Author Topic: Norwood ML26 build (Read 3431 times)

Riggs · « **on:** December 27, 2011, 05:35:18 am »

A little while back I mentioned in another thread that I had purchased a new Norwood ML26. I wanted to start a thread with pictures (I hope) detailing the build.

I had my mill delivered to my work since a tractor and trailer would struggle to make it to my house. I then loaded it on my trailer and brought it home.

It was a little intimidating at first, but Norwood does a great job of labeling everything and laying it out for you. I highly reccomend reading the assembly instructions

at least once before you start. Not something I am good at, I'd rather get started and try to figure it out as I go.
Due to the rainy forcast and my very limited number of days off, We (my Dad and I) decided we would assemble the mill in his shop on his trailer, then haul it to its final location. I may regret this decision later, but for now it made sense.

Once we got everything laid out it started coming together pretty quick...lots and lots of bolts, but again Norwood did a great job of laying things out where it was easy to read and understand. I would like to give a shout out to my Dad (who I am trying to convince to join the FF) he helped me all afternoon even though he was fighting a stomach virus. That's him you see in a couple of the pictures below.

I wish we had a little more room to lay things out, but I had to do with what I had. I apologize for the picture quality, I took them with my cell phone $:-\$

I will try to keep this updated as I go.

Magicman · « **Reply #1 on:** December 27, 2011, 07:52:32 am »

Congratulations are in order for getting the Norwood and for making the assembly a Father/Son project. I'm also glad that you decided to document the assembly process. I have seen it described, but never actually watched the progress.

Riggs · « **Reply #2 on:** December 27, 2011, 08:14:19 am »

Thanks Magicman, my Dad has recently retired, and is looking to stay busy. I'm happy to oblidge.

r.man · « **Reply #3 on:** December 27, 2011, 08:17:42 am »

I second MMs enthusiasm for pictures. I am a very visual person and love to see what is being described. Having assembled many things on a once only basis I would add a recommendation that might only be helpful for someone like myself. I find I do a faster, better job if I read the assembly instructions at least twice with a gap between readings. Ideally the night before and the morning of assembly. Things seem familiar to me when I read them that second or third time and don't seem so baffling or daunting. Good luck with the assembly and keep the pictures coming. The quality was fine.

thecfarm · « **Reply #4 on:** December 27, 2011, 08:48:05 am »

You know your mill inside and out when you are done. Looking forward to the end results like you and your dad are. My Dad never got to see my mill. He would of enjoyed it so much.

paul case · « **Reply #5 on:** December 27, 2011, 09:02:04 am »

It looks like it is coming right together!
I bought a 42x60 all steel quonset building package once. It came all on 2 pallets. It also came with some 6800 bolts. That was a little intimidating too. We didn't use half of them. I guess they sent me enough bolts to put the metal ends together,but I didn't buy them.
You kinda need to do it just like the mouse eat the elephant, one bite at a time! PC

Macgyver · « **Reply #6 on:** December 27, 2011, 02:07:47 pm »

Great looking build. I bought the MX34 last year, and did just about the exact same thing, on a landscape trailer. I was hoping to be able to keep it set up and mill on the trailer, but the angle iron of the frame (on my trailer) wasn't rigid enough to stay square and level. Looks like yours is a little beefier. Norwood's a great company to work with, and they really do their best to keep you working. I've posed a few questions to them, and not one has gone unanswered for more than a few hours. Good luck, and have fun!

Tree Feller · « **Reply #7 on:** December 27, 2011, 06:44:44 pm »

This is gonna be interesting. Thanks for documenting the assembly process and keep the pics coming.

Riggs · « **Reply #8 on:** December 28, 2011, 06:54:00 am »

Day 2

Before I start on day two, I want to clear up the deal about the trailer, we are only assembling it on the trailer in the building, so that we can stay out of the rain that always come with my days off work. When we complete the build, the plan is to unload it at it's final location, level it up, and then tighten it down. I haven't completely decided how we will unload it, but I'm sure we will come up with something.

