I plan to build a small “Gyppo” saw mill next to my pond in 1:20.3 scale. Has anyone had any experience with Western Scale Models double circular saw kit. I will be constructing the building but need the basic mechanicals that a small independent (Gyppo) would need to produce rough lumber.
Dan,
I have not built the double head rig kit but have built and used many kits and parts from Bill over the years and have found that the quality and accuracy have always been exceptional.
A couple of observations.
Bill no longer owns the kit production business it was sold last year. I have no reason to believe that the quality has suffered as the same molds etc are probably being used. I do not know anything about customer service now, it was always above and beyond in the past.
A small “gyppo” mill that would use a rig like this would probably be lucky to run two car loads of logs a day and output maybe one flat of sawn lumber running a full crew and long days.
Looking at the kit it looks to me like the saw teeth are very over-sized but maybe that’s just perspective.
For some insight on just how this type equipment works and how it may be laid out in the structure take a look at a couple of our videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M57eCpaJuX4&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_wdRkxT7GI
There are about a dozen of these made over 2-3 years and they all come together in this final 30 min
version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGuR3WN8PCs&feature=youtu.be
Great project, keep us posted.
Rick
Rick,
Thanks for the info and the great videos, very helpful. I have past experience having worked for Louisiana Pacific and Boise Cascade at the Fort Bragg Redwood and Plywood mill in the early 70’s. We were no Gyppo mill both mills covered the entire West side of Fort Bragg. Got my “feet wet” (literally) starting out as a pond man sorting Fir Logs from the Redwood logs. Fir went to the Plywood side of the pond and Redwood to the other side . Ended up as a Utility Millwright before moving back to the SF Bay Area. Both Mills are now gone .
Dan,
A noble mill site (company) indeed, had it’s roots clear back in the 1880’s as Fort Bragg Redwood Company/Union Lumber Company.
“Pond Monkey” a dangerous job for sure. Had an Uncle that lost his life working that job at I believe “California Barrel” in Arcata back in the 40’s.
Back in the day “Millwright” was a pretty good paying job, right up there with saw filers.
Good luck on you project
Rick