Sawmill School - Making Your First Cut on Your Sawmill

Expert-sawyer Dave Boyt is going to show you how to make short work of a burly log - turning it into 78 board-feet of smooth, straight, valuable lumber in under 30 minutes.
If you're just new to sawmilling, this video is a great tutorial to give you more knowledge, and more confidence, as you start on your sawmilling journey.
Once you see how easy and rewarding this is, you’re pretty much going to be done with big box stores and their wobbly, twisty, splintered lumber.
We always value hearing from you. Please call us if you have any questions, OK?
You can reach us at Norwood at 1-800-567-0404 or get all our contact info right here: www.norwoodsawmills.com/conta...

[@MrCrashsystem]

I'm Italian, I don't have a saw, I'm not a carpenter or anything like that but I would watch this gentleman cut wood forever. people like these don't know what fatigue is and are harder than wood and iron. great video

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks, Gianluca! I appreciate your comment. I may not be harder than wood and iron, but I do try to be a little smarter.

[@gilbertmanyasi1901]

It amazing to see the work you are doing. If one wanted to acquire one what is the procedure.

[@chuckholland5242]

Hello ... My name is Chuck I live in mid Michigan ... I have a few questions about different brands of Mills .. best wood to mill..where to get the wood .. I myself have a small wooded area on my property.. but I really don't want to take any down. I have so many darn questions..I'd love to speak with ya .. anyways...loved the video keep on keeping on young man.

[@dabomb2000pacman]

He probably can do this every day all day

[@Gruuvin1]

@@daveboyt6810 your sense of humor is pure gold!

[@john-cx7nt]

A sawyer's quote to live by: "There are two kinds of people in this world. People who have cut into their log stops, and those who will do it again." Perfect. Thank you, Dave.

[@jesussandoval2359]

I need to now moor lmformation the price tu

[@rperry209]

@@jesussandoval2359 099

[@jonnyibullarenandersson9134]

I of that kind of people who cut in to the log stops a time our four...

[@ResistantZebra]

I made my log stops out of wood lol cut right through them

[@martinsbackacres5449]

I'm 70 years old and got a saw mill 2 years ago. I love using it. It's very rewarding to make something useful out of a tree someone wanted to get rid of. I get a lot of trees free from the tree service companies near me. One thing I do after I put the log on the sawmill with the forks is I then park my tractor with forks facing the mill just a few feet away from the mill on the side I unload the cut boards. That way I can just lift one end of the board over to the forks then the other and not have to carry the boards or bend over. I put the good boards on the fork towards the tractor and the one I need to edge cut in front of them. I slide the bark slabs off to the ground on the side the sawdust it shooting out. When finished I just drive the tractor to the drying area to unload. I then come back with the tractor and use the forks to pick up the slabs and move them to where they will be chipped up or used for firewood. This method saves my back, minimizes the work, and allows me to handle boards 2" thick or more and up to 16' long. I hope this helps someone enjoy milling as much as I do.

[@NorwoodsawmillsDirect]

Great tip!! Thanks for sharing! :-)

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for the comment. Definitely worth it to have a tractor with a loader. If it's ok, I'll include your idea in a future video. Unfortunately, the forks on my tractor drift down, so I'd have to work fast!

[@robertgraham6588]

Man ! Keep it up alot of us dudes and possibly chicks stuck in boring life live through you !

[@daveboyt6810]

I worked as a sheet metal press operator before I got this mill. Talk about boring! A boring job doesn't mean you have to have a boring life! Doesn't need to be sawmilling. I'm also an amateur radio operator, specializing in emergency communications. Lots of interesting things to do, especially in these times!

[@soobiespringie1261]

Yeah living through you, I feel that

[@ojtheviking]

Slightly off topic, but guys like this guy always remind me of my grandfather. They just have this calm, easy way about them.

[@daveboyt6810]

You callin' me old... oh, wait a minute, I AM a grandfather... never mind. Seriously, a sawmill can be a tool for the generations, and I have some great memories of my father working with me at the mill in his younger days (at 85 years old). I'll have my grandkids running it soon!

