The Old Ways

Traditional lumber cutting and milling techniques passed down through generations

"Before the age of diesel and electricity, our forebears worked these mountains with hand tools, animal power, and hard-earned knowledge. The old ways of working wood weren't just techniques - they were a way of life. Here we preserve that wisdom for those who want to connect with the traditions of Appalachian craftsmanship."

Featured Methods

Pit Sawing
1700s-1850s

The original method of sawing lumber using a two-person pit saw.

Advanced Learn More
Portable Sawmill
1980s-Present

Modern band sawmills that bring the mill to your timber.

Intermediate Learn More

All Traditional Methods

1700s-1850s
Pit Sawing

The original method of sawing lumber using a two-person pit saw.

Advanced Very slow - days per log
1980s-Present
Portable Sawmill

Modern band sawmills that bring the mill to your timber.

Intermediate Fast - 200-400 board feet per hour
1600s-1880s
Hewing with Broadaxe

Shaping logs into square timbers using a broadaxe.

Advanced Slow - one to several hours per timber
1780s-1920s
Water-Powered Sawmill

Historic sawmills powered by water wheels or turbines.

Specialist Moderate - 100-200 board feet per hour (sash saw)
1950s-Present
Chainsaw Milling (Alaskan Mill)

Using a chainsaw with a guide to mill lumber.

Intermediate Slow to moderate - 50-100 board feet per hour
Ancient-Present
Air Drying

Traditional method of drying lumber using natural air circulation.

Beginner Very slow - 1 year per inch of thickness

Know a traditional technique we should document?

We're always looking to preserve and share the knowledge of Appalachian woodworking traditions.

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