When a tree falls on your property, it can cause damage and leave you with a mess to clean up. For carpenters and DIY enthusiasts, however, a fallen tree can also present an opportunity to create something beautiful and functional. In this article, we’ll explore how to clear a fallen tree using a portable sawmill, turning potential waste into valuable lumber for future projects. This Old House carpenter, Nathan Gilbert, demonstrates the process of milling a fallen red oak tree into usable slabs for a bar top in the video above.
Assessing the Fallen Tree
Before beginning the milling process, evaluate the fallen tree and prepare the area for work. Understanding the tree’s condition will ensure the safe and efficient use of the portable sawmill.
Clearing the Area
Start by removing any limbs and brush around the fallen tree. This will help you achieve stable footing and a safe working environment. Use a chainsaw to cut large branches into firewood and chip smaller brush.
Evaluating the Tree’s Potential
Examine the fallen tree to assess its suitability for milling. Factors that influence this decision include the species of the tree, the overall condition of the wood, the presence of any rot or insect damage, and the straightness of the trunk. Hardwoods, like oak, are particularly valuable and ideal for creating furniture or other projects.
Safety Considerations
Working with fallen trees and heavy machinery demands adherence to proper safety precautions. Always wear eye protection, ear protection, work gloves, steel-toed boots, and a hard hat with a face shield. Avoid loose clothing that could become entangled in machinery.
Preparing the Tree for Milling
Once you’ve assessed the tree and cleared the area, prepare the logs for milling with a chainsaw. Efficient preparation will facilitate a smoother milling process.
Cutting the Tree into Manageable Sections
Use a chainsaw to cut the tree into usable logs. The length of these logs will depend on your portable sawmill’s capacity. When cutting, always stand uphill from the log, make clean, straight cuts, and leave extra length for trimming later. Cutting the logs properly will minimize waste and increase the quality of the final product.
Positioning the Logs
After cutting, move the logs to a flat, accessible area near where you’ll set up the portable sawmill. Use a tractor or other heavy equipment to move large logs safely.
Setting Up the Portable Sawmill
A portable sawmill is a versatile tool that allows you to mill lumber on-site. Gilbert worked with his friend, who owns and operates a portable bandsaw mill, showcasing the effectiveness of teamwork in handling large projects.
Leveling the Mill
Proper leveling is the key to achieving accurate cuts. Use the built-in jacks on the sawmill to adjust its height, check for level in multiple directions, and make fine adjustments as needed.
Understanding the Components
Familiarize yourself with the key parts of the sawmill, including the blade and blade guides, throttle and control panel, the water system for lubricating the blade, and log dogs (clamps) for securing the log. Understanding these components will enhance your operational efficiency and control.
Safety Features
Before operating, make sure all safety guards are in place and functioning correctly. Safety features will protect you and maintain the integrity of the machine.
Milling the Logs
With the sawmill set up and the logs ready, it’s time to start milling. Milling facilitates the conversion of raw logs into usable slabs or dimensional lumber, which are suitable for a variety of projects.
Making the First Cut
The first cut is crucial as it establishes a flat surface for subsequent cuts. Position the log on the mill, secure it with the log dogs, adjust the blade height to skim the top of the log, and make a slow, steady pass to create a flat surface. This step sets the stage for precise and uniform slabs.
Cutting Slabs
Once a flat surface is established, begin cutting slabs. Lower the blade to your desired thickness—typically 2–4 inches for bar tops—make steady passes, allowing the blade to do the work, and use the water system to keep the blade cool and clear of sawdust.
Handling the Slabs
As slabs are cut, manage them effectively. Have a helper assist in removing the slabs from the mill, stack the slabs with stickers (small pieces of wood) between each layer to allow air circulation, and place stickers at both ends and in the middle of each slab. Proper handling and storage prevent damage and promote even drying.
Drying the Wood from the Sawmill
Proper drying prevents warping and cracking in newly milled lumber. Well-dried wood is more stable and suitable for crafting fine furniture or other projects.
For air drying, stack the slabs in a covered, well-ventilated area. Allow one year of drying time per inch of thickness and regularly check for signs of warping or cracking. Air drying is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, although it requires patience.
If the wood is needed sooner, consider kiln drying. This method speeds up the drying process significantly and provides more consistent results, but it may cost more than air drying. It’s an option that balances time efficiency with financial investment, offering ready-to-use lumber quickly.
Maintaining Your Portable Sawmill
To keep your portable sawmill in top condition, perform regular maintenance. Maintaining machinery not only prolongs its lifespan but also ensures reliable performance for future projects. Here are a few things you can do:
- Clean the blade and mill after each use.
- Sharpen or replace blades as needed.
- Lubricate moving parts regularly.
- Store the mill in a dry, covered area when not in use.
With the right equipment and techniques, you can turn a fallen tree into a treasure trove of beautiful, usable wood, breathing new life into what might otherwise be a forgotten remnant.