“The Peterson is the only mill I’ve come across that cuts true and square,” says Dave. “When we need to trim the end of a large Cedar flare, the mill is excellent for using as a squaring guide. We use the frame of the mill to square up the end of the logs. Centering the log between the rails and leveling the log allows us to use a large spirit level or straight edge against the frame and draw a line around the log. When cut with a chainsaw, the log is stood on end and is perfectly vertical with no gap between the log and floor.”
“We also use the tree’s roots to make table tops; with the Peterson it’s easy to cut both sides perfectly parallel.”
Another of Summit’s novel uses for the mill, is to use it as a dado cutter. A dado (a.k.a. housing) is a slot or trench cut into the surface of a piece of machinable material, usually wood. When viewed in cross-section, a dado has three sides. A dado is cut across, or perpendicular to, the grain and is thus differentiated from a groove which is cut with, or parallel to, the grain.
“By setting the log parallel to the mill rails, we cut slots into log posts and beams which allows for framing to slip into the dado cut. This gives the effect of the framed wall melting into the log.”
Dave: “From slicing logs in half, to creating the staggering effect of log walls, to flattening floorbeams, to making entire roof systems. We are coming up with new uses for the Peterson Sawmill all the time.”
“Due to the rails and frame that hold the WPF steady, we also use it as a large skillsaw.. We have the ability to plunge the blade into and out of the log wherever we desire, this way we can fully customize each cut.”
While the Peterson Sawmill is the only mill owned by Summit Log and Timber Homes, they have hired bandsaws when they have excess work on, but Dave isn’t impressed by the timber they produce. “A bandsaw produces very wavy boards so we have to use the Peterson afterwards to plane them. If the bandsaw is dipping and diving, the thin kerf doesn’t offer any benefits at all.”
“As a log home company we have built in excess of 60 homes using the mill. We are using our Peterson all the time, it has definitely been a key component to our success”.
Dave Jardine
Summithandcrafted.com
Tel. +1-250-240-2353
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