[@ojtheviking]

@@daveboyt6810 Sounds like a family legacy indeed. Kudos to you. Not everyone gets along with their family, but I'm always happy to hear stories where they do.

[@cacher1300]

I just bought a sawmill that hasn't got here yet. Been using a chainsaw mill and now it's going to the bone pile. We have our own trees that we've been using or giving away, no more. I'm retired and need a nice hobby to keep me going. Thanks for showing me one way of using our new sawmill and great advice. Great video my man.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks Cacher. You'll love making sawdust. Hope your mill arrives soon. Looks like a lot of companies are pretty backed up on orders. Let me know if I can help.

[@karlbogrand1239]

Dave you are a national treasure! You were the first I watched before I bought a mill and I still come back 2 years later to remind myself how to do it. Thank you so much! And yes I cut my log stops haha.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching, and for the kind comment! Always seems that I manage to pull off something like hitting the log stops when someone is watching... wonder why that is? The very first time I started a band sawmill, I forgot to tension the blade, and it flew off as soon as I hit the throttle. Only did that once.

[@georgefeener8682]

Dave boyt is my rockstar

[@gefflynn7171]

Great video. Espeically like the log champ statement, "There are basically 2 types of sawyers', those who have cut into their log stops and those who will do it again" HA-HA! Thx for such a good video.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching, and for leaving the comment. Last week, I tried to mill through a ceramic insulator buried in the wood. The insulator won.😬

[@David-fv7zg]

I like that this was not an advertisement for Norwood. The information here, can serve all new sawyers well, no matter what mill they are using.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks! That's the idea. There's a lot we can learn from each other... including how NOT to do something!

[@ptaakkapla898]

This guy is fantastic! I love the fact that he shows the entire process....not just good boards being spit out after everything is set up.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks, Ptaak! The set up and clamping down often takes twice as long as the actual milling. You just have to think about what you're trying to do, take your time, and get it right the first time. Mess up a cut, and you have to glue the log back together and try again.

[@paulchapeski5505]

Thanks for the video! It’s nice to see someone with an old-school attitude not being cocky, it’s good to be humble eh 🤘❤️

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks, Paul. Yeh, that's me... humble and proud of it! You doing any sawmilling?

[@guybroyles48]

I was raised by folks with a work ethic. Am I the only person wishing I could give them a hand when they're working alone in these videos? lol

[@daveboyt6810]

I know what you mean. I appreciate you help, if only in thought. Thanks for watching and posting the comment.

[@delvictor7570]

Always listen to old guys with all their fingers. Great video!

[@trevordeane3940]

I was taught by a guy who lost two fingers on his rack saw. He did not make the same mistake twice and showed me to treat it with respect.

[@crazycoyote1738]

God bless you, good old grandpa!! We enjoyed learning from you.

[@puropadre]

I am new to portable mills, having just purchased my first one - Frontier OS27. No matter how many of these videos I watch, I always learn something new. And I learned a bunch from your video…thanks for posting it! -TJ

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching. I hope the OS27 serves you long and well!

[@dogood63]

Thank you for creating this video. I learned a LOT, It has been very helpful.

[@daveboyt6810]

Glad you found it useful! Thanks for watching and for leaving the comment.

[@cocoajackbrown7725]

Back in the seventies I made a portable mill for machining big hammer bases all over the country..need to get busy again doing wood..at 65 yrs old there's alot more to be done..thanks for the education..

[@daveboyt6810]

Sounds like you already have a background with mills, so a sawmill should be a piece of cake for you, and I'd bet you'll really enjoy it. I'm 68, by the way.

[@RobertFay]

Nice job, Sir. Informative and not overly done. Simple, clear, precise.

[@johnkoriko3300]

Old is gold you are at the right time to teach us your the best teacher ever found be blessed

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks! When you find your passion, it is just natural to want to share it, and maybe help a few people find theirs!

