The bandsaw mill i got came with a water drip system for the blade, it was ok, but I found the water didn't do anything for the sap, just helped keep the blade cool. Grant (old timer neighbour) told me that at the end of each cut he would spray the blade (not too much) with a mix of diesel and transmission fluid. This lubricated and cleaned the blade. The first inch or two of a cut would take that off anyways so it won't discolor the wood. I found i would get more cuts out of a blade with it.
Such beautiful artwork, yours and natures. They are both fascinating, yours takes a few strokes of a brush, and natures develops over a few decades. Nice reveal on both perspectives.
We would love to have our own mill, but would have to head well north of here to get any decent spruce for lumber. Or birch, for cabinets...oh that would be nice!
Amy..you and Curt were born about 100 years too late!!..(I get that alot, too)..but glad to have you here sharing your experience..pics and adventures!! Thank you both!!
Portable mills are great. I had one years ago. My idea was to mill my own lumber for my furniture. It never really worked out. I found I had to decide if I was going to be sawer or a furniture builder. I did mill thousands of bf of lumber and even milled for others. My best friend built a 6000 sq ft home and I milled all the construction material and much of the hardwoods for the interior.
One thing I learned quickly is I should have bought a sharpener and setter when I bought the mill. I ended up spending so much money on sending blades out or buying new ones.
If the mill has a water system for the blade, try putting Dawn dishwashing soap with the water....it helps a lot with the pitch.
I understand that often you need the lumber right away and green wood construction is doable, you just have to design for it. If possible get ahead with your inventory. Properly stick your lumber and cover it with tin roofing(that's what I always did). Drying lumber is even more crucial than milling it, especially if you are only air drying. A good rule of thumb for air drying is 1 year for every inch of thickness.
Milling lumber can be very satisfying. It is also cost effective if you have the trees. You'll find that once you get proficient at milling and drying, the lumber is much easier to work.
I worked in town making money ... that my wife Linda and I spent building a farm. First we had to clear space for a garden, made our first chicken coop, then started clearing jungle. First we used store-bought stuff, yeah, 2x4s, 2x6s (sometimes ripped), plywood, etc. Then we started using locally milled wood (basically `green'), then Linda bought me an Alaska Mill. I made her a `chicken palace' (8 x 20 chicken coop), a goat barn (12 x 24), a 16-ft diameter 3 freq geodesic dome. The Alaska Mill is a lot of work (chainsaw). Then I retired, and the work continues ... a Cow Shed (for milking our Cow Elsa). And, recently, a 24 foot long high tunnel. I need to dig out some pics. I also need to look at your mill setup ... for potential more structures. And next we need to fence off more jungle, turn the goats loose to clear, and fence for our cows (currently 2 pregnant, and one bull). Even though building permits aren't required here ... I'm an engineer, and built them all `to code'. So far they've all stood the wind (tornado country). The high tunnel (and my deer blind) didn't do as well, though, when we got 4 inches of snow, then rain. Normally it doesn't snow here. It's fixed now.
Having the opportunity to come up to your mountain retreat last year was an eye opener. You have come so far with your gorgeous barn. I could happily live in it. Besides the barn, the green
House and your main building your future plans for the property is unbelievable. Yes, you two are pioneers in your own right. Way to go. Hopefully I’ll have a chance to see your other creations. Lots of Love to you both. Stay safe as the creatures of the forest will awaken soon.
The bandsaw mill i got came with a water drip system for the blade, it was ok, but I found the water didn't do anything for the sap, just helped keep the blade cool. Grant (old timer neighbour) told me that at the end of each cut he would spray the blade (not too much) with a mix of diesel and transmission fluid. This lubricated and cleaned the blade. The first inch or two of a cut would take that off anyways so it won't discolor the wood. I found i would get more cuts out of a blade with it.
Similar to the chain lube on a chainsaw.
Cheers!
Thank you, cheers!
Hey Cruiser..thanks for that!!..Mt brother gave me a spray bottle of diesel/ tranny fluid to use for penetrating oil..works great..and alot cheaper!!
Such beautiful artwork, yours and natures. They are both fascinating, yours takes a few strokes of a brush, and natures develops over a few decades. Nice reveal on both perspectives.
Thank you Glen! 😊
We would love to have our own mill, but would have to head well north of here to get any decent spruce for lumber. Or birch, for cabinets...oh that would be nice!
Ooooo yes birch for cabinets 🤩
Amy..you and Curt were born about 100 years too late!!..(I get that alot, too)..but glad to have you here sharing your experience..pics and adventures!! Thank you both!!
Portable mills are great. I had one years ago. My idea was to mill my own lumber for my furniture. It never really worked out. I found I had to decide if I was going to be sawer or a furniture builder. I did mill thousands of bf of lumber and even milled for others. My best friend built a 6000 sq ft home and I milled all the construction material and much of the hardwoods for the interior.
One thing I learned quickly is I should have bought a sharpener and setter when I bought the mill. I ended up spending so much money on sending blades out or buying new ones.
If the mill has a water system for the blade, try putting Dawn dishwashing soap with the water....it helps a lot with the pitch.
I understand that often you need the lumber right away and green wood construction is doable, you just have to design for it. If possible get ahead with your inventory. Properly stick your lumber and cover it with tin roofing(that's what I always did). Drying lumber is even more crucial than milling it, especially if you are only air drying. A good rule of thumb for air drying is 1 year for every inch of thickness.
Milling lumber can be very satisfying. It is also cost effective if you have the trees. You'll find that once you get proficient at milling and drying, the lumber is much easier to work.
It really is a lot of work from start to finish, especially with the fine work you do!
I made a couple of chairs using old stickers. They have a LOT of character but hey, I made chairs!
I worked in town making money ... that my wife Linda and I spent building a farm. First we had to clear space for a garden, made our first chicken coop, then started clearing jungle. First we used store-bought stuff, yeah, 2x4s, 2x6s (sometimes ripped), plywood, etc. Then we started using locally milled wood (basically `green'), then Linda bought me an Alaska Mill. I made her a `chicken palace' (8 x 20 chicken coop), a goat barn (12 x 24), a 16-ft diameter 3 freq geodesic dome. The Alaska Mill is a lot of work (chainsaw). Then I retired, and the work continues ... a Cow Shed (for milking our Cow Elsa). And, recently, a 24 foot long high tunnel. I need to dig out some pics. I also need to look at your mill setup ... for potential more structures. And next we need to fence off more jungle, turn the goats loose to clear, and fence for our cows (currently 2 pregnant, and one bull). Even though building permits aren't required here ... I'm an engineer, and built them all `to code'. So far they've all stood the wind (tornado country). The high tunnel (and my deer blind) didn't do as well, though, when we got 4 inches of snow, then rain. Normally it doesn't snow here. It's fixed now.
Having the opportunity to come up to your mountain retreat last year was an eye opener. You have come so far with your gorgeous barn. I could happily live in it. Besides the barn, the green
House and your main building your future plans for the property is unbelievable. Yes, you two are pioneers in your own right. Way to go. Hopefully I’ll have a chance to see your other creations. Lots of Love to you both. Stay safe as the creatures of the forest will awaken soon.
Thank you! Lots of love 💕 I’m very much looking forward to the thaw.