The second day it started looking like a band mill. We installed the log stops onto the frame rails, and the log clamps.

Next came the sawhead assembly

Pretty soon, we could say it had a name,

The winch assemblies

At the end of the day, we had something I could hang my new hat on

I have other images in my gallery, if you are interested. So far, we only have about 6-7 hours in it. Sadly, I have to go back to work today, the next work will be this weekend. Stay tuned.

Again, Norwood does an excellent job of laying this out so even people like me have no trouble,

and another shout out to my Dad for the help, and he joined the FF yesterday (pending approval)

Mike@Norwood · « **Reply #9 on:** December 28, 2011, 10:51:12 am »

Good morning Riggs

Welcome to the Norwood family!!!

Nice pics, it looks like you have everything under full control. Hopefully we get to see a few pics of the sawmill in action.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help.

You can reach us toll-free at 1-800-567-0404.

Have a great day!

Mike at Norwood

POSTONLT40HD · « **Reply #10 on:** December 28, 2011, 11:07:36 am »

Way to go RIGGS. Looks like your Dad will be coming out of retirement. Once you start sawing lumber, the fever spreads!

Congrats on your new mill!

mad murdock · « **Reply #11 on:** December 28, 2011, 12:29:56 pm »

Way to to riggs! Nice pics, And thanks for posting. Like Poston said about the fever, yer dad will not regret trading a stomach virus for an acute case of SIB!(sawdust in blood). I can't wait for the action shots!

Jeff · « **Reply #12 on:** December 28, 2011, 12:47:46 pm »

Assembly on the trailer bed looks to me like an excellent choice. I think I would have never thought of that, even though I have a trailer, and would have been bending over working right on the garage floor. I can feel the crook in my back just thinking about it. Working off the trailer height makes it look like great fun. I can imagine the excitement as it comes together

I've always thought that that (Tom would be proud, double word) assembly process of a new Norwood mill is an invaluable tool for the owner, knowing every nut and bolt.

Quote

and another shout out to my Dad for the help, and he joined the FF yesterday (pending approval)

He should have been approved right away, as long as he gave a topical reason for joining. People try to join all the time with a reason like "Information" or "To Learn" or things like that. That is the same stuff the spammers use, so to get approved, you need to prove to us you are here for a valid reason. If he didn't get approved or has trouble, let me know. We'll get him in.

submarinesailor · « **Reply #13 on:** December 28, 2011, 12:52:12 pm »

Riggs,

With that many nuts and bolts and if they are NOT locking nuts, I would be using a bunch of the middle grade Lock Tight. Was to be sure it doesn't come apart at the wrong time.

Bruce

Jeff · « **Reply #14 on:** December 28, 2011, 12:54:21 pm »

I looked back at the log, "Old man Riggs" was approved with a very good reason for joining.

Tree Feller · « **Reply #15 on:** December 28, 2011, 06:14:36 pm »

Outstanding build, Riggs. It's even exciting on this end to watch the mill come together. I also think it was a good choice to assemble the mill on the trailer. That's a lot more convenient than working off the floor.

Keep the info and pics coming.

kevinlt15 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 28, 2011, 09:00:51 pm »

THIS FORUM NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME

Good luck with the assembly riggs

customsawyer · « **Reply #17 on:** December 29, 2011, 04:11:59 am »

Great post and pics.

Riggs · « **Reply #18 on:** December 29, 2011, 05:03:38 am »

Thanks for all of thr positive responses, submarinesailor they are indeed locking nuts so hopefully no issues.
Assembly on the trailerwas an iffy idea at first, but but I think it's going to work out just fine. I am enjoying the assembly way more than I thought I would, and am having "withdrawl" while back at my real job. Hopefully Saturday we will be able to get a good bit more done.
Thanks again,
Riggs

thecfarm · « **Reply #19 on:** December 29, 2011, 08:41:05 am »

Must of been another thread I mentioned this. Start an album or a video. You will really enjoy it 20 years down the road.

cutterboy · « **Reply #20 on:** December 29, 2011, 08:20:46 pm »

Riggs, congratulations on your Norwood. This is fun watching the mill come together. I bought a Lumbermate 2000 ten years ago and have had very little trouble with it. (the bolts are still tight).