[@robertn2813]

nice video Mr. Boyt . watching you mill lumber is akin to hearing a bedtime story. its soooooo relaxing . and never a dull moment. i wanna be just like you when i grow up . i'm 60 now . hehehe

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks! Yeh, a lot of people don't understand how something so noisy can be relaxing, but it generally is. Of course every now and then, I do have a "pucker moment". If things get dull, I just throw on a sharp blade.

[@ericlawrel2488]

Some folks are real good at giving thorough EZ to understand instructions..Thanks

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks. I used to teach Industrial Arts, still love teaching.

[@chrisbgarrett]

First thought 26 minutes was a long video. But sure enjoyed it. Sawing lumber must make you have that feel good feeling of "I made that" rewarding and gratifying. Thanks for the video

[@daveboyt6810]

If you think 26 minutes is long, you should see the unedited video! I enjoyed making it, though, and yes the "I made that" aspect of sawmilling is most appealing.

[@stevenstreet4711]

Thank you this after all the video I have watch your's is most informative.

[@markrobinson9553]

As a newbie, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. The best way to learn is to work with an experienced sawyer. Thankfully, my best buddy has been doing it for 20 years. He loves Norwood.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for the comment. Wish I'd had an experienced sawyer to show me the ropes when I started out. Working with a Norwood mill certainly was a good decision! Best of luck on your sawmill adventure!

[@harrygreene3044]

Great video. I really appreciate the information-density. There are lots of slow, boring videos out there, and this is both informative and engaging.

[@lafayette8598]

9:20 - "If you think about what your doing, you can get 'er done." My favorite line of the video.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks. Sometimes I should think more before I do, but as long as no one gets hurt and I learn, I'll just keep on keeping on.

[@garysnyder2077]

I sure appreciate all the knowledge you passed along in this video. That was GREAT !!!

[@johnnyb362]

I wanted to watch this video but the audio cuts out after the intro music

[@kirbo60]

Your videos are incredibly helpful. No super tech terms just plain English anyone can understand.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching. Are you running a mill or thinking about getting one?

[@terencetaylor4600]

That’s is a very good idea with the slabs Thankyou I enjoy your videos.

[@avoidtheherd7066]

One of the most articulate presenters on YT. A pleasure to listen to.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks. Love your picture & name. Are you sawmilling?

[@elained2448]

I’ve bent two blades on separate occasions lol. Thankfully all the safety things were in place. I now have a checklist that I am improving with your videos Mr. Dave!

[@daveboyt6810]

Checklists are good. Hope it keeps you cutting safely!

[@markirish7599]

Thank you for teaching me new skills. Blessings from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching! There is some O'Malley way in my family tree. I enjoyed your tadpole video. Sláinte!

[@markirish7599]

@@daveboyt6810 thank you. The tadpoles have grown into little frogs and hopefully they will come back next year to my little pond .sadly the common frog is one of the most endangered species in the world

[@juliehenderson1672]

Very enjoyable video. My father began his lumber career in the Oregon mills. Thank you.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching and for leaving the comment. There are some pretty impressive sawmills in the Pacific Northwest!

[@dfu1685]

This is the kind of guy I love to learn from! Thank you Sir. Well done.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for watching. I love sharing my passion with others!

[@gunsandammoarmyexpert9189]

I learn a lot from you, thank you for your amazing work. respect sir.

[@jaydegelder2964]

Well done, I'm learning !!!! Thanks for posting. !!

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching. Have you made your first cut yet?

[@oxconcreteremovalfirewoodm3863]

Thank you for this video. I'm considering buying one and I'm just watching all the videos I can.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching! Once you get sawdust in your veins, there's no turning back! Let me know if you have any specific questions or request for a video.

[@richardgauthier5101]

Thanks for taking the time making those videos Dave. I also owned a HD36 and your tips are saving me from making rookie mistakes. Keep them coming...I'll probably will follow in your tracks this season by making my own videos but in French for my countrymen who don't understand. Cheers bro!

[@daveboyt6810]

Looking forward to seeing your videos. The exclamations made when looking at a beautiful piece freshly cut walnut can be understood in any language!

