Dogs 'n' logs: Starting up an antique sawmill

Enlarge Image Image Gallery A lever moves the dog down into the log after the log is set in position.

On a sawmill, "dogs" atop the head blocks are used to hold the log in place while sawing. Farquhar mills have a unique dog system. While most other mills of the era feature Knight dogs with weighted levers holding the log, the Farquhar dogs have easier-to-manage, adjustable levers.

"These have far more holding power than what's delivered by the weight assembly on the Knight dogs," Dave says. "These dogs are not as fast as the very common 'gear dog,' but when you have people who are not used to using them, this type of dog is a lot easier. I like the Farquhar dog: You can release it when you are sawing a big log a lot more easily."

The first step in sawing is to place a log on the mill's carriage (often using a tractor with a front-end loader). Then, adjust the head blocks to match the length of the log. If the log has a split, correct positioning is important to minimize the number of boards affected.

Next, set the taper (or position a block behind the log on one end) to get the log in the proper position. Saw until there is a good flat on the log (if the log is too large, saw in as far as possible until the saw no longer protrudes from the top). Then turn the log back, away from the saw 15-20 degrees, allowing the blade to cut farther in. (There is some waste with large logs in that method.)

Finally, turn the sawed portion down on the carriage, enabling the saw to extend yet farther in. "The main thing to remember is that you don't want to keep going past the center of the log until you are ready to finish," Dave cautions. "If you do, the lumber may warp after it is cut."