SHOOT OUT TRADITIONS CONTINUE! by Dave Boyt

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "SHOOT OUT TRADITIONS CONTINUE! by Dave Boyt"

Rose Bennett
6 years ago
Views:

1 2017 THE GREAT PORTABLE SAWMILL SAWMILL SHOOT OUT TRADITIONS CONTINUE! by Dave Boyt Every two years, sawyers and sawmills from around the world gather in Cambridge, Ohio, for the Paul Bunyan logging exposition and The Great Portable Sawmill Shoot-Out. There s been a lot of sawdust through the chute since the 2015 show, and manufacturers from around the world are bringing back tried-and-true machines, as well as a few new models. One machine is so new that even we here at Sawmill and Woodlot don t know what to expect. Those who attend the show will be the first to see it in action! Portable sawmill manufacturers have expanded their lines, refined their machines, and, in some cases, totally redesigned their mills to meet the demands of customers. Our magazine does its best to keep readers informed, but, to truly appreciate the wide variety of options on these mills and watch them cut lumber, you d have to drive all over the country to visit with the manufacturers or talk with the sawyers. Another way is to join us at the Paul Bunyan Show for the 2017 Shoot-Out and see them all in one place or read our coverage of the event in this and upcoming issues. The Great Portable Sawmill Shoot-Out is the largest gathering of portable sawmills in North America. This is the only place where you get to watch band saw and swingblade mills run by some of the top sawyers in the country. Each team will be provided with four logs, totaling about 500 board feet. Some mills will rip through them in less than half an hour! We keep track of production time, grade the boards for cutting quality, and tally up the board footage. Over the course of two days, we will have 14 sawmills, ranging in power from 13 hp to 65 hp, with every option imaginable, including full hydraulic log handling, computerized setworks, and edgers. We will publish full details of participating mills in our special Shoot-Out edition. Those fortunate enough to attend the event will have a chance to visit with the sawyers. If you already have a mill, this is a great chance to swap stories, get tips on running and maintaining your mill, or take a closer look at your next mill. If you re looking for your first mill, you will, of course, be able to talk with a salesman, but also visit with experienced sawyers, and even some of the people who design and build the mills. The collective experience and expertise at the Shoot-Out is truly amazing. Everyone has opinions, and all are more than willing to share them, if you ask. Who knows? Maybe you ll drive home with a show special. Or you might drive home with a load of lumber. As in the past, the lumber milled will be auctioned for charity. It could be your chance to get a good deal on some beautiful yellow poplar, and help a good cause at the same time. The camaraderie at the Shoot-Out is inspiring. Owners of mills tend to congregate around the exhibits of their manufacturer. For many, a reunion at the Shoot-Out is a tradition, as they welcome new owners and encourage prospective owners of their mills. Most sawyers are extremely loyal to their brand, and you ll hear the same kinds of debates that rage between Ford and Chevy pickup truck owners! The Sawmill and Woodlot-sponsored seminars offer insights on topics ranging from grading to sawing, drying, and more. You ll have a chance to meet experts in the field many of whom are writers for this magazine. And, of course, when you re ready to sit down and relax, stop by our booth and visit with our authors and production folks. We d love to hear your thoughts about the Shoot- Out, our magazine, or life in general. Putting together an event like this is a major task for our small team. Before the Shoot-Out we sort and scale the logs. We build the bunks for holding the slabs, put up the caution tape, and prepare the grounds for the event. We see to it that the teams have everything they need for a smooth demonstration; go over safety, Shoot-Out rules, log scaling; and make sure everyone knows where to be and when to be there. There are logs to move into place and a sound system to check out. During the Shoot-Out, we keep an eye (and ear) open for any problems or safety issues, and keep spectators informed on the event as it unfolds. After the mills are finished, we tally the results, and make sure we have the fairest possible comparison of mills. If you can t make it to the event itself, you can see the results in our follow-up Dec 17/Jan 18 issue with sawyer interviews and perspectives on each mill, along with all the statistics. It is a lot of work, and we love it! 4 Sawmill & Woodlot

BAKER PRODUCTS BAKER BLUE STREAK PORTABLE BAND SAW MILL 3665D Baker sawmills have been a part of every Great Portable Sawmill Shoot-Out since the beginning.

The mill handles logs up to 36 inches in diameter and 20 feet in length. For a quick setup, the machine being demonstrated will have the trailer package which includes tandem axles under the frame.

The mill certainly proved itself in the 2015 Shoot-Out, ripping yellow poplar lumber at a rate of 1,273 board feet per hour with a 7% overrun.

