Portable saw mill needed - Woodworking Talk

Ken Johnson · 11-19-2007, 02:22 PM

A friend of mine just offered me a FREE 5' long x 30" diameter black walnut log. Only problem is I don't have any way to cut it into boards. If anyone in the Lancaster PA area has a portable saw mill for hire or barter I'd be interested in hearing from you. Maybe we can work something out.

mdlbldrmatt135 · 11-19-2007, 02:52 PM

Ken,

Try posting on Craigslist.... or the Freecycle board in the area........

http://lancaster.craigslist.org/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LancasterCountyFreecycle/

I got a bunch or replies...........

**Daren** · 11-19-2007, 05:28 PM

Maybe contact your Dept. Of Agriculture/Forestry Dept.? They usually have a list of sawmills. I get referrals from my regional forester, people call him and he sends them my way.
Here is the number to your Dept. of Ag., it's worth a shot.
Hardwoods Development Council
717-772-3715

More often than not you kind find a really good sawyer this way, sometimes when you put an ad looking for one and a guy answers...he may be looking for work. Not that it is always the case, but I would take my logs to a guy who is a little behind before one who has a mill setting in the weeds and rusting. Know what I mean?

**TexasTimbers** · 11-19-2007, 06:05 PM

Be sure to find out all you can about the log from the gifter. Ask if it is from a yard, especially a back yard, and if it was near a fenceline etc.

If it from within the city limits or was in a park etc. let the sawyer know.

**Daren** · 11-19-2007, 09:30 PM

Good advice TT...but they are going to lie, "There ain't a nail in it, no way"

That is something to think about though for sure Ken. I hit a nail, it is $20...I hit 3 and off the mill it goes

, come get your firewood.

Ken Johnson · 11-20-2007, 11:45 AM

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll borrow the metal detector wand from work to scan it first.

Al Killian · 11-23-2007, 09:10 PM

Where are you located? Thus would help locate someone close to you.

Air Force 1 · 12-04-2007, 10:10 PM

Ken,
This is the best I can do for you, I just finished making this chain saw mill and it works great. It is made for a 27" bar and will handle any thing in Arkansas, if you need any information on making one let me know.