[@richarddyer7131]

nice job ,relaxing as well as informative, i can tell your a good old boy.keep up the good work.

[@forrealtbm5880]

I’m italian and just bought a sawmill lol now I’m learning watching the experts

[@daveboyt6810]

Congratulations on the sawmill, hope it is running smoothly for you. I had the good fortune to meet Italian sawyer Carlo Petrolo a few years ago. He might be a good contact for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnatpoN5qLZqg80 Vi auguro una buona giornata!

[@jasonhensley947]

Great idea making a wedge! I would not thought of that-

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for the comment! The wedge sure comes in handy, especially when your milling solo. Lots of little things like that make life easier.

[@bogus_not_me]

Great job! I especially liked the explanation of measuring and making before cutting! Looks like a great way to maximize yield from a log! Thanks for your expertise!

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks. Seems the more you plan ahead on how to cut a log, the more likely it is to have something unusual inside that changes everything after a cut or two.

[@georgecox2125]

Thank you for showing us a person that knows what he is doing. I seen some really dumb handling with other machines. I like the Lumber Pro

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks, George. A little video editing can make anyone look good! Sounds like you're making a little sawdust, too. Take care and enjoy.

[@chaplainand1]

Thank you Love the sound of the peepers in the background. Looking to purchase a saw soon. I like this unit.

[@daveboyt6810]

Those little guys sure can make a lot of noise! You'll love running the mill. If you have any question about any of Norwood's mills, feel free to drop me a line. I just finished putting together a brand new HD38!

[@duanecoatney6432]

Old fellow you remind me of myself out making boards. I am 84 got myself a new mill last week. You are a little faster than me. We cut 320 bd ft this afternoon with some help. Am not a pro, but like making boards.

[@daveboyt6810]

Duane, great to hear from you. I'm only 70, myself, looking forward to many more years on the mill. 320 bd ft is a respectable yield for an afternoon's work, and I doubt either one of us will get tired of making boards. Truth be told, I don't move as fast as it seems. Thanks to the magic of video editing, I speed myself up a bit in the videos. 😄

[@daveblevins3322]

That was a lot of help. Thank you very much Dave.

[@domward8352]

This video, and others like it, are so much fun to watch. I'm living my wood-working dreams vicariously through you guys. Thank you so much.

[@daveboyt6810]

Hopefully, you've got room & time to do some woodworking.

[@domward8352]

@@daveboyt6810 Unfortunately, I'm disabled and have seizures with no warning so woodworking isn't really safe to do. But I love watching these kinds of videos.

[@selby9655]

Excellent Video Dave! I love the no non sense approach 👍

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching and for leaving the comment. I never had much use for fluff.

[@skipbickford3970]

Thank very much. I’m presently using an Alaskan mill learning a lot with it. The neighbor and I are looking at purchasing a bandsaw mill. I personally think there is a use for both types of mill . Appreciate you videos again thank you

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for your comment. I did some sawmilling with an "Alaskan" mill. Not a bad way to start out sawmilling-- it'll certainly make you appreciate a band saw mill even more. I still use the chain saw to break down logs that are too big for the band mill.

[@neilshurmur3901]

Dave's videos are always great thank you Dave. keep cutting

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks! So many logs, so little time...

[@jeffmiller3112]

Been watching sawmill videos and I like this one the best. Very down to earth approach and presented well. Thank you so much for the enjoyable video!

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks!

[@keithsemprimoznik2192]

Wish i lived close to you to give you a hand. This would be fun for a 73 year old like me. Great vidio.

[@daveboyt6810]

Hi, Keith, yeh, it'll keep you out of trouble, fer sure! Maybe you can find a sawyer a little closer.

[@glenngoodale1709]

Thank you for the video . I enjoy watching someone who is a craftman

[@g.v.harvey7425]

Dave, This is a terrific video. You're a smart guy and very well spoken.

[@daveboyt6810]

Not so smart, just learned from a LOT of mistakes, and still learning every time I throw a log on the mill. Still got all my fingers & toes.

