Urban Logging Strategies | How to find wood for your sawmill

A common question I receive is where do I get my logs from. So in this video I share my process for the urban logging that I do from what I look out for, how I find out about them, and how I pick them up.

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[ga]

Another great video question, why do you keep that blanket on the chain?

[locohombre]

That was so cool, the bit about meeting people and sharing your passion really chimed. Oh, and maybe fill a squeezy bottle with Anchorseal and squeeze it onto the wood as you brush?

[AdamEarl]

"This fall on TLC... URBAN LOGGERS!"

[robertmorris]

Hi Matt. Question: Are you ever going to be able to use all that lumber you have cut or do you sell some of it so it don't go to waste. Don't know, I'm not a wood worker but I enjoy watching your videos and a few other wood workers videos also. Thank you.

[Eidi]

Hey Matt, what's the blanket or rubber mat for that's on the steel cable? It got caught in the winch one time, so I'm wondering what its purpose is.

[aaronnicholas]

Hi Matt, when the tree is cut down dose the moon play a part in it, were I live in Trinidad it dose, trees cut in dark night last longer than trees cut in moon light, do you all follow that same principle?

[Rooneycgs]

Hi Matt does the truck charge the trailer winch battery ????

[johnszpak]

That was a lot of info and story packed into a great video. I was just expecting it to end after the Craigslist info. It was a great bonus to then see you actually go get the log. Really enjoyed it.

[JackmanWorks]

Man that was impressive to watch you work your magic

[danthemakerman]

Love the neighbor's comment, "Looks like you know what you are doing."  You should have told him it was your first time.

[rick]

My wife began watching me, watching woodworking videos(I'm 64, ) some time ago...and buying woodworking tools and machines...When she saw your videos envolving your timber saw and the ability to harvest your own lumber, she just looked at me, shaking her head, and saying(in French, ) over my dead body...You scare the heck out of her Matt, lol(god I'd love my own timber cheers...rr

[KSFWG]

So, did you steer the neighbor to your YouTube channel so he can watch a few videos of Matt Makin' Lumber!!?? lol Makin' Lumber sounds like the title to a reality tv show....

[RXRSawdustStation]

Another great video, #MassiveMatt....good topic...and you didn't say "Crotch Figure" even once. Are you feeling alright? :-) #KeepTheChipsFlying!

[grntitan]

I've seen other vids of your loading big logs. That said, I am still impressed how you patiently and strategically load those massive logs. My late father was a wood worker. Back in the late 70's and early 80's things made from old barn wood was starting to be the "in" thing. I don't know how many barns I helped my dad tear down for people and all we charged was the lumber. We tore it all down and we got to keep all the lumber. You could see the twinkle in my dads eyes as he would be assessing the barn we were getting ready to tackle. I knew he was running through his head what he was gonna make with his new score. In many cases we got to keep everything inside as well. As a kid it was like a treasure hunt. Man I miss my dad.

I see a bit of that in your eyes as you were loading those logs. Keep the passion

[tny-]

got a favorable spin on the first lift on that log. fun watching you work on rigging like that, cool how you can move a huge log alone with a little bit of ingenuity and the right tools.

[jamespaul]

I love the setup you have for getting these logs yourself.

[Mike-prhx]

Your passion for woodworking is infectious. Matt always has a great attitude.

[GunflintDesigns]

You are going to train a whole new crop of Hairy Gigglers with this one!

[YouCanMakeThisToo]

Really glad you did this one, was interesting and a lot of fun!

-Caleb Harris

[willemkossen]

Next project: build a monster lathe to use logs like that as a bowl blank. Turn bowls the size of bathtubs!