How Long Does It Take To Mill A Log?

Time is one of our most precious possessions. Someone once said, "whatever you take time for is what you consider important." ‪@SawdustandSweatNC‬ , milling logs into lumber may not be on our top ten list of most important things to do in life, however, it is somewhat important and it certainly is fun. Now getting back to "Time." Have you ever wondered just how much time is involved in operating a Bandsaw Sawmill. Just how long does it take, from start to finish, to mill a log. In this episode we answer this question. Now there are many variables which are involved in the milling of a log and the time required to mill that log. But just for a general idea of how long it takes, this day was pretty revealing in answering, at least for me, just how much time is involved in turning logs into lumber. Check it out.

[@zactillett9820]

Glad to see you are feeling better. Great content as always and keep up the good work.

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

Thanks!! Yes, pretty much back to normal. Appreciate the thoughts and prayers.

[@robertaustin7752]

A question for you: how small can a log be and still be milled with a unit like yours? I had to take down an American Persimmon tree that has a lot of sentimental value, so I'd like it milled into slabs I can make some kind of furniture with it. But it's not the biggest tree I've ever seen, either.
Appreciate it! I was one of your first 50 subscribers, so I am always glad to see your videos and your channel grow.

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

Thank you Robert. And thank you for your support.
Formula:
Square the diameter.
Divide by 2.
Find the SQ.root of this number.
This will be your basic can't size.
Example:
6" diameter log
6x6=36 /2= 18
Sq.root of 18= 4.24
Hope this helps

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

And so to answer your question, theoretically, one could saw a log with a diameter of even slightly 5 inches. But the yield would be extremely small.

[@robertaustin7752]

Makes sense, thank you for sharing that - I appreciate it! I think you're a bit east of me - I am in the Hickory area - or I would just bring it to you!

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

@robertaustin7752 Check around, you should have sayers in your area who would mill this for you for next to nothing. Good luck.

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

@robertaustin7752 Google Cage Hill Sawyer for a can't size chart

[@terrymott8093]

When I can't get my logs milled quick enough on my Hm 126 before the bugs get into them I just nock the bark off and make can't s and deal with them later.

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

I've thought about that. However, handling 100 logs twice, and most are 12" to 18", all 12' or over long is a ton of extra work. If I have to mill at night to get them done, I guess I'll be getting out the lights. Thanks for the comment. Appreciate it.

[@jenniferwhite6089]

need to show me where to find the expiry date on the logs and you should keep them in a fridge after there cut down keep them fresh? you will become new tree fertilizer for the log will rut

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

All trees, all trees, after lying on the ground will rot. Some take longer than others, but all will rot and return to soil. You, my friend are smart enough to know this. And Pine has one of the shortest 'shelf life' of any species.