3 Cold Weather Challenges for Sawyers

Fall is in full swing which means cold weather is either here, or on the way, for many parts of the country. For sawyers who experience these colder temperatures, the weather poses certain challenges for their sawmill. Here are 3 of those cold weather challenges and helpful tips for overcoming them.

1. Frozen Logs

Just because logs freeze, doesn’t mean they can’t be sawed! Certain species of logs mill much more difficult when frozen, but it can still be done. The key is to use a blade with a less aggressive hook angle. This helps to maintain consistent sawing when milling frozen logs. Many sawyers use a 4-degree hook angle. Some sawblade manufacturers, however, recommend an 8-degree hook angle.

Sawyers may need to consider trying different blades in terms of hook angle in order to maintain consistent sawing. Along with a less aggressive hook angle, a sawblade with a narrower band width will do a better job of cleaning out the frozen sawdust.

Other tips to keep in mind when sawing frozen logs:

• Run the blade about half as long.

• Increase the feed rate in order to decrease the amount of sawdust in the cut.

• Check the blade guides on a regular basis and make sure they are not tilted up or down.

• Make sure the blade guide arm stays tight.

• Use a higher blade tension.

Remember that some logs may only be frozen on the outside and not toward the heart. These partially frozen logs can be especially challenging, and may need to be monitored more closely, which is why they need to be cut at a slower feed speed.

2. Sawdust Freezes to Blade

During warmer weather, sawyers use all kinds of things to clean and lubricate their blades. Many sawyers mix water with Pine-sol, dawn dish soap, windshield washer fluid, laundry detergent, or vegetable oil. However, in cold weather when sawdust heats up, it can actually refreeze onto the blade. For this reason, it’s a good idea to add antifreeze to the water.

It’s not uncommon for sawyers to lubricate their blades with diesel fuel in the winter. Other options include turpentine, a 50/50 ratio of chainsaw bar oil and diesel fuel. Some sawyers prefer to stay away from diesel fuel since it poses a fire hazard. Many sawyers have good luck mixing water with -20 degree F. windshield washer fluid.

3. Equipment Gets Cold

If the sawmill is outside and exposed to the elements, sawyers should use a tarp to cover the sawhead when it’s not in use. Using a space heater can also come in handy when starting up the sawmill on really cold days.

Other tips for cold days include:

• Put a block heater or magnet heater on the oil pan.

• Use arctic grade hydraulic oil, which will keep the machine from running too slow.

• Store the sawmill in a shop or out of the elements as much as possible when not in use.

On really cold days, sawyers might be tempted to mill indoors. If the sawmill has a combustion driven motor, the shop would need to have a proper ventilation system. If the sawmill is electric, caution would also be necessary as sawdust can build up around the electrical components, which increases the risk of fire.

What are some cold weather challenges you have faced with your sawmill? How have you overcome those challenges? Be sure to let us know in the comments on our Facebook page!