As a craftsman, I've always enjoyed building stuff. But the pivotal point that led me into woodworking happened long before I stood at a table saw or picked up a hand plane. And that point is clearly ingrained in my memory. I was 12 years old and my grandpa and I harvested a pecan tree from his yard. Instead of cutting the trunk into firewood, grandpa hired a sawmill to come out and turn it into lumber.
It was at that point that I, at 12 years old, had an earth-shattering realization that wood literally grew from trees. I know, I was a 12-year old genius. It was that day that triggered my fascination with the material we use for our woodworking. And I've noticed in the past few of years, the number of people that are starting to share this interest with me are growing. The number of people becoming interested in harvesting and milling their own lumber has increased. And if it's piqued your interest at all, the good news is that it's not as complicated as you might fear.
There are a number of reasons why I would argue that someone should consider milling their own lumber instead of hitting up a lumber yard.
First, and maybe the most obvious, is the cost. Milling your own lumber can produce quality material for a fraction of the price of a lumber dealer. In fact, if you purchase your own mill, like I have, you can actually make a profit off of it by selling lumber to other woodworkers and by offering to mill other people's logs.
The second reason I enjoy milling my own lumber, and you will as well, is that you have control of the material through the entire process. This means you select how you want the lumber cut and are in control as it's drying. In my experience you'll end up with stock that is much higher quality than you can readily buy.
Denne historien er fra December 2020-utgaven av Popular Woodworking.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 2020-utgaven av Popular Woodworking.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
BauBuche
This laminated material comes from Germany, and is made of hundreds of layers of European beech.
Square Platter with Textured Rim
Adding a bit of texture and colour to a square platter is a great way to dress up a simple design.
Excedo Side Table
With one board, you can put together this side table that packs in a bunch of great woodworking techniques.
Lignomat Mini-LIGNO DX/C
One of the hardest things for me to explain as a woodworking instructor is the importance of knowing the moisture content of the wood you're working with.
Gen II Compact Brushless 1/2" Drill/Driver
I have to confess this review is coming from a fairly biased space-the first generation ONE+ HP Compact Drill is probably my favorite drill I've ever owned.
Inlays with Origin
Origin, the hand-held CNC from Shaper Tools, makes creating inlays effortless.
Deluxe Scriber
There are often times, where there's simply no substitute for the right tool.
Ryobi Compact Barrel Grip Jigsaw
A jigsaw is a great tool for all sorts of quick cuts in the shop. With that in mind, the ONE+ HP Compact Brushless Barrel Grip Jig Saw is just the right size to make it a go-to choice.
Ultrashear Flat Top Blade
Several issues back, I introduced our readers to a new lineup of blades from Woodpeckers.
Metabo HPT 12" Dual Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
In my shop I have fairly high standards for a miter saw.