..Baker Products Model...3665D Blue Streak Manual/Hydraulic...hydraulic Engine Power...65-hp Cummins diesel Log Capacity (diameter/length)...36 in./20 ft. Options Used.

2 BAKER PRODUCTS BAKER BLUE STREAK PORTABLE BAND SAW MILL 3665D Baker sawmills have been a part of every Great Portable Sawmill Shoot-Out since the beginning. Once again, they will offer spectators a chance to see their 3665D Blue Streak in action. This is a full-production mill with a 65-horsepower Cummins diesel engine running a full hydraulic system. The mill handles logs up to 36 inches in diameter and 20 feet in length. For a quick setup, the machine being demonstrated will have the trailer package which includes tandem axles under the frame. As sales manager Clyde Reed put it, After a while, something becomes time-proven, and you stick with what works. The mill certainly proved itself in the 2015 Shoot-Out, ripping yellow poplar lumber at a rate of 1,273 board feet per hour with a 7% overrun. With the title of the highest production of the 2015 Shoot-Out, sawyer Hank Somero and tailman Clay Hedrick have a lot riding on their performance this year. HYDRAULIC Manufacturer...Baker Products Model D Blue Streak Manual/Hydraulic...hydraulic Engine Power...65-hp Cummins diesel Log Capacity (diameter/length)...36 in./20 ft. Options Used...hydraulic in-line debarker EZ BOARDWALK EZ BOARDWALK JUNIOR SAWMILL Don t let the name Junior fool you. While this is the smaller of the two models built by EZ Boardwalk, its 30-inch-diameter capacity is larger than most manual sawmills. Its angled track and spring-assist head lift are unmistakably EZ Boardwalk features. A few of the innovations built into this mill are quick-clamp dogs, single control for clutch and auto-blade lube, and blade guard. This mill demonstrates that a small manual mill can produce quality lumber at a respectable pace. If you want to learn techniques for efficient sawmilling on a small manual mill, this is the team to watch! Manufacturer...EZ Boardwalk Model...EZ Boardwalk Junior Manual/Hydraulic...manual Engine Power...Honda GX hp Log Capacity (diameter/length)...30 in./12 ft. 2 in. Options Used...standard Manufacturer...EZ Boardwalk Model...40 Manual/Hydraulic...manual Engine Power...Honda GX hp Log Capacity (diameter/length)...40 in./16 ft. 6 in. Options Used...standard EZ BOARDWALK EZ BOARDWALK MODEL 40 SAWMILL The sky-blue EZ Boardwalk sawmill has been a regular at the Shoot- Out for over a decade and has consistently ranked high among the manual sawmills. The unique slanted head feeds the blade through the log with minimum effort and gives straight, smooth cuts. Other innovations include a coil spring to help raise the mill head and a bumper to prevent the blade guard from cutting into the log stops. Although the mill has not changed in appearance, EZ Boardwalk is always making refinements based on customer feedback. Oct/Nov

LUCAS MILL LUCAS MODEL 8 EFI PORTABLE SWINGBLADE SAWMILL The swingblade sawmills duke it out again in the 2017 Great Portable Sawmill Shoot-Out.

5-hp Kohler gas engine and circle blade capable of carving out an 8-1/2-inch-deep cut with each pass.

at an impressive rate. The Lucas team has a reputation for unconventional sawing techniques and good teamwork. Manufacturer...Lucas Mill Model.

..standard LUCAS MILL LUCAS MODEL 6-18 PORTABLE SWINGBLADE SAWMILL The Lucas Model 6-18 swingblade mill has a maximum depth of cut of 6 inches and

In its native Australia, it mills logs up to 60 inches in diameter, so it won t have any problem with the Shoot-Out logs.

But once the event starts, people take notice.

having to move any logs. They will, no doubt, have more new techniques to show off this year! Manufacturer...Lucas Mill Model.

