Day 688 - Tiny Sawmill Mod with HUGE Impact
It felt really good to pump the brakes after we got settled into the apartment. Speaking of an apartment, Jamie says we don't live in an apartment, we live in a barndo. I think she's right.
We sold our camper after living in it for 22 months. It wasn't bad for ME, but WE needed more space. The barndo is a big upgrade for us. And with a blink of an eye, we are now shopping for a mini split cooling system. Spring has definitely sprung here in Mississippi. Stormy weather inbound!
We did a quick cleanup and organization of the area where the camper was. While doing so, it occurred to me that the parking spot beams I had laid down would be perfect for building another workbench. Those beams have been cut for about seven months and should be easier to work with, compared to freshly cut wet material.
My friend Nathan had a big walnut tree fall over during the ice storm. I took my tractor over there and helped him limb and log the tree. He brought a few limbs back for me to tinker with.
Remember Mr. Jack? AKA the gift that keeps on giving. His son's friend, Witt, started a land-clearing business. Witt told me that he is in the business of clearing land, not selling logs. That's where I come in. Absolutely, I can get as many free hardwood logs and limbs as you want to give! I got three loads this past weekend, and there are about three more loads to get on that job site. He only does this work on the weekends, so the next no-rain weekend that comes up, I'll be busy.
And finally, a tiny upgrade to the sawmill with a HUGE impact. Gary Atkinson runs SiteClear out of Chapin, SC, who also has a TimberKing sawmill. He has done SEVERAL impactful mods to his TimberKing 2020, many of which can be utilized on any sawmill. One thing I have been struggling with is keeping the blade clean as I cut. It got to a point where I can feel greater resistance as I cut, but the blades still feel sharp to the touch when I inspect them. That means the dirty blade is causing a lot of resistance in the cut. The solution is Gary's wiper mod. It replaces the factory drip system with a fiber block, saturated in diesel fuel to keep the blade shiny clean. I wish I had installed his wiper mod on day one. I have no affiliation with Gary and give his wiper mod a HUGE THUMBS UP. You can get ahold of Gary via his contact info on his website: https://www.siteclearllc.com/about-site-clear.htm
Gary also recommends purchasing a few more items to complete his mod:
- 3/8" Automotive fuel filter https://amzn.to/3PlJRan
- 3/8" Brass Electric Solenoid Valve https://amzn.to/3N14KXQ
- Brass needle valve with sight https://amzn.to/40f9JqY
- You'll also need some gas line hose and the necessary fittings from a local automotive store to connect it all together.
Support via Patreon: https://patreon.com/BPo3Homestead
^Yes, I finally gave in. Way fewer fees than YouTube memberships.
Check out TimberKing for more info on my 1220CRZ sawmill, or one of many Made-In-The-USA fully hydraulic mills: https://timberking.com/product/timberking-1220-crz/
Like the music? Find my playlist with the music I've used here:
https://share.epidemicsound.com/j1by8w/?playlist=6q1mc5b7avojbsfuwp0c6eqk726uz45m
Homestead stuff:
American Green Lights, use code jaybates for 10% off https://americangreenlights.com/
Yard Glider (SO handy!) Use code jbates for 5% off https://yardglider.com/
Tractor/Off Road Lights: https://amzn.to/4bmBfHr
Bad Boy 4035H tractor
Kioti KG4066 grapple
W.R. Long 3rd Function
W.R. Long 3rd Function Continuous Flow
Piranha Bar
Universal Workmaster with D Rings https://www.jufabworks.com/products
Chainsaw earmuff helmet https://amzn.to/3XmPsif
PROYAMA chainsaws, 26cc top handle, 66cc big saw: https://amzn.to/4qmqf44
Stihl MS250
Husqvarna Rancher 460 https://amzn.to/3AUq9v6
UTV mirror https://amzn.to/4dYHeCz
Measuring wheel https://amzn.to/3Z6cATw
Time-lapse cameras https://amzn.to/4cMR6hQ
LockNLube grease gun https://amzn.to/4g48UHR
7/32 chainsaw files https://amzn.to/3XoFFIs
#homestead