“With the Peterson Portable Sawmill I get more done with less effort, by myself”
He cut the railroad ties with the Peterson swingblade while he had access to the timber, and then cut posts and beams and lumber for a 30’ x 50’ and a 40’ x 60’ foot building. While these portable sawmills both feature circular swingblades, there is an apple and orange comparison here. The Peterson is clearly built for production.
Some of the differences in usage that stand out to Bill:
- Electric winch saves time and effort: “By the time I adjust my next depth of cut on the Lucas and get back to sawing position, I’m already starting to cut the second board on the Peterson swingblade”
- Push button controls are on the saw head of the Peterson sawmill
- More rigidity, particularly on full depth horizontal cuts: “Peterson sawmill is heavier built, more robust”
- Peterson sawmill is more stable, doesn’t develop “sideways chatter”
“I wish I’d bought a Peterson swingblade as my first mill”
And how does the Peterson transport?
“Although it’s heavier, it’s easier to transport because of the electric winch’s ability to raise and lower the saw head on the transport wheels. I can take it to the back of the pickup, raise it up electronically, and slide it in.” Once in the pickup, the Peterson swingblade’s own frame serves as a rack to hold the rails in transport. “I had to make a rack on the side of the pickup, similar to a ladder rack, to hold the Lucas rails.”
Demonstrating the Peterson swingblade at Mother Earth News Fair in Seven Springs, PA in September 2016 (pictured above) was enjoyable and easy according to Bill. “We were packed up and headed out before other demonstrators had loaded their mills. It was a blast!” He does have one regret… “I wish I’d bought a Peterson swingblade as my first mill”.
– Submitted by Tamara Shore
