Inside the Michigan Flywheelers Museum belt driven sawmill.

Here is an inside look at what it takes to run our sawmill. It can be powered by a steam engine with a belt, a gas or diesel tractor with a belt, or a stationary diesel engine with a PTO shaft. This video takes you through the entire process of belting up a tractor, loading the logs and how we turn a log in to lumber.

A John Deere 830 powers the mill in the video, but is not limited to this tractor. A Nickels and Shepard steam traction engine, along with a Case 50, 65 and an 80 have run it also. From time to time you'll find it powered by a Rumley Oil pull, or the stationary Lister engine. With hopes to have the stationary Corless steam engine from Joe Clark's mill running it soon.

The mill has a 54" blade with high speed steel cutting tips. It can handle a 34" diameter log, and cut up to 16 feet in length. It is operational during the events of the Michigan Flywheelers Museum. The lumber that is produced is used for siding on the buildings. Some lumber has even been donated to local schools for use in their wood shop!

In the video you will find information about the process of running the mill.

The Michigan Flywheelers Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization of volunteers dedicated to the restoration and preservation of antique gas/steam engines and tractors. Located on close to 80 acres, the museum features displays of old farm machinery, a sawmill and shingle mill along with “Olde Town” – a 1920s era community filled with businesses like Over The Forge blacksmith shop, Abbert & Sons Farm Machinery Repair and Old Tyme Jail.

www.michiganflywheelers.org

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