It's nice to see your dad working with you. I'm probably about your dad's age and you are about the age of my oldest son. Those rare ocasions we get to work together means a lot to me and I bet your father feels the same way working with you.

Posting pictures of your project is a great idea. Keep them coming. Ralph

Riggs · « **Reply #21 on:** December 31, 2011, 07:08:07 am »

Day 3:
I got to start back a day earlier than I had expected. Day 3 saw things come together pretty well. We installed the coolant tank, control arm, the scale, the blade tensioner, the engine

and the backside of the blade guards. You can really start to tell what it is now. Again everything went off without a hitch with one minor exception. We had trouble with one bolt in the blade tensioner, and ended up having to manufacture a new bolt out of a threaded rod and a nut. I'd post a picture of that, but frankly my welding skills aren't all that good.

Here you can see the control arm, the handle for the tensioner, and the coolant tank, all added on day 3

This is my 86 year old Grandpa, who along with my 3 year old daughter were the supervisors for the day

Must have been a supervisors meeting

This is where we stood at the end of the day, with the engine and blade guards on.

One side note about working on the trailer inside. When you get to the point that you are standing on the trailer to work...pull it out of the building, I adjusted that DanG garage door more times than I care to recall with the top of my DanG head.

Hopefully we will have things ready to set up before I have to go back to my real job.

WDH · « **Reply #22 on:** December 31, 2011, 07:21:50 am »

You are doing a fine job. You will always have the richness that comes with working with your loved ones.

Riggs · « **Reply #23 on:** December 31, 2011, 07:26:35 am »

Thanks WDH, I will never forget this, that much is for sure.

Macgyver · « **Reply #24 on:** December 31, 2011, 10:20:26 am »

Hey Riggs,
One thing I thought about when I saw your guards go on. If you have the chance, I recommend installing a thin protective layer on the inside of the guards. If you're like me, and learned a few lessons the hard way, the blade pops off, and cuts a ring in the plastic. If you have a sacrificial piece of luan, or MDF, or sheet metal inside its cheaper to hit that and replace it rather than the molded guards. Just make sure everything clears on the inside. Wish I had done this on mine. I was told they were made of plastic to cut down o noise, which makes a lot of sense. They look great too.

eastberkshirecustoms · « **Reply #25 on:** December 31, 2011, 03:05:13 pm »

Looking good! Nice to see 4 generations helping with the build.

Chuck White · « **Reply #26 on:** December 31, 2011, 05:02:58 pm »

Nice job Riggs, lookin' good!

Welcome to the Forestry Forum "Old Man Riggs".

Riggs · « **Reply #27 on:** December 31, 2011, 05:06:12 pm »

cutterboy, thats a good looking setup you've got, what are the legs on the rail setting on? Blocks? timbers? this is one of the things I am rolling around in my head trying to come up with the best solution. I want it to be pretty much permanent, I have considered everything from a concrete pad, to blocks. Somebody give me some input, and even better pictures.

catskillpond · « **Reply #28 on:** December 31, 2011, 05:15:49 pm »

Macgyver has a point we installed a piece of conveyor belt and it has worked great make sure you use antisieze on all connections especially carriage rollers and pivot points at the fulcrum point for band wheels good luck with it the guys at Norwood have given us great service

cutterboy · « **Reply #29 on:** December 31, 2011, 08:59:28 pm »

Riggs, the legs are setting on 2 inch thick planks about 8 inches wide that are placed crosswise under the mill. My mill is not set permanently in place. I have the trailer package and once in a while I move it to a different location to do a job for someone or to a different location on my farm. One summer I moved it out into the woods so I could saw in the shade. Every year at the end of November I put it one of my barns for the winter.

The 2x8 planks work fine for me but if I was to keep my mill in a permanent location, I think a cement slab would be best.

