Wetzel
Mill
Replicating a Sawmill
Close examination of the late 19th century Fegley image reveals an 'up and down' sash sawmill machine, even though circular saws had long replaced the slower vertical blade system. It was decided that replicating one here was possible and that a model was close by at the Daniel Boone Homestead, where the remains of the Bertolet sawmill from Oley Valley were adapted to that site and reconstructed in 1972. Many trips to the Daniel Boone Homestead would ensue for understanding and measurements.
Daniel Boone Homestead / Bertolet sawmill details:
For our project we again had to visit Al Gouldey's sawmill to create our own posts and beams for the structure of the sawmill "machine."
Piers to support the posts were poured in the foundation space.
The posts needed to have square ends to rest on the new piers.
The second post being placed through the floor.
Connecting beam placement.
Since the installation of the sawmill support posts and beam a track for the log carriage has been added as well as guide bars for the reciprocating sash frame.
Sash guide bars on the posts.
The log carriage system runs on rails. The two sections on each side needed to be welded together
The welds after cooling needed to be ground smooth.
The track gauge proved nothing had moved during the welding and grinding process.
The next addition was the beginning of hanging of the saw sash which holds the saw blade.
Bearing blocks holding the sash to the guide bars are the next addition, followed by stirrups to attach the blade to the sash frame.
With blade stirrups fabricated, the 75 inch saw blade was loosely mounted within the sash frame.
The carriage to hold logs began to take shape with its V-groove wheels and rack and pinion system for movement power.
The log carriage & rack in place on its own wheels.
A wheel axle bolt shows behind the rack casting joint.
The pinion gears drive the rack and log carrier forward against the saw blade. Power for that comes from the "rag" wheel with its ratchet teeth. Construction of that 5 foot diameter wheel is under way.
The completed 'rag' wheel being lowered into place before connecting to the pinion
gear shaft.
In place and
connected.
The 'clockworks' for the advancement of the log carriage is in place along with the mechanism to stop the blade from hitting the tail stock of the log carriage.
PECO energized the new electrical connection to our new breaker panel in the mill buildings in early 2025.
This story will continue as it unfolds.