[@robertg8875]

Man I dig your videos! Keep plugging away enjoy the fruits of your labor!

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks! More on the way

[@jimwagner6260]

Very good video Norwood owes you. You may own the mill but you're making a great commercial.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks. Just trying to tell it like it is!

[@joshuasmith449]

I feel much better knowing that not only is it normal to test a few blades on your log stops, it’s healthy. Thanks for the great video. I learned that I’ve been wasting way more than I should. Appreciate the tips!

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching, and the kind words. Hitting the log stop is sorta like passing gas... ya just try to act like nothing happened and hope no one notices!

[@joshuasmith449]

@@daveboyt6810 😂😂😂 perfect analogy.

[@larrymanley123]

😮❤

[@rexmccomb7589]

Thank you for video I enjoy watching someone who has made lumber and not just working in the office

[@jamesstroud8018]

Thanks. I always enjoy Dave's videos. As you may suspect, he helped influence my decision to buy Norwood and I have not regretted it.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for the comment, James. Hope you'll log onto the Norwood Connect forum (on Norwood's web site) and keep us posted on your progress.

[@philippendlebury4518]

What a really nice elderly man. The secret of life - working on something you're passionate about. Good luck to you my friend!

[@daveboyt6810]

Elderly? hardly... I'm only 65, but I guess the camera adds a few years. Yes, I certainly feel fortunate to be able to do this type of "work". Thanks, and good luck to you, as well.

[@adamfronczak8157]

Nice clear directions right to the point thanks for taking the time to make the video

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for taking the time to watch it. Have you made your first cut yet?

[@stephenm103]

Thanks for sharing your experience Dave! Appreciate those who are willing to share. One idea I had was to Weld up a stop on the saw frame at equal height of the blade . . . .such that it encounters the log stop before the blade does.

[@calsigurdson4581]

Hell of a good idea, save the clamps and blades from damage. Good thinking.

[@zell9058]

Just bought my first used mill yesterday. It is an exciting time. I will remember to tighten her up first!

[@daveboyt6810]

Sounds good. There's still plenty of other ways you can have memorable "teachable momements", like when you saw into your log clamps. Best of luck with your sawing experiences. By the way, That's a pretty impressive trebuchet video you posted.

[@hoppycoleman5283]

i learn something every time i watch this show thanks

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching and for leaving the comment. I"m still learning, too.

[@hoppycoleman5283]

@@daveboyt6810 thank you

[@kevinh.w.crabbe8748]

We thank you for all you’ve done there and explain everything you just done it to the tea do you help those who wants to buy a sawmill so thank you sir may God bless you throughout your years

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks. There's no substitute for just getting out there and doing it, making your own mistakes and learning in your own way.

[@bryansimmons3723]

I really enjoyed this video. I love watching milling, it is something that just feels good. I grew up doing everything from rough carpentry (barn building) to framing, to cabinet building, and so wood working is just a big part of my life. I have helped with milling on a large number of occasions. It is enjoyable, and I hope to buy my own mill and start this year.

[@daveboyt6810]

With your experience, it'll be a piece of cake. If you worked with a circle mill in the past, you'll be amazed at how much easier and safer the band saw mills are.

[@robertgraham6588]

What's cool is your honest when you do something wrong or set up wrong you point it out and correct it right then that's keeping it real good job!

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks! What never ceases to amaze me is all the ways you CAN do something wrong! As long as you keep all your fingers and toes, losing a few board feet out of a log is just a learning experience.

[@billchviruk6534]

Great job,Simple easy to follow instructions,Like a lot of people before me on here add me to the list of people that would like to work with you to learn.Nice boards,Great work.Ty

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for the comment, Bill. A few people actually do make it over my way. I'm always glad for some free help around the mill, though it's been too hot to do much sawmilling lately.

[@bobkin611]

I had no interest in purchasing a portable sawmill. But man. I do now. This is really cool. And the gentleman showing how to use it is awesome. I appreciate him taking the time to pass on his knowledge

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for the comment. If you do get a portable sawmill, I bet you'll enjoy it as much as I do!

