The WoodMizer I bought a while back and lots of pics ...

[LOGDOG]

I was going to add this to the thread that initially turned me on to this machine. It was the thread about an LT35 I think - I'd have to look. But I figured I'd start a new thread since I have so many sawing pics with this mill. I have to say, it's my 5th WM and it's been a champ. You'll see why in some of the pics to follow. This first bunch of pics is a job I'm chipping away at now. It's about 30,000 board feet of Cypress. We're taking it from the log all the way through the moulder. Hope y'all enjoy.

LOGDOG

[DR Buck]

Nice looking lumber LOGDOG.    What year is that Mill?  It looks like it's been in the sun a few times.

[gharlan]

Great pics LOGDOG. what are you going to be producing from the lumber and what kind of molder?

[LOGDOG]

Yep it's been in the sun a bit. It's a 1995 though soooo it's allowed to have a little fading right? Well be making T&G paneling  (it's cypress) and from the narrower stuff I'll making casing for doors and windows for the customer. I've sawed several 16' long mantles 8x16, 10x16 type stuff for over their fireplaces. It'll go through the 25" Woodmaster first and then through the Logosol after drying of course.

   I better get back to posting pics. I took a break there for just a bit and took the wife back to the pond to go fishing. Caught about 50 bluegills and ran out of light.

LOGDOG

[John_Haylow]

Looking good. Thanks for sharing the pictures with us.Nice to see bare ground instead of 16" of snow.
John

[LOGDOG]

Here's the old girl getting ready to tackle a 38" diameter (14' if I remember right) SInker Cypress log.

LOGDOG

Here's the other end of this bruiser.

[ljmathias]

Where do you get those beautiful cypress logs?  I'd love to try some for timberframing based on what I learned on the Ladd house in southern Mississippi.  Did you find the cypress easy to cut?  It looks like the ideal wood in some respects, but I have to admit, red oak and SYP are great for what they seem to have been designed for...

Your LT looks a lot like my old LT30 circa 1986.  I haven't put it up for sale yet even though I got a newer (2006) LT40 from a neighbor up the road- one of the forum members made a pertinent observation that once I'd sawed some on the new hydraulic mill, I'd never go back to using the old one.  I thought naively that I'd share the cutting shores between them, but the hydraulics make is  SO easy compared to manual turning and aligning that I haven't cut a log on the LT30 since I got the new one... guess I'll think again about selling it.

Merry Christmas all!  and remember, you don't have to buy a thing to be happy with the family- course they may not be all that happy with you.

Lj

[LOGDOG]

On this same project you'll notice that some of these Sinker Cypress and Pine logs are hollow. Here's a pictorial on what that means to us sawyers.
This was a shorty. Heart Pine 100% and girthy. I cut him lengthwise with the chainsaw until I reached through into the hollow center. Then I raised him up with the forklift and dropped him about 25' onto his back and he unfolded just like a peach leaving me this present:


So once you're looking at this trash, mud, rocks, etc. then you need to do this:


Which gives you this:


and then to the saw. I wanted to quartersaw this dude cuz he was sweet, dense heartwood all the way:


and then down to this after a few steps:


These were about 12" wide vertical grain sinker heart pine. Doesn't come much sweeter in the south.  8) Gotta go make dinner. Back in a flash.

LOGDOG

[LOGDOG]

We find these logs in special fishin' holes.  The sinkers anyway. If it's the blonde cypress from up top in the post I can get you a good bit of that readily. And you're right, it is super nice wood to deal with. I could ramble but if I don't go make dinner my wife may attack! Back in a bit. Lots more pics coming too. I've got this pic thing down now. I owe the forum lots of pics after a period of not posting them. Shame on me.  :-[

LOGDOG

[LOGDOG]

That big 14'er up above was big enough I had to saw him like a stop sign starting here.

and then to here... really pretty wide open face. Might be hard to tell with these minimized pics.

