sawmill

[Tom F]

I am new to TBN so hello everyone. I am in upstate NY and looking for anyone that knows how to build a sawmill or maybe someone that has one and is looking for wood (Pine, Oak, Cherry ect).

Thanks
Tom

 

[tractorboys2]

i made a band mill using trailer tires. i have some pics on diybandmill.com page9.billsmill

 

[KYErik]

I also made one which uses trailer tires for the band wheels:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/74963-home-built-bandsaw-mill.html

My dad and I have been using it again and tinkering with it. We recently added a second electric motor (so it is now 10 hp electric), hydraulic feed and extended the frame so it will cut 17 ft logs (28" diameter)

 

[Tom F]

Did either of you use plans or just wing it? I am a painter by trade so mechanical isn't my strong point unless I have plans. I have an old shop smith that has bandsaw parts to use and also gas motors to use. I am going with gas because I have no power where I will be using it.

 

[babypp2]

He's the one on the right, twylight.

 

[KYErik]

I just studied lots of pics of different designs on the internet and came up with something that was possible with my fabrication skills, budget and materials at hand.

The basics are that you need:

a sturdy frame that the log lays on and that the cutting head rolls along
a cutting head that can be accurately adjusted up and down while keeping the blade perfectly parallel with the saw frame
a way to accurately tighten and loosen the blade

There are sawmill kits available that will save you some money if you don't feel that you have good enough fabrication skills: Sawmill Kits, build your own sawmill

 

[BHD]

I built my own band mill, I used V belt pulleys, and hung a V belt on them for tires,
(my understanding that is what woodmizer does), the belt hangs loose but is as small as can be put on the pulley, (it is self cleaning), and made some ball bearing guides using bearing from press wheel from a JD planter, and there bushing,
(most likely if doing it again I would use the tires as I think one can tension the blade via air pressure, instead of making a tighteners for the wheels),

all manual no hydraulics, the track is heavy angle iron, and it rides on 4 V belt pulleys, with bushings in the bore,

I use the same blades that fit the basic woodmizer band saw,

I made a mechanical belt clutch, If I was rebuilding I would put a electric clutch on it like on a lawn tractor has on the deck, or use a large electric motor on it if electricity was available and not using as a portable unit,