Read the Log Before Milling

Milling a log into lumber isn’t as simple as just throwing it on a sawmill and making cuts. Well, it can be, but if you go that route you may not get the best possible pieces out of the log. Reading the log means having a good look at it and positioning the log on the sawmill in a way that optimizes what the log is capable of producing.

Branching out!

I love seeing large branches coming out of the trunk of a log. The spot where the branches join the main trunk is like the confluence of rivers, but it’s grain instead of water that’s coming together. This can create some really stunning grain patterns with lots of swirls in the grain.

What’s spalting?

The log cut in this video has spalting in addition to its cool grain pattern. Spalting is caused by fungi growing in wet wood. Once the wood is dry the spalting stops, and it’s safe to work with the wood. The line between spalting and rot is pretty narrow, so don’t leave logs laying around too long while you’re hoping for spalting to happen.

The water test

If you want a sneak peek at what the lumber you’re milling might look like, put water onto the live edge slabs as you’re cutting them. Even though the slab is rough from the sawmill, you’ll get a good idea of what the material will look like when it’s cleaned up.

Moving logs

Wet logs are incredibly heavy. Have a look at how this large maple log was moved up ramps and onto the sawmill using a few specialized tools, but no forklift. With a big enough lever…

5 Responses to “Read the Log Before Milling”

1. Mary Ann Harrison September 3rd, 2021

   This is a awesome video! I would love to know what chain saw Mill you are using on this video? I have never Seen one that cranks.

   Reply

   • Customer Service September 5th, 2021

     Hello Mary,

     Here’s what the experts had to say about your question:

     The mill being used is a Woodworkers Mill. It looks like Logosol no longer makes that, but their Farmers Mill (http://amzn.to/2mBTnUz) is pretty similar.

     Paul

     Please let us know if you have any further questions
     Sincerely,
     Sarah
     Wood Workers Guild of America Video Membership

     Reply

2. Dan Bernath September 3rd, 2021

   George, That is a beautiful log. I do a little chainsaw milling with a portable mill and my cuts don’t come out nearly that clean. Can you give us some more information on your milling setup? Thanks.

   Reply

   • Customer Service September 3rd, 2021

     Hi Dan,

     Thank you for contacting us.

     The mill being used is a Woodworkers Mill. It looks like Logosol no longer makes that, but their Farmers Mill (http://amzn.to/2mBTnUz) is pretty similar.

     If you have any other questions, please chat, email, or call Customer Service.   

     Sincerely, 

     Sarah
     Wood Workers Guild of America Video Membership 

     Reply

3. Laura September 2nd, 2021

   It would be really cool to see the slabs after all are cut!

   Reply