Here's a closer shot:

LOGDOG

[Haytrader]

She may be faded but sure looks like ya got er tuned up good.
;)

[LOGDOG]

Trust me when I say this Haytrader. This lil mill has been my most profitable mill ever. Part of what helped that is a low cost basis. But the first thing I did when I got it was go through it end to end and replace anything and everything that needed it. After that she was tight and right and has been making chips like a champ since.  These pics give you an idea what I've asked her to tackle. When you lay a 38" sinker log up on there and she takes it apart like it's just another log you just have to stand back and grin.  ;)

LOGDOG

[LOGDOG]

This big log yielded some really nice wide boards. The flitches were actually a tad wider than what I'll show you here. I was maxing out the throat on my WM. That's a 24" level on top of the boards.

LOGDOG

and

[Haytrader]

I could tell you were proud of how she is slicein boards, and rightfully so.

How many mills did you say you have had?
Are you a trader too?  Heaven forbid. Another wife out there that says...."Wonder what he will drag home today"

:D

[thecfarm]

Very interesting sawing and stories.Always like to hear about some good sawing.Keep the pictures coming and the stories.I don't have to go make dinner for my wife,but I'll be back.  ;D

[LOGDOG]

Haytrader ... you made me laugh out loud. I've been accused of bein' a wheeler dealer a time or two. I honestly don't know where they get that idea.  :D 8) Takes one to know one right?  In answer to your question ...I've had 5 Woodmizers, 1 Logmaster (briefly), 1 Peterson ASM, and 1 old American circle saw wayyyy back that didn't last long enough to hardly mention.

LOGDOG

[LOGDOG]

Here's some pics of the lumber that came out of this lot of logs. I cut a little over 23,000 feet of 4/4.


Check out those 20" wide cypress boards in that top right stack above.  ;)







And there ya' go.

LOGDOG

[thecfarm]

Someone is fussy with thier placements of stickers.That is good.Lumber stacked very neatly.All that sold?Nice place to dry lumber in.

[AusLJW]

I noticed the JCB All Terrain Forklift in your pictures.  I've got one to help the LT40 and edger.  Probably the best money I have spent on my milling operation.  It is one reliable, hard working, sturdy machine.  Would you agree. Thinking (dreaming) of moving up to Telescopic boom machine but think I would miss the masted fork.

[LOGDOG]

AusLJW,

   You're right, those JCB's are great stout little machines. Once you own a telescopic though I doubt you'll ever want to be with out one. I have a big Pettibone too which you can see in my gallery. It's extremely strong and the boom is able to extend forward. I have a log grapple on it now but need to add a mast here before long. I also want to fabricate a jib for it to pick and set beams, etc.

LOGDOG

[LOGDOG]

I just wanted to mention some of the reasons I wanted to post this thread and all the pics (and there will be more pics). Of course, we all like pics in threads so that's one reason. And I kinda wanted to let y'all know what we've been up to over here. But the biggest reason is I wanted to show anyone interested that you don't have to spend $25,000.00 to $40,000.00 on a new mill to be able to cut lots of good lumber day in and day out. As long as the manufacturer of a used mill is still in business and parts and service are readily available there's no reason to be shy about buying a used mill - even if it is a little "faded".  Don't get me wrong I've had new ones too, and they're sweet when they're all shiny and crisp. But I know we have a broad range of folks who are members and some just readers. Buying a good used mill may just be your best bet to a low overhead business plan. Time to get ready for work.


LOGDOG

[woodmills1]

NICE!

sure looks a lot like my 95 LT 40

1700 hrs on the onan, any carbon problems?  I use mid grade gas in mine and havent had carbon probs since 800 hrs

see if you can find a local carb rebuild shop cause you will need one.

[LOGDOG]

No carb problems yet. I run an additive in my fuel to help keep things cleaned out. I do have a great small engine guy though. He's a total whiz and gives me same day turn around. In return I bring him hickory smoke wood from off my farm when I lose a tree to a storm. He can't do enough for me. 

