How to Build a Bandmill

A bandmill uses a band saw blade to cut the log.

A bandmill is a machine that cuts lumber out of logs. Similar to a sawmill with the exception of using a band saw blade instead of a circular saw blade. Most bandmills are portable so they are able to move to logging locations. Homemade bandmills are manually operated by cranking the head up and down, as well as pushing the band saw blade through the log while it cuts. You must have fabrication, mechanical and welding skills to build a bandmill.

Things You'll Need

• Gantry and hoist
• Slings
• Headrig kit
• 2 sections 18-foot box tubing, 3-by-3-by-1/4 inch
• 10 sections 42-inch box tubing, 3-by-3-by-1/4 inch
• 2 18-foot angle irons, 2-by-2-by-3/8 inch
• Spindle with wheels and tires
• 4 trailer jacks
• Trailer hitch
• Caster wheels
• Bolts
• Nuts
• Washers
• Welder
• Drill press
• Hand drill
• Drill bits
• Tape measure
• Ratchet and socket set

Instructions

Frame

1. Weld the frame of the bandmill together using the two 18-foot sections of box tubing for the length and six of the 42-inch box tubing as the width braces. Space the width braces evenly. Weld two more of the 42-inch box tubing in a "V" shape and attach to the front of the frame. Weld the hitch on the end of the "V" part of the frame.

2. Turn over the frame and mount the assembly of spindle, wheels and tires to one end of the frame by drilling holes through the box tubing and bolting it in place. Turn the frame back over, where it is resting on the wheels. Raise the opposite end of the frame and weld two trailer jacks to either side of the frame. Space the trailer jack evenly apart.

3. Set one piece of 18-foot angle iron on top of either side of the frame, running the length of the box tubing. Weld the angle iron in place to use as the rails for the head rig.

Headrig

1. Assemble the frame of the headrig by bolting it together. Bolt the caster wheels to the bottom of the head-rig frame. Mount the headrig on the raising and lowering screw rods located on either side of the headrig frame. Attach the hand crank and chain assembly that came with the headrig kit.

2. Mount the motor and gearbox on the headrig frame by sliding it on the raising and lower rods. Test the raising and lowering screw rods by hand cranking the motor and gearbox up and down the rods. Slide the band saw assembly on the end of the gearbox. Bolt the band saw assembly in place. Raise and lower the motor, gearbox and band saw assembly with the hand crank to ensure it moves smoothly.

3. Move the gantry and hoist over the headrig and connect slings to the assembly. Lift the headrig assembly and roll the gantry over the frame of the band mill. Lower the headrig assembly on the rails of the frame, placing the caster wheels inside the angle iron rails. Push the head rig the length of the bandmill frame to ensure it moves up and down the rails smoothly.

Tips & Warnings

• The headrig kit comes complete with frame, raising and lowering screw rods, hand crank, gearbox, motor and band saw assembly.

• Ensure the raising and lowering screw rods stay lubricated with gear grease.

• Place the angle iron rails in opposite directions on either side to ensure the caster wheels do not slide off.

• Take caution when operating the bandmill because the blade can cut skin, muscle and bone easily.

• Wear gloves, steel-toed shoes and goggles when operating the bandmill.

References

• Woodweb: Home Built Bandsaw Mill
• Sawmill Plans: Bandmill Carriage