[@aqsdfg25]

nice video, a humble and experienced person. At 3'50 he tells something very important

[@jeffbeck6501]

Great video and really great saw. I like the housing for the blade to keep you safe, in something that looks like inherently dangerous work. Really nice vibe to this video, on a sunny day, with just one guy able to make a bunch of boards for free, all by himself with no help. That is more than impressive. Subscribed.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks, Jeff. Norwood did a great job designing this mill. As long as you pay attention, it's actually pretty safe. It doesn't get much better than a good day at the mill! Boards are better than free... they can make money for you, too!

[@juliacheeseman5361]

Great video. Our machine is coming today. Couldn't be more excited.

[@daveboyt6810]

You'll love it! Which mill are you getting? Drop me a line if I can be any help.

[@kevinh.w.crabbe8748]

I’m so proud of you explaining stuff about your saw there and what look for and what to do before you start this is a very good advice for people like myself or others to know before they start up the mill

[@daveboyt6810]

Hi, Kevin, Thanks for watching and leaving the comment. Glad you found it useful.

[@douglasstewart4066]

Thanks for a great, easy to follow video.

[@robertdewey6084]

Enjoyed this video and the safety video. Please do a video on quartersawing. I've been researching sawmills and Norwood is one of my finalists. Hoping to buy my mill very soon!

[@robertdewey6084]

I just found a quartersawing video from Norwood . This is awesome.

[@NorwoodsawmillsDirect]

Glad you found it and enjoyed it Robert! :-)

[@nancysavik6626]

my husband keeps watching this video... he mills a log, then wonders how Dave would do it.. and comes back and watches again. Says he learns something every time.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for the comment! I learn something just about every time I cut into a log (usually, what I learn is, "I'm not doing THAT again"!). As long as your husband comes in with as many fingers & toes as he went out with, it's all good. I'm always open to ideas for more videos, and will be glad to make up an answer for any question.

[@louisianafatbastard]

Kudos to you Dave. I bought a Timber King fully hydraulic mill several years ago and I am 56 - - Its a job lol. I do love it though. You make some nice very informative videos and I have always enjoyed watching them. Keep making dust and giving advice. I am sure to return!

[@daveboyt6810]

Good to hear from you Mac. I'm going on 65, still too stubborn to put hydraulics on the mill. I appreciate your encouragement. Be careful & keep making sawdust!

[@genewileyopa]

Excellent, very well explained. Enjoyed watching the video, looks like fun. Thank you

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks. Any day out at the mill is a good one!

[@wandahard2027]

I agree, without the goofing off we see in many videos. Well done.

[@quitlogging]

Great video, I have a lumberlite 24 that I bought used several years ago. I set it up on homemade track 40 feet long permanently mounted with steel posts in concrete every 8 feet. Quality product and very convenient to have around. I have sawn a large log house package for a customer which paid for the whole setup and now it's great for my own uses. I saw the same way you did in the video with pine which is pretty much all I have available and it is a great technique for my purposes. I have a Briggs 8hp motor that is underpowered and I am planning to upgrade to a 13hp electric start which from what I understand will make a whole new level of performance in my milling. Thanks for the video. Awesome to see a guy working with his bare hands too!

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for the comment. Sounds like a great setup. A 40' track on a Lumberlite 24 would be amazing! Yes, going from 8 hp to 13 hp will make it feel like a whole 'nother mill. Very few trees here in the Missouri Ozarks would make a half that long.

[@Grizzlife]

Excellent video. New to milling and this helped a bunch. Thanks

[@joelodell4245]

Awesome! Im 56. I want to retire in 4 years and do sawmilling work. Great video, need more!

[@daveboyt6810]

Good to hear from you. Sawmilling is a great way to stay in shape in the "retirement" years. And thanks for the encouragement. More videos to come, for sure!

[@joelodell4245]

@@daveboyt6810 Ill definitely be looking forward to it! I'd love hear your advice on drying lumber.