LOGDOG

[slider]

Great pictures logdog,I thought I was looking at my place there for a minute .I just finished a 42x30 open shelter .I am adding a 35x42 onto the side for storage soon.   Boys it's nice to be working out of the sun.You sure don't see much cypress that wide. slider

[TexasTimbers]

All that wood is impressive. You must cut from sunup to sundown every once in a while. Is all that a mixture of inventory, personal use, custom orders awaiting pickup? Everytime I see piles of wood like that I think I would not want that much wood in one place without some fire protection. Of course it is probably not going to be hanging around long enough, to get dry enough to be a fire hazard hopefully.

[LOGDOG]

That wood is all down the road TT. You're right about fire protection. Especially over here in LA since we have to pay tax on inventory. Brilliant politicians.  :

LOGDOG

[LOGDOG]

Slider,

   I'm sure you'll love that new shed. Seems a man never has enough roof over him or his stuff. You're right about the wide Cypress too. Getting harder and harder to come by. Then add Sinker to the equation and it's worth a good buck. Glad you guys are enjoying the pics. I've got more to post but got tied up today on the phone and doing paperwork etc in the office. Although I did have the DoubleCut video playing on my laptop.  8) Let me just tell you guys (gals too for those interested) if you haven't seen DoubleCut's video you're missing out bigtime. I was very impressed. Check it out if you get the chance.


LOGDOG

[MikeH]

 Excellent job and pics. Logdog of what a good ol'e mill do. 8)

[LOGDOG]

Thanks Mike. I have to admit every now and then I find myself dreaming about an LT70 with an operator seat ( I like to be near the cut so I can look over at the face of the cuts). Is that what you have?

LOGDOG

[MikeH]

Yes, And I love the seat. It can be alot of fun when custom sawing nice logs with people helping.

[LOGDOG]

Very cool. Better than any ride at the fair isn't it?

LOGDOG

[ljmathias]

Logdog: your setup made me so jealous I had to start a bigger barn for my own stuff- 30X60 enclosed with 12X60 shed-roof wings both sides.  One shed will hold the LT40 I just bought plus some equipment and lawnmowers, the other side my sons ocean-going twin-engine boat plus more equipment.  I had planned on drying lumber some on the inside but am having second thoughts- the family wants to have barn dances inside and my wife is now talking of starting a theater group (BFA in theater, she is).  Once you start down the path of building for your needs, it never stops...

Of your two forklifts (did I get that right?), which is most generally useful?  I am thinking of trying to find an all-terrain for moving small logs and lumber plus for building TF houses and  barns and workshops.  Saw one in use just south of me for a TF all-cyprus house and it was extremely useful- no telescoping boom but sure made it a lot safer and faster getting the top plates in place and raising the purlins to roof-height.  Problem is, I also need an edger and a bucket truck and a bulldozer and a..... the list goes on and on.

Thanks for the great pictures also.

Lj

[LOGDOG]

Thank LJ. I know what you mean. I think we sawyers are famous for saying, " If only I had this (piece of equipment, building,etc) man then i could really be set up." It just goes with the territory I guess. As to the forklifts. I love that big Pettibone. His downfall is that I can't throw him on a gooseneck and take him anywhere. He weighs about 40,000 lbs. But he'll lift anything you can put in front of him. I'm actually going to have a mast made for him. That clam bucket will drop off with just 4 pins. Then I could slide the mast on and do different things. One thing nice about that clam though is the 360 rotation. I don't have to come into a load straight to get it. Also, when picking a machine or anything else I can spin it to position it just the way I want. It also has levelers on the side. I can rock the whole machine way over to the left or right depending on the terrain. That keeps me from getting butterflys when I'm on a steep slope with him.

You'll love your new building I'm sure. Getting ready to build one myself and put a kiln in. Hopefully we have a relatively dry winter so we can get it done. Think we could talk your son into taking us out for tuna in January or February? Some fresh tuna on the grill would be great. ;)

LOGDOG

[slidecreekdan]

Great job logdog,  Dont you just love those Wood-Mizers?
   Great Pictures

[LOGDOG]

Yep I sure do. Funny you mention that. Last night I was pondering my upcoming purchase of an edger. So I popped the Woodmizer dvd into my laptop and was watching it. It's really hard to beat WoodMizer. Even their paint is above and beyond. Can't say enough good about them as a company. Definitely a very happy customer.  Glad y'all are enjoying the pics. I'll get some more up soon.