This is the only picture I could find that shows the legs on the planks.

ooops, here's another one

JP135 · « **Reply #30 on:** December 31, 2011, 09:18:16 pm »

Riggs, nice mill you've got there. Thanks for documenting the build where we can all see. I always say I'm gonna do something like that and post photos of the process, but I never do. I can't stop working when I've got a good head of steam built up and I miss the chance to take pics.

So cool that your Dad and Grandfather are involved. I really hate that my Dad never got to see my mill because I know he would've loved it. Cherish the times and take lots of photos of them.

Riggs · « **Reply #31 on:** January 02, 2012, 06:52:48 am »

Macgyver and catskillpond, thanks for the idea, We will definitely have to look into it.
Thanks for the pics cutterboy, I'm still rolling ideas around, but I think I've about made my mind up. Planning to work on it again today.

Riggs · « **Reply #32 on:** January 02, 2012, 08:21:43 am »

Today is set to be the last day of the build, pretty much all that is left is to put the blade on, add gas and oil, and tighten every thing up.
Hopefully by the end of the day my Norwood will be set up in its place, ready to level up and saw a little.
Here are some pictures of what we did yesterday, a great way to bring in the new year.

Both bandwheels mounted before the drive belt was installed.

The clutch cable threaded through the guards ready to hook up

The drive belt, you can also see the clutch cable has now been hooked up.

My next post will be when we move it into place and unload it. Thanks for looking.

Magicman · « **Reply #33 on:** January 02, 2012, 08:43:13 am »

Congrats on your detailed assembly process and I know that you are now anxious to see sawdust. I have thought of my Granddad many times and know that he would have been trying to sleep with my sawmill.

shelbycharger400 · « **Reply #34 on:** January 02, 2012, 12:22:47 pm »

on that mill, dose the belt that drives the one wheel also act as the surface where the band rides as well?

Riggs · « **Reply #35 on:** January 02, 2012, 01:30:04 pm »

Quote from: shelbycharger400 on January 02, 2012, 12:22:47 pm

on that mill, dose the belt that drives the one wheel also act as the surface where the band rides as well?

Yes on the right hand side (looking at the last picture) the left side has a belt around the wheel on that side.

Riggs · « **Reply #36 on:** January 03, 2012, 06:49:53 am »

Yesterday we finished the build, and did the set-up where the mill will be. A thick layer of crusher run gravel, topped with 18" paving stones should make a really solid platform for many years. Everything is level and ready to go. Hopefully the move will be Saturday.

Here are a few pictures of yesterdays work.

Magicman · « **Reply #37 on:** January 03, 2012, 08:41:41 am »

You are going to be fine. I see that you will be out where passerby's can see you.

WDH · « **Reply #38 on:** January 03, 2012, 08:10:31 pm »

That should generate some interest for you.

Tree Feller · « **Reply #39 on:** January 04, 2012, 09:09:03 am »

Riggs,

I was away at work all through the holidays and only had brief intervals to enjoy this thread. I got home yesterday and re-read the entire thing. Wonderful!

Congratulations on completing the build. I know you're anxious to start sawing, too.

Thanks a million for the thread. Please comment on how the saw performs once you get a chance.

Riggs · « **Reply #40 on:** January 04, 2012, 09:20:38 am »

Tree Feller,
I am planning on posting when we get it set up and level, and will let you know for sure how it does. Hoping to finish up on Saturday. Glad you enjoyed it and I hope it will help some folks out in the future.

cutterboy · « **Reply #41 on:** January 05, 2012, 08:00:35 pm »

Riggs, I can't wait to see the mill set up and sawing. Thanks for sharing everything with us.

BTW, nice country where you live.

Riggs · « **Reply #42 on:** January 07, 2012, 03:18:23 pm »

OK, its all set, if you remember, I started this build on a trailer in my Dads shop to stay out of the rain. We finished the assembly and then had to figure out how to get it off the trailer.

We took the last two sections (8 feet) off to make it a little less awkward, ran a strap around the bucket of the tractor, and picked it up enough to drive out from under it. Then set it in place with the tractor.

