How to Prepare for your Portable Sawmill Experience

Have you ever been reading a book and can’t wait to turn the page to see what exciting event is going to happen next? Well, that’s how I feel when I take a slice off a log – I can’t wait to see what treasures are buried in that tree! Wood is my passion, and I love running a log through my mill to see that tree’s unique grain structure.


Figure 1: How to measure the diameter of a log

Figure 2: Board measurements

Figure 3: Metal in a log

I am looking forward to coming to your property to discover the treasures hidden in your logs, and here are a few things that might help you to prepare for my arrival:

  • LIMITATIONS:
    • The maximum log length I can cut is 20 feet
    • The maximum diameter of log I can cut is 32 inches
    • The maximum board width I can cut is 24”
  • FEES:
    • I charge an hourly rate for me and the sawmill, and I charge travel time for one way, total payable at the end of the day that I am there.
    • Remember: You don’t want to pay my hourly rate for me to roll logs around. If you provide additional help to move wood, the process will go faster -- two helpers would be preferable.
    • METAL: Many trees have metal in them – a nail or hook to hold a long-forgotten sign, a pulley, even a light fixure. So, if I hit metal, I have to change the blade on the sawmill, there is a $35 fee to replace the damaged blade.
    • SPEC LIST: It will save time too if you have an idea of what size lumber you want out of each log: Thickness, length, cutting style.
  • PREPARING THE LOCATION:
    • I need a flat, level spot about 10 feet by 30 feet – I bring my sawmill attached to my pickup truck, so I need room for both. Check YouTube for videos on Woodmizer LT40 portable sawmill for a better idea of how it all works together, here’s one: https://youtu.be/RgauAY8PiKw
  • I need the logs stacked as seen in the photos below, they will load on the drivers’ side of the truck.
  • If you stack the logs this way ahead of time, the process will go quicker, and it will save you money.

Figure 4: Logs on a trailer next to mill set up

Figure 5: Mill set up with logs stacked nearby

Figure 6: Logs set up next to saw mill