Sawmill School - Log Handling & Log Loading Tips & Tricks

Learn traditional log handling know-how from master sawyer, Dave Boyt.

Handling and loading logs safely and effectively were valuable lessons passed down through the generations from father to son. Enjoy watching Dave's video as he shares his lifetime of experience (plus a few laughs along the way).

Even experienced woodsmen will appreciate the many simple yet effective tips and tricks packed into this episode of Sawmill School.

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[splenda]

We just got our first sawmill and have been scratching our heads a bit and cursing a lot when trying to maneuver our first large log around. Been watching and reading your articles for years Dave and I can’t thank you enough for sharing your knowledge. This video was exactly what I needed to see and I should have watched it yesterday! I knew as soon as we were struggling to turn the log on the tracks that I needed to find one of your YouTube videos and lo and behold this is exactly what I needed. From a fellow Missourian and lumber lover, thank you a million times.

[waykreid]

There aren't enough Bob Rosses in the world. Thank you, Dave, for being one of them. Wise, calm, and steady are just what we need.

[peteraulbury]

Thanks for the video, Dave. I have an 8/27 Lucas swing blade mill down here in NSW Australia. Our hardwoods are mainly gum trees, eucalypts. I have the slabbing attachment too. I just cut timber for a hobby and a bit of my own building projects. Your video was just plain common sense, which ain't so common nowadays. I'm 70 next birthday and still enjoy making sawdust. I think it keeps me fit. When it's hot down here in summer (now) the temp can get easily in the 30's to near 40 degrees centigrade. That's when fatigue takes it's toll on me, and I can get a bit tired. Can't wait until the cool weather in May, June, July. That's when I like milling best. Cheers from downunder, Peter

[denverrenfro]

The Bob Ross comment was spot on. Your concise, straightforward way of explaining things is just what is needed!
Another great video

[dougrussell]

Hey man, love and appreciate your videos. Thanks for doing them. They help a lot.

[corneliusmcgillicuddy]

You are a great teacher. Thank you. Paying attention to you today will hopefully help me keep my hands and toes and legs in one piece. No board is worth an injury and your experience and common sense are invaluable resources. Thank you.

[lloydr.]

Many thanks for the video. My wife and I have been struggling to turn logs and to get them up the ramp. But with your help we have improved and refined our technique . We were close but fell short on the finer details you covered which has made all the difference. Can't thank you enough. Take care and safe milling. From Wales, UK.

[TheRealGunGuyTV]

Outstanding. God bless you, sir. I learned so much from you.

[chaplainand]

Thank you. As I continue to watch your videos, I am becoming more convinced that this setup could produce the kind of secondary income my family is seeking. I am a woodworker, so, as I watch these gorgeous slabs emerge from the saw, I can visualize how they might be used to provide beautiful furniture etc. to homeowners in our area. Blessings to you - especially for demonstrating that neither age nor lack of powered equipment are impediments to making an honest living.

[GTDwithMatt]

People who teach are the greatest people! Thank you, from Rhode Island 🇺🇸👍

[jimmymike]

Great video sir. I use a manual LT28 Woodmizer mill with log handling. Have been milling for a few years. You provided lots of great tips....many lessons I learned the hard way. I have a Norwood Skid winch by the way. Great tool...nearly always hooked up to my tractor. Have used it to parbuckle logs onto my mill with great control via the capstan. Your comment about unlocking the beauty of wood that would otherwise be destroyed is what it is all about. Thank you.

[billcoats]

Always enjoy your videos. Another Missouri boy here. You’re helping us make a decision for a mill. Norwood is at the very top of the list

[texasyankee]

How refreshing to see you share your knowledge to the younger folks out there. Most need a computer to figure things out but the computer can't provide common sense and lessons learned while growing up on the farm or in the woods. How do you like that mill? I was noticing the galvanized frame on the mill, smart of Norwood.

[josephmartin]

Thank you sir for all your wisdom and knowledge about sawmilling. God bless.

[howardkettner]

Great point on spiking the peavey in where you want end of log. I’m always off on my placement. But in future, thanks to you, I’ll be right on the mark. Thanks!

[howardkettner]

Sooo good Dave. Been moving the sawmill lately. And more. Will connect in more detail including some deeper questions. Here’s to your continued goo health, humour and happiness.

[brenchuckswood]

Nicely done. Enjoy learning new tricks.

[bryansaunter]

I have learned a lot, it definitely will go well with what I have in place. I use a log, firewood, standing on end drop can’t hook in it, has to be soft wood. Always where I leave it. Thank you for your helpful hints an tips

[davidmarrow]

I wish this video would have been around when I got my mill 41/2 years ago lol. I learned a lot of this the hard way, but fortunately not from the downhill side of the log. Great video and spot on for log handling - I have also found that a few pieces of 2” pipe a couple of feet long can be very useful to slide logs around on or use for rollers. Ancient Egyptians were not total idiots lol.

[richardwhitfield]

Enjoyed the video - I'm looking at getting a mill - your videos are the best i have found thus far !