How Does A Sawmill Work?
If you are at the start of your woodwork journey and you are looking to invest in new carpentry equipment, you might be thinking about purchasing a sawmill.
If you are planning on cutting large logs, a sawmill might prove to be the perfect tool. Sawmills have been around for several years, and due to modern technology, the blades that are used in modern sawmills have improved dramatically. Modern blades readily available in today’s market are far more sophisticated than the blades that were used centuries ago.
Many use the tool for cutting wood for timber. The sawmills that have been made available over the past few decades often used advanced motorized saws to cut big and small logs into dimensional lumbers.
Safety
When using any power tool in your workshop, you have to be careful to avoid sustaining an injury, however, you should be extra careful when operating a sawmill. The blades on the tool are extremely sharp, and many people have had a body part amputated after using the device.
Before you start using it, wear the proper protective clothing such as face protective gear, and gloves. Make sure there is enough light in your workshop so you can see exactly what you are doing while operating the powerful tool. It’s important to keep your workshop clean and tidy and make sure that only people with woodwork experience use the sawmill. Making sure you use it in a safe environment is of vital importance.
Benefits of Keeping Your Sawmill in Top Condition
Keeping your sawmill in good condition is also important. If you maintain it on a regular basis and keep it away from water, you can expect the tool to last for several years. If you are looking to upgrade the tool at a later stage, you should have no problems selling it for just a little under what you paid for it originally, as long as it is functioning properly.
Benefits of using a Portable Sawmill
A lot of DIY enthusiasts invest in portable sawmills. These handy tools are powered by a gas engine or an electric engine. If you purchase a portable sawmill that runs on electricity, it will require batteries. Most come with a rechargeable battery pack, but you might want to consider buying a spare set of batteries if you plan on taking on a big project.
Learning how to operate a portable sawmill can take some time, so don’t forget to read the manufacturer’s instructions before turning it on. There are lots of sawmill video tutorials uploaded to popular streaming services like Youtube, and there are websites like WiseMakr with tons of useful information about the tool.
If you work in different locations, you can find small portable DIY sawmills, which are easily stored in most vehicles. If you work outdoors and there aren’t any powerpoints available, a battery-powered portable sawmill is highly recommended.
There are three different types of portable sawmills:
- Chainsaw mill
- Band mill
- Swing blade mill
Benefits of using a Stationary Sawmill
If you do most of your woodwork projects in your workshop, then you might want to purchase a stationary sawmill. These are often much bigger in size in comparison to portable sawmills, or band saws. The weather outside won’t affect your work because the stationary sawmill will be indoors at all times. However, if you are planning on cutting large logs, you will have to find a way to bring them inside.
A lot of companies that need to mill large logs use stationary sawmills. It’s not surprising that experienced carpenters invest in both a stationary sawmill and a portable one too.
How can you Make Money with a Sawmill?
A lot of people who purchase a sawmill decide to use the tool to generate an income. By milling up wood, you will be able to sell the boards to others. Wood is always in high demand, so why not make some money with your new tool?
The cost of gas, and top-notch blades will end up costing you a pretty penny if you find yourself using the sawmill on a regular basis. By selling the wood, you can cover the cost of the blades and the gas, and maybe make a little extra at the same time. If you have scrap lumber lying around your workshop, don’t throw it away, because you can use it at a later stage, or even sell it.
Conclusion
Although sawmills can help you generate an income, they don’t come cheap. Even portable sawmills cost a pretty penny, so don’t expect to pick one up for less than $3,000. On top of the initial cost, you should prepare for other costs too, such as the cost of repairing the tool, the fuel cost and if you have invested in a large portable sawmill, you will have to fork out on transportation.