[@siriosstar4789]

Excellent video . lots of useful info without any rambling that one often sees in other videos.

[@daveboyt6810]

You'd be amazed at how much stuff gets edited out. In real life, I ramble a lot (I even used to drive a Rambler).

[@Matausi11350]

I hope I can still able to continue to work as hard as you do at your age. You are an inspiration

[@daveboyt6810]

Use it or lose it! :)

[@jesseBoll]

He’s 32.... hard livin.

[@patrickwaters6273]

Great video. Very informative without extra nonsense chatter. I learned a lot!

[@rossinnz]

The tip about the last 3 cuts, I thankyou.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching and for leaving the comment. Hope you're enjoying sawmilling & that the weather hasn't been to rough for you this spring-- been crazy everywhere!

[@loganphillips5142]

My left ear really enjoyed this

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks. My right eye enjoyed running the sawmill & editing the video!

[@pauldrake6624]

Very helpful. I am considering a mill. I own pine and fir trees in MT, and was looking to have them logged. Now putting the brakes on that as I would like to process the timber for my own use and possibly to sell some lumber. I am very remote, so access to markets is a challenge, but access to raw material isn’t. On balance, I prefer it that way! I am “retired” but loving the idea of a mill to keep me busy producing something useful! Am liking the looks of this sized mill and this company!

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks, Paul. I'm just a one man operation. To me (I'm 66), "retirement" doesn't mean I work less, but I do the work I want to do.

[@sarahnayacalevu6471]

Very nice and easy video to follow from the experts. Thanks

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching, and for leaving the comment!

[@kevinh.w.crabbe8748]

I’m watching this year from all the way from southern Alberta Canada and this chat here he explains what you need to do before you start up the Mill and I like that do you share it with those who need to know that

[@daveboyt6810]

Sounds like your going to be milling frozen logs before too long. Best of luck with your sawing adventure.

[@jimhammer2012]

Great saw and the thin kerf saves a lot of wood. I used to use the slabs to make stickers for drying. Never liked finding a snake! The beauty is you can saw just about any log, from a dogwood to a mighty oak.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching. The Norwood is a perfect mill for the kind of cutting I do. I try to make stickers as I go, but when I run out, I mill up some post oak logs and make a few hundred. Most snakes don't bother me, but copperheads are real common in these parts.

[@grantikos]

Thank you Dave, your videos are invaluable to me. I'm in New Zealand and I bought a mill just over a year ago from China and built myself a 20 foot transportable bed, which will cut 17 foot length. Of course I've had to fine tune the Chinese mill but it's cutting true now. I milled a few logs a year ago with it but I thought I better brush up on your videos before I cut any expensive logs, which I plan to do from tomorrow morning. You are a very good teacher, I feel more confident after rewatching your videos again. All the best. G

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for the reply, Grant. Any band saw mill needs to be tweaked in properly to cut straight. I understand you've got some pretty hard woods over your way. You're doing the right thing to cut cheaper logs first, and they'll be a good source for blocking and stickers for drying the good ones. Good luck, and stay safe.

[@vanoprod]

Hello, where did you buy from China? Thank you!

[@petewerner1494]

I see so many Utube clips where people make a cut, raise their blades, back up the saw and remove the top board from the live end of the saw,,,, sometimes while the saw is running. You certainly save a ;ot of cranking by just leaving the saw at the end to remove the boards. Safer as well, Liked your video.

[@daveboyt6810]

Good observation. It works ok either way, but the main thing is, if you get a bit lazy and don't raise the sawhead quite high enough, the blade pops off, and come out looking like a pretzel. Of course an electric winch lift would be even nicer. What kind of mill are you running?

[@petewerner1494]

@@daveboyt6810 Mine is not really a brand,,,, it was designed and built by our Mennonites. most bandsaw mills have their blades oriented 90 degrees to the log but mine is running forward at the leading edge by an extra 7 degrees. Works great and almost feeds itself down the track.

[@danmcleod1360]

Excellent video. Very informative. Thank you.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for the comment. Glad you liked it.