LOGDOG

[andybuildz]

Logdog...Those pic have me droolin'...echhhh...I know..lol.
So would ya mind talkin' about your drying process? Thats a lot of wood to dry.
Any pic of your kiln?...or whatever it is you use.
Great job!!

[LOGDOG]

Thanks for the compliments Andy. Looks like you do some awesome work yourself. Love those old homes ...especially the wide plank floors you re-finished. That particular wood did not require me drying it for it to go down the road. But sinker lumber is tricky. All kinds of opinions out there. Not sure who's right or wrong. Personally I think you win some/lose some with all methods because of the nature of the wood. I edge out as much shake, seams, rot, etc as I can so the wood is as stable as it can be to start. End coat the ends and let it air dry to get rid of as much moisture as I can before going into the kiln. (A friend over here has a dehumidification unit.) I don't have mine yet. As mentioned earlier, it's in the works. I'd like a couple solar kilns and one dehumidification unit. One real long unit for long timbers. Hope to have that done before spring. The job I'm finishing has about 30,000 feet of Cypress that needs to be dried. So that's instant work for the kilns. Then we'll run it all through the rip, planer, and moulder. Should produce some nice pics for the forum as we go along. The homes/ cabins it's going in will be several million dollars each.

By the way ...welcome to the forum Andy. You'll like it here. Good folks that love wood and have a lot of ideas to share.


LOGDOG

[andybuildz]

LD...Have you seen Wood Mizer's new Kiln's yet?
http://www.woodmizer.com/us/secondary/kilns/index.aspx

At least I think they're new. I know VERY little about all this stuff but I'm absorbing all that I can until the big day comes when I have this house sold (the Goose hill road project you were looking at in my web site). At that point...if all goes well {{{praying}}}  We'll be moving somewhere much more rural that n here on Long Island...good chance it'll be in the Asheville area of NC. At that point I'll hopefully get my first saw mill and learn some Timber Framing all at once. They seem to go hand in hand. Was looking at the LT 28  http://www.woodmizer.com/us/sawmills/manual/lt28/lt28.aspx
but like I said...I know very little right now. Seems like the price isn't way over my head depending on what I get for this house of course...and it's prolly' a good mill to learn on....and it's probably a bit more money than I should spend so that probably makes it about the right mill...haha.
I was also thinking...ut oh...that from reading what most of you guys are saying about how getting the logs TO the mill is half the work than having a mill with the trailor package makes more sense???
And when the time comes I'll check into the used mills cause a HD40 would be nice...seeeeee I'm learning...lolol.
Thing is...for a newbee who wants to worry on the first mill about things breaking down. Its enough just figuring out the whole process to begin with.

Then there's the debarker...right?
And fork lift/bobcat...right?
And the shed I have to build from the logs I'm gonna figure out how to mill...right?
and thats inbetween learning timber framing...ha ha

But oh yeh...gotta sell this flippin' house first,,,grrrr...and when that happens you'll see this 56 year old jumping up and down like an 17 year old that just got their driver liscense.

So that giant stack of lumber you have so neatly stickered...how much you think its all worth at a good price?
Most of the lumber in my house...I bought from northern vermont. Its eastern white pine milled for flooring. the planks run from 6" up to over 20".
I used glue (PL Premium) and rose head cut nails and my helper and I face nailed em' down. Then I had a flooring company sand everything down which was a nightmare!! Apparently flooring companies don't like..or seem to know how to sand soft pine like this. No matter what they do they leave chatter marks. And we're talking seasoned floor sanding guys. I shouldn't have bothered using them.
I ended up with a helper on our hands and knees with ROS's sanding all the chatter marks out. Wanna talk about sucking??!!
They really ended up looking drop dead beautiful though. I mixed up my own stain and in one room after staining I used a linseed oil floor finish (Waterlox) which was way more work than I thought it was worth so I just did that in the first room I tried it and the rest of the house I used 3 coats of oil Satin poly which looked totally natural and not plasticy.
Anyway...too bad I didn't know you guys before I bought this floor. Sure was a lot of it!!
Anyway...nice work on your mill set up. I'm really impressed.