3 LUCAS MILL LUCAS MODEL 8 EFI PORTABLE SWINGBLADE SAWMILL The swingblade sawmills duke it out again in the 2017 Great Portable Sawmill Shoot-Out. For its production model, Lucas unleashes its Model 8 EFI (aka 8-30) sawmill with a 26.5-hp Kohler gas engine and circle blade capable of carving out an 8-1/2-inch-deep cut with each pass. These versatile sawmills are designed to mill the tough hardwoods in the rugged terrain of Australia, and should spit out boards at the Shoot-Out at an impressive rate. The Lucas team has a reputation for unconventional sawing techniques and good teamwork. Manufacturer...Lucas Mill Model...8 EFI Manual/Hydraulic...manual Engine Power hp Kohler Log Capacity (diameter/length)...4 ft. 6 in./20 ft. Options Used...standard LUCAS MILL LUCAS MODEL 6-18 PORTABLE SWINGBLADE SAWMILL The Lucas Model 6-18 swingblade mill has a maximum depth of cut of 6 inches and is powered by an 18-hp Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine. In its native Australia, it mills logs up to 60 inches in diameter, so it won t have any problem with the Shoot-Out logs. With all the loud equipment, it is easy to miss the Lucas team as they hand-transport their mill into the Shoot-Out area and set it up. But once the event starts, people take notice. The Lucas team is known for its innovative cutting techniques, such as setting all four logs inside the mill frame, and milling them without having to move any logs. They will, no doubt, have more new techniques to show off this year! Manufacturer...Lucas Mill Model Manual/Hydraulic...manual Engine Power...18-hp Briggs & Stratton Vanguard Log Capacity (diameter/length)...4 ft. 6 in./20 ft. Options Used...standard Schedule of Day Heats and List of Participants SAWMILL SHOOT OUT Friday Oct. 6, 1:00 PM Baker 3665D Wood-Mizer Super LT70 Wood-Mizer LX450 EZ Boardwalk 40 Norwood LumberPro HD36 Lucas 8 EFI Peterson WPF Saturday Oct. 7, 10:00 AM EZ Boardwalk Jr. Norwood Frontier OS27 Lucas 6-18 Junior Peterson Timbery M280 Turbo Warrior M6 Wood-Mizer LT28 6 Sawmill & Woodlot

NORWOOD SAWMILLS NORWOOD LUMBERPRO HD36 PORTABLE SAWMILL The Norwood LumberPro HD36 Hydraulic is a modular sawmill featuring Build-As-You-Go hydraulics design.

The robust frame and track are well suited to the additional weight and stress of hydraulic log handling.

A 23-horsepower engine powers the blade, while a separate 5-horsepower engine handles the hydraulics. HYDRAULIC Manufacturer...Norwood Sawmills Model...Norwood LumberPro HD36 Manual/Hydraulic.

4 NORWOOD SAWMILLS NORWOOD LUMBERPRO HD36 PORTABLE SAWMILL The Norwood LumberPro HD36 Hydraulic is a modular sawmill featuring Build-As-You-Go hydraulics design. The modular design allows the owner to purchase the desired hydraulic log-handling equipment with the option of adding more as desired. The robust frame and track are well suited to the additional weight and stress of hydraulic log handling. The Shoot-Out mill will include a hydraulic log lifter, toe boards, clamps, power feed, and power setworks. A 23-horsepower engine powers the blade, while a separate 5-horsepower engine handles the hydraulics. HYDRAULIC Manufacturer...Norwood Sawmills Model...Norwood LumberPro HD36 Manual/Hydraulic...hydraulic Engine Power...23-hp V-twin gas Briggs & Stratton Vanguard Log Capacity (diameter/length)...36 in./13 ft. Options Used...standard NORWOOD SAWMILLS FRONTIER OS27 BAND SAW MILL BY NORWOOD The Norwood Frontier OS27 is a brand-new machine that will make its world debut at the 2017 Great Portable Sawmill Shoot- Out. The OS27 is designed to be an entry-level sawmill for those considering a band saw mill with minimal investment. This manual sawmill is an easy-to-use machine, built heavily enough to produce quality lumber and backed by a one-year warranty. The OS27 mill features a 13-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine and can handle logs up to 27 inches in diameter and 11 feet 6 inches in length (track extensions are available). It has many features of other Norwood sawmills, including laminated sawhead construction, centrifugal clutch, 19-inch band wheels, auto-lock sawhead, and available optional trailer package. But don t look for the usual Norwood orange the OS27 is powdercoated with the new Norwood Frontier yellow. Manufacturer...Norwood Sawmills Model...Frontier OS27 Manual/Hydraulic...manual Engine Power...13-hp Briggs & Stratton Log Capacity (diameter/length)...27 in./11 ft., 6 in. Options Used...standard PETERSON PORTABLE SAWMILLS JUNIOR PETERSON PORTABLE SWINGBLADE SAWMILL The JP (Junior Peterson) is Peterson s smallest swingblade mill, though any sawmill that can handle a 36-inch-diameter log can hardly be called Junior. The JP s blade can make a 6-inchdeep cut, and head rotates to any angle, making it a practical choice for milling clapboards, octagons, and other non-square shapes. Peterson considers this an entry-level machine, designed for part-time sawyers to cut their own lumber for home and farm projects. Weighing a mere 660 pounds, the JP is easily portable in the back of a small pickup truck, can be set up in just 10 minutes, and is easy to learn to use. Manufacturer...Peterson Portable Sawmills Model...Junior Peterson Manual/Hydraulic...manual Engine Power Briggs & Stratton Log Capacity (diameter/length)...3 ft. diameter, 13-ft. tracks on standard length, optional extensions can be added to an unlimited length Oct/Nov

