I always bought timber, as it was my only source. As my job progressed, and when I had access to a farm in 2004, I started to dabble in milling with a small chainsaw mill. It was so satisfying to turn what was just a log doomed to be burned as firewood, into something I could use. I used the posts and beams I cut to build a few sheds.
I started considering a full-size mill about 2009 because I could see the advantages of a quicker system. I bought a Lucas in 2011. It is a simple system and suited to the heavy Australian hardwood and the dimensional timber I was cutting. There is something very satisfying about turning a customer’s logs into something they can use.
Later, I looked at band sawmills to process smaller logs and more unique-shaped logs that were simply not viable to cut up with swing-mill.
I finally got my Norwood LumberMate LM29 and was over the moon. I was a complete novice with the bandsaw; it is a new set of skills to learn with cuts, blades and sharpening, but it is all common sense. I am thoroughly enjoying the experience and it has opened up so many more uses for my logs. I bought it specifically for pine, camphor, cedar and silky oak.
I have also cut Australian hardwood on the LM29 which is a challenge for any saw. But the Norwood can do it – just take your time and keep the blade sharp. The Norwood complements my swing mill – very versatile, it does both smaller and unique logs much easier, in less time and with less waste which is important for me in smaller camphor.
I make furniture and build fences. It is so very satisfying to be able to follow the whole process from felling the tree, to transporting the log, milling it, drying it, surfacing it and turning it into a finished project. The added bonus is, most of my logs are saved from firewood or chippers, thus maximizing our resources.
Happy sawing everyone! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Norman G.
LM29 Owner