Biggest Swingblade Portable Mill for Sawmilling Tasks
Peterson Sawmills, a pioneer in portable sawmill technology since 1989, proudly announces the launch of its most advanced industrial sawmills to date: the ASM (automated) and WPF (manual) models, featuring the world’s largest 12 ½” (318mm) cut capacity with an ultra-thin kerf blade.
Owned and operated by Kerris (nee Peterson) and Chris Browne, Peterson Sawmills continues its tradition of innovation and rugged reliability.
“Because Chris is himself a sawmiller, every decision is driven by what works best in the field,” says Kerris, CEO Peterson Portable Sawmills.
After being designed and built in Rotorua New Zealand, the larger cut capacity frame underwent eight months of real world production and field testing. Experienced sawyer Kelvin Williams from Te Pahu, put over 240 hours on the clock and provided extensive feedback. “It’s a privilege to be part of the development, and the first to try it out,” says Kelvin, “After asking for a long time, it finally got here”. Kelvin builds bespoke homes and often needs a wider cut for key elements such as stairs. He says “Nothing has really changed in terms of accuracy, and in fact it’s got better. And bigger is better”. Watch Kelvin’s full evaluation on YouTube.
“Every new design element, is focused on operator experience, safety, and efficiency,” explains Chris. “The 12½-inch cut capacity marks a leap forward, opening up new possibilities for industrial-scale sawyers without compromising the ease-of-use and portability Peterson is known for.”
Key features of the 12 ½” models include:
• Maximum cut capacity: 318mm x 318mm (12½” x 12½”) in a single pass
• Double cut capability: 295mm x 630mm (11½” x 24½”)
• Smallest kerf on a 12 ½” blade: just over ¼ inch for maximum yield
• Fixed-track and frame to prevent sway and bounce
• Unlimited track lengths, without loss of functionality
• Double strut system for ease and safety of pivot
• Magnetic sizing system, hydraulic drive, pivot warning light (ASM)
• Upgraded rollers and frame reinforcing (WPF)
• Extensive in-field testing and robust NZ-made build quality
• CE international safety certification, independently assessed
Watch our full launch demo videos and discover what the new Peterson models can do for you.
Watch our user review videos below.
“This isn’t just a bigger sawmill – it’s a new standard for commercial sawmilling. We built it because our customers asked, and we’ve tested it in the field to prove it,” says Kerris.
Petersons are taking orders now. Get the specs, options and prices – https://petersonsawmills.com/contact-peterson-sawmills/
DETAILED FEATURES ON THE NEW 12 ½” MODELS – 2025
Oversize 12 ½” (318mm) cut – WPF and ASM
We have released an oversized 12 1/2” cut, so there is ample allowance for drying shrinkage or planing and moulding. The saws can cut 12 ½” deep x 12 ½” wide (318mm x 318mm), or 11 ½”x 24 ½” (295mm x 630mm) by double cutting, ie using both sides of the horizontal blade. The frames can still saw a decent sized log up to 4’7” (1.4m) diameter.
After months of field testing, we have established that less friction is apparent with reducing the shoulders behind each tooth. We have also reduced the size of the gullets to produce a smoother sawing effort and better finish on the board. Petersons have retained their proven plate thickness and side clearance tolerances, maintaining a thin kerf of just over ¼” or 6.8mm.
To support the slightly longer shaft and heavier blade, we have incorporated a secondary plate and installed a second mount bearing, to ensure there is extra support as close to the collar as possible. This eliminates vibration and protects the gearbox bearings for longer life.
We have installed double gas struts for two very key reasons; a) to reduce effort required by the operator or pivot mechanism during the pivot process for a heavier blade, and b) to steady and control the speed of pivot, and prevent gyroscopic forces from affecting the blade. There is of course also the safety factor in controlling the pivot speed of such a large blade.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) – on 37hp & 40hp Vanguard engines, WPF and ASM
The new ETC is the same lever pushed by the operator initially, but it now sends an electronic signal to the throttle instead, and controls the rpm internally for smoother acceleration, better fuel economy, and less engine wear. It automatically adapts to increased load in harder timbers, and adds more throttle when required to keep the saw powering through.
Larger Track Rollers – WPF
As the manual Winch Production Frame is slightly heavier now, we have swapped out the standard WPF rollers for the larger ASM track rollers – just makes it that little bit easier for the operator to push the manual mill.
Another ASM steal; we have swapped out the standard WPF white sliding pads at the rear of the unit, to rollers that move along a rail, similar to the ASM. Again, this makes the manual sideways sizing of a slightly heavier unit, even easier.
Frame Reinforcing – WPF
Since the WPF frame is now slightly deeper to take the larger blade, we have added extra reinforcing to the ends to ensure it is still nice and rigid – the stainless end frames now have an extra diagonal, similar to the ASM. You won’t find any sway or bounce issues in these proven frames.
We have upgraded the friction sizing mechanism to a more positive magnetic sizing system. It is much faster and more accurate, with less chance of slippage or adjustments required – magnets are extremely reliable in all weather conditions.
Pivot Warning Light – ASM
The ASM now has a bright pivot warning light, letting the operator know that the blade is still in the pivot process, and reducing chances of entering the log too early – the light simply goes out when the blade has completed it’s pivot process and is ready to recommence sawing.
The 12 ½” models are now available in the WPF and ASM
We are taking orders for despatch at [email protected]