PETERSON PORTABLE SAWMILLS PETERSON WPF PORTABLE SWINGBLADE MILL Swingblade sawmills are always favorites at the Shoot- Out, and Peterson is returning with their flagship 10- inch Winch Production

With the flip of a handle, the blade rotates 90 degrees, and on the return trip cuts off an edged board ready for the lumber pile.

..Peterson Portable Sawmills Model...Winch Production Frame Manual/Hydraulic...manual Engine Power...35-hp Briggs & Stratton Log Capacity (diameter/length)...5 ft. diameter, 20-ft.

..electric winch for vertical sizing, Hi/Lo track setup TIMBERY TIMBERY M280 PORTABLE SAWMILL Timbery is returning with its M280 manual sawmill after a successful first run in the 2013 Shoot-Out.

5 PETERSON PORTABLE SAWMILLS PETERSON WPF PORTABLE SWINGBLADE MILL Swingblade sawmills are always favorites at the Shoot- Out, and Peterson is returning with their flagship 10- inch Winch Production Frame (WPF) model. This mill uses a 35-hp Briggs & Stratton engine to power a circle blade that can make up to a 10-inch-deep cut into a log. With the flip of a handle, the blade rotates 90 degrees, and on the return trip cuts off an edged board ready for the lumber pile. The mill is highly portable, weighing only 600 pounds, can be easily transported out to the bush in a pickup truck, and can be set up to cut a log right where it lies. Manufacturer...Peterson Portable Sawmills Model...Winch Production Frame Manual/Hydraulic...manual Engine Power...35-hp Briggs & Stratton Log Capacity (diameter/length)...5 ft. diameter, 20-ft. tracks on standard length, optional extensions can be added to an unlimited length Options Used...electric winch for vertical sizing, Hi/Lo track setup TIMBERY TIMBERY M280 PORTABLE SAWMILL Timbery is returning with its M280 manual sawmill after a successful first run in the 2013 Shoot-Out. The mill features several innovations, including a onepiece welded sawhead frame, counterbalanced head lift, and the single-action lever control for the throttle, clutch, and blade lube. Additional time and work savers include quick-set log rest post and a roller cam blade tensioner. The mill s 28-inchdiameter capacity should have no problem with the Shoot-Out logs. With two Shoot-Outs behind them, the Timbery team will be going all out to do even better this year. Manufacturer...Timbery LLC Model...M280 Manual/Hydraulic...manual Engine Power...23-hp Vanguard Log Capacity (diameter/length)...28 in./13 ft. 11 in. Options Used...one 4-ft. bed extension, one extra log clamp: will also run our E100 twin-blade edger. TURBO SAWMILL TURBO SAWMILL WARRIOR M6 AUTO SWINGBLADE MILL The Turbo Sawmill Warrior M6 Auto is returning for its second appearance at The Great Portable Sawmill Shoot-Out Built in New Zealand, this swingblade mill has a number of innovations. A single steel beam supports the engine and swingblade mechanism. The mill is capable of a 6-inch cut and can double-cut up to 12-inch-wide. The sawyer s job is made easier with the power feed and the automatic rotation of the cutting head at the end of each cut. The automated functions of this mill allow a oneman operator to double his potential daily production, says Mike Moen, the U.S. distributor for Turbo Sawmill. SEMI-AUTO Manufacturer...Turbo Sawmill Model...M6 Auto with 6-in. x 6-in. and 5-in x 12-in. double cut capabilty Manual/Hydraulic...semi-automatic Engine Power...22-hp Honda GX690 Log Capacity (diameter/length)...3 ft. plus/14.7 ft. Options Used...standard 8 Sawmill & Woodlot

6 CRD METALWORKS, LLC 17 HYDE HILL RD WILLIAMSBURG, MA Call Oct/Nov

WOOD-MIZER PRODUCTS WOOD-MIZER LT28 PORTABLE SAWMILL Wood-Mizer is bringing its LT28 portable sawmill to this year s event.

feet in length. The LT28 will run as a manual mill powered by a 25-horsepower Kohler engine.