And yes, I left my Dad (old man Riggs on the FF) holding one end long enough to get a picture.

Once it was set, the only real challenge was to get it level and stabilized. The leveling proved to be the biggest challenge to the whole build.
Again i would like to give Norwood a tremendous amount of credit for having it laid out simple enough that I could do it.

Chuck White · « **Reply #43 on:** January 07, 2012, 03:34:11 pm »

Lookin' good Riggs!

How long before you build a house for it!

Riggs · « **Reply #44 on:** January 07, 2012, 03:42:00 pm »

Quote from: Chuck White on January 07, 2012, 03:34:11 pm

Lookin' good Riggs!

How long before you build a house for it!

That would be project #1 on my things to do list

Tree Feller · « **Reply #45 on:** January 07, 2012, 05:00:44 pm »

Excellent! Having that 4WD tractor and FEL available is a luxury that will pay off many,many times, I'm sure.

Is that grandpa running the tractor? What a great project for you all to do together.

Thanks again for documenting the build and placement. I'm grateful.

Riggs · « **Reply #46 on:** January 07, 2012, 07:01:40 pm »

Quote from: Tree Feller on January 07, 2012, 05:00:44 pm

Excellent! Having that 4WD tractor and FEL available is a luxury that will pay off many,many times, I'm sure.

Is that grandpa running the tractor? What a great project for you all to do together.

Thanks again for documenting the build and placement. I'm grateful.

Couldn't do without the tractor, and yes that's my Grandpa on it.

TimGA · « **Reply #47 on:** January 07, 2012, 07:17:10 pm »

Riggs, I looked at buying a Norwood before buying my mill. It was in my top 3, I love the simplicity of it. I wanted hyd though. Great job, to good health and sawdust everywhere. Tim

cutterboy · « **Reply #48 on:** January 07, 2012, 08:07:36 pm »

I was wondering how you would get your mill off the trailer. Very clever. The ML26 looks nice sitting there.

TIME TO MAKE SOME SAWDUST!

leroy in kansas · « **Reply #49 on:** January 07, 2012, 08:38:15 pm »

Riggs, thanks for the documentation. Each time someone post something as this I learn and the fever becomes worse. Got to get enough time to get my mill out of the shed and get with it.

shelbycharger400 · « **Reply #50 on:** January 07, 2012, 10:41:27 pm »

Quote

Each time someone post something as this I learn and the fever becomes worse

i came into this relm from the muscle cars , i still love them, but that has become too rich for my blood right now. wood is easier and cleaner too, and i was an engine builder/ heavy line guy.

...hmmm, aaahhh the smell of exhaust, and the rich aroma of fresh cut wood. the wife looked at me , stared and asked me one day " what are you doing? " , i was sniffin a piece of cut wood..

paul case · « **Reply #51 on:** January 07, 2012, 10:46:18 pm »

Quote from: Riggs on January 07, 2012, 03:42:00 pm

Quote from: Chuck White on January 07, 2012, 03:34:11 pm
Lookin' good Riggs!

How long before you build a house for it!

That would be project #1 on my things to do list

Where you gonna buy the lumber?

tehehehee. PC

leroy in kansas · « **Reply #52 on:** January 08, 2012, 01:36:42 am »

i was sniffin a piece of cut wood..

Hey bud, I'm thinking I would be wondering about you also.

apm · « **Reply #53 on:** January 08, 2012, 09:02:17 am »

Hey Riggs, Is that a Zetor? I've got a 5245 that I don't know what I'd do without.
Greg

Holmes · « **Reply #54 on:** January 08, 2012, 09:21:31 am »

Quote from: apm on January 08, 2012, 09:02:17 am

Hey Riggs, Is that a Zetor? I've got a 5245 that I don't know what I'd do without.
Greg

I thought that looks like a Zetor too. My first tractor was a 5245 10 years ago, upgraded to the Zetor Proxima 5 years ago. Great tractors..

