The concept
Peterson Portable Sawmills use a unique process where a powerhead drives atungsten-tippedcircular blade through a log, which then rotates 90 degrees to achieve both horizontal and vertical cuts, in order to free a perfectlydimensionedpiece of timber from the log. A rise and fall mechanism is mounted within a carriage which is manually pushed and pulled upon parallel tracks over a stationary log.

The first cut
To start a log, the blade unit is positioned at the top left of the log, with the blade in a horizontal position. The operator gently pushes the mill frame through the log to affect the first cut.

Carriage movement through the log requires about 10 lbs. pressure as you are letting the blade do most of the work.

A simple hand movement swings and locks the cutting unit into a vertical position, which is then pulled back down the log. Due to the originality of the design, no special locking mechanisms are required, making the whole process quick and simple – many of our customers comment on how easy it is to use in comparison to other brands!

The return cut
The operator now pulls the unit back through the log in the vertical position to complete a cut. Your dimensional board is now free for removal, and fullyedged!

Once a row of cuts across thelog facehas been completed, the entire unit is lowered to the desired depth of the next cut. This is done using a simple hand-winch, and takes about 5-10 seconds. One of its many strengths is the Peterson's ability to handle a wide variety of cuts.

These steps are repeated until you have only a thin firewood slab remaining at the bottom of the log - you have no need to move the log at any time during the whole sawing process. The concept is extremely inventive, but surprisingly simple. Running a single blade instead of two at once also means you do not need a huge motor, which reduces both overall costs and weight.

This process is explained further with diagrams in the article"Sawing with a Swingmill".

The materials
Highest quality hand-polished stainless steel and aluminium materials are used throughout all Peterson Portable Sawmills to ensure extreme portability, robust performance, and most importantly - long term durability in even the harshest conditions. Peterson's export to many of the Pacific Islands, where even the most unskilled operators are achieving astounding results.

Dimensions
All Peterson circular mills can easilydouble cutwithout having to turn the centre unit around. The following dimensions are absolute maximum’s and are not always obtainable: 6" mills can cut up to 6¼" x 6¼" (159 x 159mm), with a possible 5½" x 12¼" (140 x 311mm) board by joining two horizontal cuts. 8" mills can cut up to 8¼" x 8¼" (210 x 210mm), with double cuts up to 8" x 16½" (203 x 420mm) by joining two horizontal cuts. 10 " mills can cut up to 10¼" x 10¼" (260 x 260mm), or double cut up to 10" x 20½" (254 x 520mm).

Portability
The centre unit (the heaviest section of the Peterson mill) is easily wheeled across firm ground by a single person. The larger models, when assembled, require four people to transport the mill long distances by hand. Alternatively, the mill can be quickly broken down into smaller segments so two people can easily carry it into rough terrain.

Peterson mills are designed to be efficient when taking the mill from log to log, as well as when permanently set up at a fixed site. Setting up around a log normally requires about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, a stockpile of logs can be placed on skids and rolled into the mill one by one, or two or three at a time. The mills do not require flat ground - they can be set up on a moderate slope with undulating terrain. Disassembly and loading upon a small trailer or ute can be done in 5-10 minutes.

Power Options
For personal preference, capital availability, and production requirements, Peterson's offer alternative motor options on most models. Upgrading a motor size will give you increased power and productivity on any given model.

For intro 4-stroke models we supply a 13hp Honda motor (no clutch) with its own fuel tank. On the larger 4-stroke units a 20hp Honda motor using both electric and pull-start options is supplied, with a larger factory-built fuel tank. The upgrade to 24hp Honda motor (with electric start only) is the recommended option for those cutting commercial quantities.

We can also fit Kohler 25hp and 27hp motors to any one of our mills.

Upgrades
On the 6" and 8" 4-stroke sawmill models, the cutting heads are designed to be interchangeable, allowing later upgrades between 6" to 8", and back from 8" to 6". These 4-stroke units can also utilise a unique attachment which allows cutting oftapered boardsfor exteriorweatherboarding.Taper angle and board thickness are variable, and board width is set at the mill's cut depth capacity (6", 8" or 10").