When is Enough Too Much?

Magicman · October 30, 2012, 06:49:08 PM

Back in 1986 the Bellamy Brothers had a popular song; "Too Much is Not Enough".

OK, I loaded my truck today with my sawmill tools and gear. Wow. I am not a pack rat, I seldom need anything that I do not have, and do not seem to carry stuff that I do not use, but I have to wonder if enough is too much.

I saw portable so just walking over to the tool shed is not an option. There are a certain amount of tools that are required for the necessary adjustments and repairs that normally pop up. A more serious failure would require a round trip just to get the required tools, so therefore I seem to have a full tool box.

Blades, lube, and fuel are a given, as is the cant hooks, chain, spuds, chainsaw, etc. With the longer road trips, I have recently started carrying a sawmill spare tire.

Unloaded sawmill tools and gear.

The back of the truck contains 2 fuel jugs, 2 water/lube jugs, drinking water, chainsaw, spare blades, 3 Logrites, a peavey and a sawdust scoop.

Hand tools, lubes, and saw gas are in the tool box.

Behind the driver's seat is an air compressor, Log Wizard, chainsaw chaps, hat/caps, & spare work shirts.

Is enough too much ??? :

bill m · October 30, 2012, 06:56:52 PM

It's better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it. You can never be over prepared.

SPD748 · October 30, 2012, 06:57:23 PM

I see a well stocked portable sawmill operation.

-lee

sawman · October 30, 2012, 06:58:20 PM

my grandpa used to always say,

Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

Tree Feller · October 30, 2012, 07:10:28 PM

Quote from: Magicman on October 30, 2012, 06:49:08 PM
Back in 1986 the Bellamy Brothers had a popular song; "Too Much is Not Enough".

Funny you should mention the Bellamy Brothers and that song. I ordered off Amazon and just a few days ago received CD's of the Bellamy Brothers greatest hits...vols 1 & 2. That song is on vol 1 I believe. I listened to it on the way to Houston yesterday. BTW, they are still touring although the venues are smaller now. They will be at the Canton, Texas High School pretty soon. I may try to go see them just to hear the song "Old Hippie." :D

That sawmill gear looks essential and well thought out. Even stationary mills can't stock everything they might need...that would actually require having a back-up mill.

Ga Mtn Man · October 30, 2012, 07:21:18 PM

It seems to me that you're taking along exactly what you need. I think the real issue is the loading and unloading of all that necessary equipment. So the obvious solutions is....BUY ANOTHER TRUCK. 8)

Just a suggestion. ;D

Jim_Rogers · October 30, 2012, 07:27:31 PM

I have a check list I use to make sure I load everything I want or should take with me when I go on a "road job"....

Sometimes it takes longer to load the tools in the truck then to pack up the sawmill to go....

Jim Rogers

Jeff · October 30, 2012, 07:41:50 PM

Sure as shooting, if you take one thing out, that will be the next thing you need.

Magicman · October 30, 2012, 07:47:36 PM

Quote from: Ga_Mtn_Man on October 30, 2012, 07:21:18 PM
So the obvious solutions is....BUY ANOTHER TRUCK. Just a suggestion. ;D

Bbbbbut, when I bought the F250, my Son was waiting in line for the Tundra.

'Bout right Jeff. At least every time I unload the tools and load the camper, then unload the camper and reload the tools, I do get to inventory all of my excess "baggage".

Red Clay Hound · October 30, 2012, 08:09:19 PM

Great post MM. I have been mulling over what all I will need to take when I start portable sawing. say_what Now all I have to do is look at your photos!

Thanks!

riverswamp sawyer · October 30, 2012, 08:48:24 PM

The one thing that is missing is your lunch.......Where do ya put the vittles??

Onthesauk · October 30, 2012, 09:06:31 PM

I like that it appears to be organized. A place for everything and everything in it's place.

kenlt30 · October 30, 2012, 09:16:54 PM

To my inventory I added a 30 gal water tank with 12v pump to refill my water. I use Pinesol and water for blade lube. Often times, I'm in a pasture where a water supply is far away. It's a pain in the winter months because I have to drain it when I get home.

Magicman · October 30, 2012, 09:26:49 PM

I have been using two 5 gallon gasoline cans for my water/lube. I recently bought a blue 6½ gallon water jug that I will use. That will run two normal days, but I will still top it off every night. I am needing the gasoline cans for....gasoline.

kenlt30 · October 30, 2012, 09:39:01 PM

My mill only has the hand valve on the water bottle to regulate the lube flow. I'm guilty of using more water than necessary especially when sawing pine. I did create some restrictors out of wire nuts with different size holes drilled in them. They fit inside the tube and allow me to just turn on the lube without continually adjusting the valve.

Magicman · October 30, 2012, 10:41:44 PM

Yup, even though a LubeMizer can never ever pay for itself with saving water and soap, it was the first upgrade that I made on my sawmill. It was just a matter of convenience.

It cut my lube ~~usage~~ waste in half.

Okrafarmer · October 30, 2012, 11:16:00 PM

Quote from: Magicman on October 30, 2012, 10:41:44 PM
Yup, even though a LubeMizer can never ever pay for itself with saving water and soap, it was the first upgrade that I made on my sawmill. It was just a matter of convenience.

It cut my lube ~~usage~~ waste in half.

You may not save on the water and soap, but I believe you save on the time, and time is money. Especially if you are charging by the bf.

giant splinter · October 30, 2012, 11:53:44 PM

MM
Your very organized and it looks to me like you are ready for almost anything that could require a little extra gear at hand. I say don't change a thing, your not carrying around anything that is not important to your work.
Murphy's law insurance in my view, you planned it out and carry it out ...... it's a good program. I like to take a high lift jack and a pry-bar also.
I was wondering if the lubemizer is a good addition and worth the money as far as keeping the bands clean and free of crud, as well as holding the temperature of the bands somewhat cooler than the standard lube system?.

Brucer · October 31, 2012, 12:48:39 AM

That's pretty much what I use as well.

Funny thing: since I mostly operate in one location I have a small camping trailer/office/tool shed to store half my stuff in. But I seem to use up twice as much space in my truck as MagicMan does ???

captain_crunch · October 31, 2012, 01:09:46 AM

Never could be as neetly organized as M_M So might be good thing my mill dont move :

:

But seems my 14X20 shed on mill has went from hay storage to shop and tool room :D :D

Okrafarmer · October 31, 2012, 01:13:12 AM

Other than fuel, water, peavey, and blades, I keep most of my sawmill stuff in a 5-gallon bucket. ;D

barbender · October 31, 2012, 01:23:41 AM

MM, I'd be embarrassed to have you look in my truck

I envy your organizational skills ;)

1woodguy · October 31, 2012, 02:16:43 AM

okra
A five gallon bucket is my favorite store all
Usually I put stuff in them and leave outside so rain can fill it up and ruin whatever was in it then I can go buy new stuff
Or will put lids on buckets then will go buy new stuff cause I can't find anything! :D
Wife asks what my tool boxes are for I said decorations

GDinMaine · October 31, 2012, 02:30:04 AM

Excellent thread Magicman, thanks. If you don't mind being a bit more specific on a few things. I suppose you have a good set of wrenches/sockets to deal with mill upkeep/repair on the road. What specific spare parts do you take with you for the mill? If anyone else has suggestions on what should be included in the : "Take with you on the job." check list that would be great. Any rig pictures? What are "spuds"? I don't think you mean a few tubers from the garden.