Magicman · « **Reply #55 on:** January 08, 2012, 09:26:01 am »

Riggs, you have done an outstanding job of documenting the Norwood build and setup and I love the family involvement. I can only imagine my Granddad's enthusiasm.

I see that you set it up right under that big old shade tree.

Riggs · « **Reply #56 on:** January 08, 2012, 05:56:48 pm »

Quote from: Holmes on January 08, 2012, 09:21:31 am

Quote from: apm on January 08, 2012, 09:02:17 am
Hey Riggs, Is that a Zetor? I've got a 5245 that I don't know what I'd do without.
Greg
I thought that looks like a Zetor too. My first tractor was a 5245 10 years ago, upgraded to the Zetor Proxima 5 years ago. Great tractors..

Yep it's a Zetor, it's a 1989 model 5045, my Grandpa bought it new. It has been a Dang good tractor.

discypher · « **Reply #57 on:** January 08, 2012, 11:16:35 pm »

Thanks for the play by play. I've got one coming on Wednesday. After seeing your pics I'm very excited to start my build. Is there anything you would do different?

Riggs · « **Reply #58 on:** January 09, 2012, 05:48:41 am »

Quote from: discypher on January 08, 2012, 11:16:35 pm

Thanks for the play by play. I've got one coming on Wednesday. After seeing your pics I'm very excited to start my build. Is there anything you would do different?

That's a really good question...as far as the build, no. If I had it to do overI'd still build it on a trailer and then move it. I would change a few things about my setup...getting it level was by far the hardestpart about the build for me. I ordered two bed extensions, so we were leveling 25+ feet.

I will send you a pm

thecfarm · « **Reply #59 on:** January 09, 2012, 06:39:41 am »

discypher,welcome to the forum and a mill owner. What's all the lumber going to be used for. Been around a mill before? Will you be able to post picture of you building your mill too.

Magicman · « **Reply #60 on:** January 09, 2012, 07:51:00 am »

Welcome to the Forestry Forum discypher. It sounds like Riggs' sawmill build was very timely for you.

His pictorial post was a class act.

Magicman · « **Reply #61 on:** January 09, 2012, 08:27:39 am »

You did good Riggs.

Being able to spend time with your Father/Son is absolutely one of life's great treasures. So many people can not or will not seize the opportunity. How sad.

The good thing about working and playing together is that it is "Instant Gratification with Lasting Memories".

discypher · « **Reply #62 on:** January 09, 2012, 07:17:58 pm »

I really appreciate the pictures, I am very excited about my mill. I am non milling lumber for use around my farm, and my buddies cottage. I've got a few small buildings planned, but I will start with lumber for the mill shed. I'll post some pictures when I get started.

Mike@Norwood · « **Reply #63 on:** January 09, 2012, 08:34:43 pm »

Hello Discypher

Welcome to the forestry forum. Congratulations on your sawmill as well, and welcome to the Norwood family.

Riggs - WOW, what a great thread you have going here. Great job on the mill. You'll appreciate the knowledge you gained by assembling your mill for years to come. Also, we appreciate your kind words.

Again, should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us toll-free at 1-800-567-0404.

Have a great night fellow forum members,
Mike at Norwood

ChestnutFarm · « **Reply #64 on:** January 15, 2012, 03:48:34 pm »

Hey Just joined FF. This is a fantastic website. Everything from "soup to nuts", or maybe "stumps to limbs". Haven't seen a question yet someone hasn't had a crack at. Great site.
My dad and I also just finished assembling our new Norwood ML26 over the holidays. We sawed our first barn beams just yesterday. The mill works great. The good folks at Norwood mentioned that we may have problems adjusting the tracking of the blade but everything went perfect. The only problem we did have was keeping enough windshield washer fluid on hand. Constantly opening and closing the valve, as to minimize wasting it. Darn Canadian cold!!

plowboyswr · « **Reply #65 on:** January 15, 2012, 04:22:28 pm »

Riggs just wanted to say congrats on your mill.
Chestnut farms welcome and same to you.
Discypher same to you.

mad murdock · « **Reply #66 on:** January 15, 2012, 04:22:54 pm »

