In woodworking, precision is paramount. Every cut, every measurement, every inch (or centimeter) matters. However, what if we told you that an inch isn’t always an inch? When it comes to milling cherry and resawing oak, understanding the quirks of these woods can make a huge difference in the final outcome of your project. In this post, we’ll delve into the nuances of cherry and oak and share some tips on how to work with them effectively. So grab your tools and let’s dive in!

Why an Inch Isn’t Always an Inch: Milling Cherry and Resawing Oak

Introduction

If you’re interested in sawmilling and woodworking, you’re sure to have come across Rockhill Farm’s YouTube channel. The content creator offers an entertaining and informative daily vlog that showcases the equipment, techniques, and rural living that make up life on a family farm. In this article, we’ll be looking at one of his recent videos, where he uses the Woodland Mills HM130 Max to mill cherry and resaw oak. Along the way, we’ll explore why an inch isn’t always an inch and how paying attention to details can lead to the best results.

Setting Up the Mill

The HM130 Max is a robust and reliable sawmill that can handle logs up to 30 inches in diameter and 20 feet in length. In the video, the creator shows his father setting up the mill before they start cutting. The process involves leveling the bed, attaching the head, and installing the magnetic scales that help to judge the height and thickness of the cut.

Why an Inch Isn’t Always an Inch

One of the main takeaways from the video is that an inch isn’t always an inch when it comes to sawmilling. The creator explains that the thickness of the saw blade and the kerf (the width of the cut) can affect the final dimensions of the lumber. For instance, if you’re cutting a board that’s meant to be one inch thick, you’ll need to add an extra 1/8 inch to account for the kerf of the blade.

Milling Cherry

Once the mill is set up, the creator moves on to milling the cherry log. He explains that cherry is a valuable hardwood that’s prized for its color, grain, and workability. He uses the mill to cut the log into boards of different thicknesses, depending on their intended use. The video captures the satisfying sound of the blade cutting through the wood, and we see the boards being piled up for later use.

Resawing Oak

In the second part of the video, the creator turns his attention to resawing oak. This process involves slicing a board lengthwise into thinner planks. Resawing is a great way to stretch your lumber supply and is particularly useful for making veneers or matching grain patterns. The creator uses the HM130 Max to resaw a thick oak board into several thinner pieces, demonstrating how easy it is with the right equipment.

Overthinking and Problem-Solving

One of the enjoyable aspects of the video is the creator’s candid commentary about his thought processes. He admits to overthinking things like log stops and reveals how he solves problems as they arise. For example, when the blade starts to bind in the cut, he uses a lubricant spray to help it move more smoothly. He also recommends using the code Rockhill if you want to purchase the same lube and receive a 5% discount.

Conclusion

Watching Rockhill Farm’s video on milling cherry and resawing oak is both entertaining and educational. We learn about the HM130 Max sawmill, the properties of different woods, and the importance of paying attention to details when sawing lumber. We’re also reminded that an inch isn’t always an inch when it comes to sawmilling and that problem-solving is an essential part of the process. If you’re interested in woodworking, sawmilling or rural living, be sure to check out Rockhill Farm’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.

FAQs

1. What is sawmilling?
   Sawmilling is the process of cutting logs into lumber using a sawmill.

2. What is resawing?
   Resawing is the process of cutting a board lengthwise into thinner planks.

3. What is a kerf?
   A kerf is the width of the cut made by a saw blade.

4. What is cherry wood used for?
   Cherry wood is a valuable hardwood used for furniture making, flooring, and decorative items.

5. What is lubricant spray?
   Lubricant spray is a type of oil-based spray that helps to lubricate the saw blade and make the cutting process smoother.