The gas assist strut-head lift takes a lot of the effort out of raising and lowering the sawhead.

7 WOOD-MIZER PRODUCTS WOOD-MIZER LT28 PORTABLE SAWMILL Wood-Mizer is bringing its LT28 portable sawmill to this year s event. Even though this is the smallest Wood-Mizer mill to use the monorail design, the frame itself is the same one used on their larger mills, and it can handle logs 32 inches in diameter and up to 21 feet in length. The LT28 will run as a manual mill powered by a 25-horsepower Kohler engine. According to Wood- Mizer, the monorail track is easily transportable with a fast setup time, and it is easy to offbear lumber from the side. The gas assist strut-head lift takes a lot of the effort out of raising and lowering the sawhead. To assist with log handling, the LT28 is equipped with the log deck package that includes a manual winch to load and turn logs, toeboards to lift either end of a tapered log, and log turner to rotate large-diameter logs. Manufacturer...Wood-Mizer LLC Model...LT28G25 Manual/Hydraulic...manual Engine Power...25-hp gas Kohler Log capacity (diameter/length)...32 in./21 ft. Options Used...log deck package (manual winch, log turner, toe boards) and power feed HYDRAULIC WOOD-MIZER PRODUCTS WOOD-MIZER LX450 PORTABLE SAWMILL This year, Wood-Mizer will introduce its newest sawmill the LX450 to the Shoot-Out. A break from their trademark cantilever design, this machine features twin-rails for people who prefer that configuration. The LX450 features full hydraulics, including log loader, bidirectional chain turner, clamp, and toe boards. The electric setworks are controlled by Wood-Mizer s simpleset system, and the mill features a walk-along power feed system. Its 38-horsepower Kohler gas engine powers the blade through logs for up to a 34-inch-wide cut, with a maximum of 16-1/2-inch depth of cut. Manufacturer...Wood-Mizer LLC Model...LX450HDG38 Manual/Hydraulic...12V electric head controls/ hydraulic bed controls Engine Power...38-hp EFI gas Kohler Log Capacity (diameter/length)...36 in./21 ft. Options Used...(standard) operator control console on adjustable arm, full hydraulic log handling including log loading, bidirectional chain turner, log clamp, 2 vertical side supports, 2 roller toe boards; set of 6 heavyduty, fine-adjust outriggers and board drag back fingers WOOD-MIZER PRODUCTS WOOD-MIZER SUPER LT70 PORTABLE SAWMILL Wood-Mizer will show off the newest version of their venerable LT70 at the 2017 Shoot-Out. This version is designed for people who want to cut slabs up to 34 inches wide. Its features include fast hydraulic head positioning and bed functions, an enhanced interface with touch screen setworks and joystick controls for the sawyer, and board return and board outfeed table to assist the tailman. The remote hydraulics allow the sawyer to control the mill from any location. These engineering advancements, combined with its 46-horsepower Yanmar engine, log debarker, and separate edger, may well push the LT70 Super Hydraulic to a new Shoot-Out production record for Wood-Mizer. HYDRAULIC Manufacturer...Wood-Mizer LLC Model...Super LT70HDD46WRH Manual/Hydraulic...hydraulic head & bed controls Engine Power...46-hp, tier 4 Yanmar diesel (NEW) Log Capacity (diameter/length)...36 in./20 ft. 2 in. Options Used...standard 10 Sawmill & Woodlot

See Us Oct 6 8 THE PAUL BUNYAN SHOW Cambridge, Ohio RUGGED

YOUR FORESTRY NEEDS: Professional Grade Equipment Live

8 See Us Oct 6 8 THE PAUL BUNYAN SHOW Cambridge, Ohio RUGGED EQUIPMENT! Log Loaders & Forestry Equipment Skidding Winches Bio-Fuel Wood Chippers Wood Processors NORTHEAST IMPLEMENT FOR ALL YOUR FORESTRY NEEDS: Professional Grade Equipment Live Customer Service in USA! Replacement Parts IN STOCK! Oct/Nov

SHOOT OUT THE GREAT PORTABLE SAWMILL SAWMILLS ENTERED TO DATE. Baker Blue Streak Portable Band Sawmill 3665D

SHOOT OUT THE GREAT PORTABLE SAWMILL SAWMILLS ENTERED TO DATE. Baker Blue Streak Portable Band Sawmill 3665D SHOOT OUT SAWMILLS ENTERED TO DATE Baker Blue Streak Portable Band Sawmill 3665D Baker s 3665D Blue Streak production mill will participate in the hydraulic class again this year. The Blue Streak features