[@pashkokalaj4682]

Im very thankful for this channel, and its content. I'm convinced this is the mill I will purchase in the future

[@daveboyt6810]

You'lll love it! It doesn't take long to get sawdust in your veins.

[@pashkokalaj4682]

Lookin forward to that!

[@bassplur12]

WHY IS THIS SO SATISFYING TO WATCH!!!?????!!!!!!!?????

[@daveboyt6810]

I know what you mean. I never get tired of watching other people work!

[@alanm3438]

I do not know why but I love watching a sawmill. Good job now take the rest of the day off.

[@daveboyt6810]

Can't think of anything I'd rather do on a "day off" than run the sawmill!

[@matrixclese]

This guy rocks. Thanks for your wisdom.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for watching, and for leaving the comment.

[@campmacdougall3440]

This is a great, GREAT video for a first time sawmill'er. We are on the hunt for a mill and this was great information, great strategies--such a well done video. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks for the kind words. Let me know if there's any way I can be of further help.

[@konradbrochocki4923]

@@daveboyt6810 I know this is a little late. But would you happen to have any advice on purchasing a new/second hand sawmill. i.e what brands are good to look for, sizing, etc? I've seen a lot of chinese engines on the new ones I'm looking at and getting mixed reviews on them. Specifically LiFan engines. I would prefer a good honda, briggs, kawasaki engine but I don't really know where to look or how important it is. I'm in Canada if that gives any insight.

[@daveboyt6810]

@@konradbrochocki4923 Hi, John, Second-hand sawmills are hard to come by, and typically go for close to the price of a new on, because of the backlog. Some sawmill manufactures have an 18-month waiting list, and I've heard some are even longer. Norwood has the shortest waiting time of any mill I know of, largely since they don't assemble the mill, though they do get a lot of parts from a lot of places. Hard to recommend a specific mill without knowing what size logs you'll be cutting, and what your plans are-- a little milling for yourself or starting a business. For me the Norwood HD36 has been a terrific machine, though I just put together a new HD38, and am looking forward to see how it does. I do custom cutting and tackle hardwoods that push the mill to its limits. But for a hobby or smaller logs, it might be overkill. I've had good luck with the 23 hp B&S Vanguard engine on my HD36, though I'm not sure what they use on their smaller mills. My advice is always get the biggest possible engine, even if it means skimping on other options, which you can add later. I've got nothing against the Chinese engines, but your mixed reviews may suggest that the quality varies quite a bit. Many are the same engine with different stickers. I can't complain about the 5 hp Predator (Harbor Freight) engine on my log splitter, but it doesn't get near the use the the mill does. Being in Canada, cold weather may be more of a factor. Here in Missouri, when the temperature drops much below 0 degrees C, I generally find something to do where I can stay warm indoors. I know Honda engines have a good reputation for running well in cold weather, but I haven't heard any complaints from sawyers running the Briggs & Stratton engines up north. Hope this helps.

[@konradbrochocki4923]

@@daveboyt6810 It does help and I'll look into the Norwoods. Thanks a lot!

[@robertpatrene2540]

Your a master at sawing ,it really helps I’m 75 but I think 🤔 I want to do this !!!🤪🇺🇸🇺🇸thanks for your help 👏🤙

[@daveboyt6810]

You're only 11 years ahead of me, and I plan to doing it for at least 20 more. Go for it!

[@paulpugh5315]

Make sure you get yourself one of them "helpers".When I want to drop a trailer, its best done by yourself because you each think the other has wound the landing legs down. In sawmilling,things could get nasty if your not in charge so to speak.... take care Robert......From a retired ex lumberjack & trucker in UK.

[@michelaylwin105]

Your a good teacher and explain well. Thank you

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for future videos.

[@gunrunner4747]

Certainly enjoyed this video. Good information for those of us “not so handy” who have contemplated getting a band mill. Thanks so much. Looking forward to more great info!

[@daveboyt6810]

Thanks, John. Let me know if you have any questions. I'm really not all that handy... just stubborn.