something. Thanks for sharing

[@duncanraeside3290]

Sandy, you did a great job on your new saw mill, do you sell your lumber. I don’t but maybe you can make a chute out of PBC to get the saw dust out of the mill.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey Duncan. Thanks for watching. I don't sell my lumber. Just use it for my own projects. Thanks for the idea. I'm trying to come up with a good idea to combat the sawdust. I'll keep your idea in mind.

[@brandonking2826]

If you mix alcohol in with your water. It won't freeze in normal cold temps. I mix about 20% alcohol to 80% water.

[@harlowkinney8206]

Nice looking and functional u can come start mine anytime your ready 😂

[@jerrycattau97]

use some rv antifreeze in you water tank