[scsmith42]

Andy, the Woodmizer DH kiln is not new.  It's basically a Nyle L200 with a special controller.  It works well; I've had mine for about 4 years.

Scott

PS - welcome to the forum.  My wife is from Long Island; she grew up in Port Jefferson and Nisoquoque (not sure of the spelling - it's next to Smithtown).

[andybuildz]

Andy, the Woodmizer DH kiln is not new.  It's basically a Nyle L200 with a special controller.  It works well; I've had mine for about 4 years.

Scott

PS - welcome to the forum.  My wife is from Long Island; she grew up in Port Jefferson and Nisoquoque (not sure of the spelling - it's next to Smithtown).

Thanks for the welcome Scott...and I told you I hardly know anything about any of this...just learnin'. At 56 it's still not too old to learn this stuff...right? So far my body feels like it's still ready to crack some logs open so : )
Have any pictures of your kiln in action Scott?

And yeh...Your wife's hometown is about a half hour east of me and "hopefully" by the summer we'll be closer neighbors than we are now...cause we're looking to move near Asheville NC ........................neighbor.

edit: Nuther question...how come after I hit SAVE after I finish a post it goes back to the main board...I forget which thread I was writting in...ugh. Thats kind of a weird to me. Spose' I'll get used to it.

[Furby]

Andy,
Go to your profile and click on look and layout preferences.
Then put a check in the box next to: Return to topics after posting by default.
It should solve your problem.

[andybuildz]

Andy,
Go to your profile and click on look and layout preferences.
Then put a check in the box next to: Return to topics after posting by default.
It should solve your problem.

Furby....thanks bro...whewwwww...way better smiley_fiddler

[scottj]

wow logdog you sure got alot of nice looking lumber. i cant get this sawmill stuff out of my head.  i was thinkin on buying a sawmill except when i remember all my offbearing days. it would prolly be alot wiser to just trade you out of some of those stacks of boards. ;) We sure got lots of good building stone in our part of the woods

[ljmathias]

ScottJ: and what part of the woods would that be?  I could sure use some good building stone but shipping would be high for most places since stone weighs the proverbial "ton."

Lj

[ljmathias]

andybuildz:  Naw, 56 ain't too old- that's when I started and I find I'm putting more and more time into it as the years roll by till retirement.  Course, the old body creaks and moans more than it used to, and putting in a good days work for me now requires a nap at some point (but hey, I'm the boss so no one can complain much).  The biggest danger with sawing is that it's so much fun that's it hard (for me anyway) to think about making money at it although I'm sure that will change when I need to depend on it more.

Happy New Year!

Lj

[scottj]

i'm real new to the form and really think this is a fine place to hang out and talk about all kinds of lumber and sawmills. after going broke at dairying after 23 years. the rocks we use to cuss turned out to be almost the most profitable thing on the farm. lol  ;D

[andybuildz]

andybuildz:  Naw, 56 ain't too old- that's when I started and I find I'm putting more and more time into it as the years roll by till retirement.  Course, the old body creaks and moans more than it used to, and putting in a good days work for me now requires a nap at some point (but hey, I'm the boss so no one can complain much). 
Lj

Thats kinda funny...I went to the docs last year cause I kept feeling real tired if I either wasn't doing much or it was around 5:30pm. I told the doc something must be wrong with me so he did a whole battery of tests and said I was as healthy as a race horse.
I spose thats one of the things that goes with the hearing and eyesight.  You need a nappy...lol.
The hearing I understand with all the loud tools over the years and the eye thing we all get to some degree but sleepy?? I spose'.....and it's 12:20 am now...see what happens when you nap for more'n five minutes...ugh