1980s-Present
Portable Sawmill
Modern band sawmills that bring the mill to your timber.
Intermediate
Fast - 200-400 board feet per hour
United States
About This Technique
Portable sawmills revolutionized small-scale lumber production. These band or chainsaw mills can be transported to the log location, eliminating the need to move heavy logs to a central mill.
Historical Context
Became widely available in the 1980s-90s. Brands like Wood-Mizer democratized sawmilling for homesteaders and small woodlot owners.
Tools Required
Portable bandsaw mill, chainsaw for bucking, log handling equipment
Advantages
Mill comes to the logs, custom cuts possible, economical for small operations
Considerations
Initial equipment cost, blade maintenance, weather dependent
Modern Relevance
The most popular method for homesteaders processing their own timber. Many custom sawyers offer mobile milling services.