fully functional sawmill

I wasn't exactly sure where to start this thread so, because I'm working on an On30 layout, I figured this would be the best place.

Alot of you On30-ers have scratch built your own sawmills for your layout but have any of you built a fully functional one? Is it even posible at such a small scale?

What are your thoughts on this and if it's possible, how do you think it can be done?

 

I think this is a great place to post this! Although we're talking O-scale, the narrow gauge strongly affects the era & geography to be modeled, the size and type of motive power and rolling stock, and all of the aforementioned determines structures - which I would suggest tend to be somewhat unique to narrow gauge in size and appearance.

Fully functional On30 sawmill?
oh5qn:
What are you, nuts? . . . just kidding.

I have seen a picture somewhere of a layout that had a sawmill which had been placed diagonally with at least one third off the layout, leaving more than half on the layout with an open diagonal cross-section to view the interior - which was modeled in detail and I believe had some moving machinery. Don't think it was really functional however. But it was waaay cool-looking.

So, Lorne, if you build a functional On30 sawmill, is it going to crank out your narrow gauge railroad ties to use when you hand-lay your track?

 

I remember that the HO group at my local train show used to have a module that featured an animated sawmill. If I recall correctly, the log would go through the saw, a plank flopped down. When the carriage came back, the plank flipped back up to the log.

 

Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazzette has been running a series of stories on the West Side Lumber Company mill at Tuolumne. It is in HO scale and as far as I can tell not "functional" but it would be a great source to start with. I suspect that an "animated" set up might make use of a turntable-type motor to power things like the slash converyor and log hauler. You could also have logs being cut by a motor with an automatic reverse on it. The "log" would be pre-cut and follow along the balde, moving back and forth. For that matter, you might be able to use (modify) some of the old Lionel dump models and so forth...this sounds like a VERY cool and doable concept!!
John

 

That's not a bad idea, Jim. I might even be able to use this as a second sorce of income. How much do you think a box of 500 On30 ties are worth?

I got this idea from a layout (I think it was On30) that had a sawmill with a real blade in it. Looks like the blade was from a Dremel or something. I figured this would make the ultimate model. I'll give it a go and see what I can come up with. I'll need your help though. If anyone here has any detailed pictures of a sawmill from around the 20's or 30's that would make this alot easier. A website with this kind of thing would be enev better.

Wish me luck.

 

John, that sawmill you desribed...did it make the same "cut" repeatedly or did it actually cut the "log"? Was the operator of the module able to cut planks or ties?

 

Since it's been about 15 years since I last saw that module, my memory of it is a bit rusty, but I think it repeatedly made the same "cut". I think the pre cut end of the mill was somewhat out of view so you didn't see the plank flip back up to the log.

 

If you mean 'functional' as in it cuts wood for real then no I have not seen one.
If you mean 'functional' as in the blades turn etc then yes I have seen those.
Basically you just set it all up like the real one, as in don't glue the axles in place, and hook up a toy motor to the whole thing and presto.
You can get toy motors at a few places but here we can get them in the surplus section of a store called "Princess Auto".

That's where I got the geared slow motion motors I will be using for my turntables I hope to put together next year.

ANyhow, I hope that helps

 

I think it'll be eaier to make a "functional" sawmill that just has a spinning blade. To make it actually cut the "logs" will require more torque than a small motor of that size can produce. It'll still be a real eye-catcher. Will be better to keep the sawmill very small and suitable for a old logging camp.

Stephen, do you remember how the funtional sawmill you've seen was put together?

 

If I remember rightly it was well put together LOL. I know that doesn't help does it.
I just saw it at a show was all. Looked like most other saw mills except that the wheels all turned is all. I think the small dc motor was put inside a plastic generator. The hollow part inside the plastic housing. The 'axle' was actually from the dc motor and it just went from there.

Sorry I couldn't help more.

 

In NG&SL Gazette a few years ago, they showed a picture of a stamp mill that was animated. All of the pulleys and belts moved and the stamp actually stamped. It had a brief decription of how it was made. I'll see if I can find the article.

Eric

 

That would be good, Eric, thanks. I've seen a few stamps too but they were all used for mining. Do you think they can be used for more than just mining or just logging? The ones I've seen were on Ebay and there was a 10 stamp and a 5. Not exactly sure what that means.

 

As far as I know stamp mills are only used in mining. Ten and five refers to the number of stamps present. Anyway, the log could be attached to a conveyor belt that carries it along...almost like a tank tread. You would need enough clearance on the ends and underneath for the log to travel completely back around to the blade. See?

I think there are whole books about saw mills out there, some very likely have plans in them.

John

 

Excelent idea John. I'll check out Amazon and see what they've got.

 

I just checked out that site and they have some reall amazing kits. The detail this guy puts into his models are really museum quality. There's a sawmill in there that's absolutely perfect for what I have in mind. Unfortunately, if I dropped that kind of coin on a model the wife will find a way for me to live in it.

These are fantastic kits(structures) but a bit too pricey for me. However, I saw some detail stuff in there that's not too bad. Had to add that site to the fav's list for the future.

There's also a section in this site that has some tutorials, if anyone cares to check them out. www.sierrawestscalemodels.com You can find them in the 'clinics' section.

 

This has turned into a nice topic, Lorne.

Are you thinking of making a sawmill the centerpiece of your layout? Some of the photos I've seen have huge sprawling sawmill operations.

You could possibly add another company nearby to take some of the sawmill output and turn it into some "value added" product, such as a furniture manufacturer - thus placing additional switching operations near or down the line from the mill.

 

That's a good question, Jim. I haven't decided yet. My budget might make the decision for me though. I found a sawmill I really like but I can't afford to drop $450 on it. Might have to find another way to get it. There's a saying: necesity creates invention. Or something along those lines. I've always wanted to try scratchbuilding so I might make a few smaller, easier buildings to get the feel for it then tackle the bigger mill. Those sprawling mills always have several buildings involved anyways, so ya never know, this mighht be the way to go.

Has anyone got experience with scracth building something like this?

Jim, you have a pretty good idea there. Make a sawmill the main focus and have a group of smaller industries that depend on the mill for lumber, like the railroad (ties), a smaller lumber yard in town for the main distributor, furniture manufacturer, residential construction (my bread and butter). Good idea, Jim.

I can keep that yard we've all been working on (lol) and put it off to the side and just not use it as the main focal point. Wow, now you've got my brain in high gear again.

 

If you start small, say a shed for a yard or such, and work up slowly then you will find it enjoyable especially as your skills improve.
One thing I found about scratch building a really detailed piece is to not look at the cost. I can't afford the cost of some things right off the bat, however, spread it out over a year and it becomes manageable.

Just my thoughts anyhow.
Hope it helps.

 

Good point, Stephen.