Welcome chestnutfarm and discypher! Wow, 3 new Norwoods born in one thread! Cigars all around

Riggs · « **Reply #67 on:** January 15, 2012, 06:49:16 pm »

Quote from: mad murdock on January 15, 2012, 04:22:54 pm

Wow, 3 new Norwoods born in one thread! Cigars all around

Magicman · « **Reply #68 on:** January 15, 2012, 06:58:53 pm »

Welcome to the Forestry Forum ChestnutFarm. Wow, new Norwoods and new members all gathering together on a very good and informative thread.

customsawyer · « **Reply #69 on:** January 15, 2012, 09:42:05 pm »

Welcome Gents. This is why we love the forum.

Woodchuck53 · « **Reply #70 on:** January 15, 2012, 11:32:06 pm »

Welcome guys. Great thread and a great job on the build.
I was able to go saw on a friend of mines the other day. Nice set up.
Enjoy the ride and stay safe.

thecfarm · « **Reply #71 on:** January 16, 2012, 08:02:45 am »

ChestnutFarm,welcome to the forum. First mill? Where's all the logs coming from? What's all the lumber going to be used for. You will have fun. More fun when it warms up.

ChestnutFarm · « **Reply #72 on:** January 16, 2012, 08:31:44 am »

First mill. We went with the ML26 due to the fact that we don't have a whole lot in our neck of the woods over 30". The Norwood seemed to be the best bang for the buck and since I'm a mechanic by trade, putting it together wasn't a challenge. I'd agree with Riggs, leveling up the site took the most amount of time for us. Since the ground was semi frozen, we had to go at it with a pick ax, some loose gravel, and blocking. December/January are not ideal months for setting up a mill in New Brunswick. $:-\$ .
We have an old barn, 30' x 70' which has deteriorated over the years and is in need of repair/rebuilding. We've started off by milling 8x8 spruce for sills. Dad and I figure that we can start with stuff like 8x8, 6x6, and then resaw into what we will need later. (Compromising dry time of course on boards).
Does that theory sound reasonable?? Also, should we coat the ends of the beams with any preservative to prevent checking??

ChestnutFarm · « **Reply #73 on:** January 16, 2012, 08:44:14 am »

The logs are coming from our woodlot. We have 90 acres here in southern New Brunswick. The species on our property are primarily Eastern white cedar & black spruce. Average sizes 16-22". They make decent saw logs.
I'm a marine mechanic by trade (have a powerboat repair shop) and my dad's a civil engineer getting ready to retire. I shut the shop down in the winter and thus needed something to do. We're enjoying the learning curve. There is SOOOO much to know about wood!!! And like everything else, we're discovering as we go along that there is a tool for every job. Peaveys and skidding winches are invaluable things!
This was another reason we went with a brand new mill. Being green to it all, I wouldn't know what was wrong with a previously owned mill. But with Norwood, as Riggs has discovered, you know your mill end to end.

Magicman · « **Reply #74 on:** January 16, 2012, 04:09:34 pm »

You are going to need some Logrite tools to move and handle your logs. Look to your left at the list of Forestry Forum Sponsors.

cutterboy · « **Reply #75 on:** January 16, 2012, 07:45:39 pm »

Riggs, I just want to say again how much I enjoyed this thread and your pictures. Thanks.

Discyper and ChestnutFarm, welcome and congratulations on your Norwood mills. I'm a Norwood man too. My Lumbermate2000 is still going strong after ten years. Have fun guys.

Ralph

ChestnutFarm · « **Reply #76 on:** January 16, 2012, 08:51:35 pm »

Thanks for the welcomes to FF. Enjoying the site. Great to see lots of Norwood guys on here. Riggs, you've shown a great example of assembly

WDH · « **Reply #77 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:30:06 pm »

Anchorseal, from UC Coatings, is the best stuff to end seal the logs. This is very important in hardwoods like oak, but I am not sure about Northern white cedar and black spruce.

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Author Topic: Norwood ML26 build (Read 3431 times)