Bargain Sawmilling at $530

by Bill Reeks of Cromwell, KY

Readers of Small Farmer’s Journal (Summer 1998, page 85) discovered a way they could have an “AFFORDABLE SAWMILL.” Inquiries from that story continue coming to the retired Union Carpenter (Local #141) who in late 1998 built his second band sawmill he designed “simpler,” and needs less parts/materials and time to construct. It’s the “YELLOW-JAK-IT” as “It takes the sting outta buying lumber.”

The first homemade “Mill” would saw logs up to 28”-30”. Using the same size blade (158” x 1¼”) the new designed mill can saw up to a 36” log and the blade guides open to 31” so 30”+ boards can easily be sawed.

Although the first mill (the “LUM-BR-JAK”) cost less than $100.00 to build with a used 8 h.p. engine and recycled parts/materials on hand. Except for 3-new blades, 2-belts, 1-centrifugal clutch, for $100.00.

This second mill cost $530.00 to build as most of that was for a new 10 h.p. engine. Recommended h.p. is 10 up to 24 h.p. depending on needs.

Electric motors are ideal for use in closed quarters to avoid fumes, noise. The horsepower of an electric motor of 7½ h.p. is about same as a 15 h.p. gas engine.

Plans for the “LUM-BR-JAK” mill, or a 48-minute builders video with 40 page supplement book is both available, as well as the “YELLOW-JAK-IT data packet”…

A new book “Homemade Mills” and Logging Equipment, etc. with 260 clear black/white pictures shows a few of the thousands of homemade mills built by builders around the world…

editor’s note: The plans and book were available at the time of printing (2003), but are now very difficult to find.