From Log to Board: The Portable Sawmilling Process

If you’ve ever walked past a stack of rough-sawn boards and wondered how a raw log becomes usable lumber, you’re not alone. Portable sawmilling is one of those trades that blends craftsmanship, engineering, and respect for the natural resource. Every board has a story — and understanding the process gives you a deeper appreciation for locally milled wood and sustainable building.

Step 1: Selecting the Right Log

The process begins long before the saw blade ever touches wood. Choosing the right log is crucial. We look for straight trunks, minimal knots, and good diameter for the desired project. Some logs are perfect for beams or slabs, while others are better suited for smaller boards or rustic projects.

Pro tip: Don’t overlook “imperfect” logs. Crooked or irregular pieces can produce beautiful, character-rich slabs with live edges.

Step 2: Site Setup and Leveling

Once the logs are selected, the next step is setting up the portable sawmill. Because the mill travels to where the logs are, every site is different—flat yards, forest edges, driveways, or fields. The key is to ensure a level and stable setup so every cut is accurate.

The mill is leveled using adjustable stands or cribbing blocks. A solid foundation ensures smooth, even boards and extends blade life.

Step 3: Preparing the Log

Before milling begins, the log is positioned on the mill bed and sometimes partially debarked. Removing dirt and bark helps protect the saw blade from dulling too quickly. It’s also the moment to visualize how the log will be broken down—deciding which face to start with and how to maximize yield.

Step 4: The First Slab Cuts (Opening the Log)

The first few passes remove the rounded outer surface of the log—called slabbing. These cuts reveal the grain and character of the wood. Depending on the job, slabs can be saved for live-edge tables, benches, or rustic shelving.

Once two flat sides are established, the log becomes a “cant,” a squared-off section of wood ready for further breakdown.

Step 5: Cutting to Dimension

With a squared cant, we can now cut boards to specific thicknesses—whether that’s 1-inch boards for paneling, 2-inch planks, or thicker slabs for furniture. Each cut requires precision, as even small inconsistencies can affect the final product.

Different cutting patterns (plain-sawn, quarter-sawn, or live-sawn) reveal unique grain patterns and stability characteristics:

• Plain-sawn: Maximizes yield, great for general-purpose boards.

• Quarter-sawn: More stable, showing striking straight grain.

• Live-sawn: A mix of both, often used in rustic furniture for a natural look.

Step 6: Stacking and Air Drying

Freshly milled lumber still contains a lot of moisture. To prevent warping or cracking, boards are stacked with small spacers called stickers between each layer, allowing air to circulate. A good rule of thumb: one year of air drying per inch of thickness in temperate climates.

When possible, boards are stored under cover and out of direct sunlight. Some projects call for kiln-drying afterward to reach precise moisture levels for indoor use.

Step 7: The Final Product

After drying, boards can be planed, sanded, and finished for their intended use. Whether it’s rustic furniture, barn siding, or fine woodworking, each board carries the unique fingerprint of its origin. No two are exactly alike—and that’s the beauty of locally milled lumber.

Why Portable Sawmilling Matters

Portable sawmilling brings sustainability and craftsmanship directly to the source. Instead of hauling logs to a distant mill (or letting them rot in place), the lumber is cut right where it grew. That means:

• Lower carbon footprint

• Reduced waste

• Preservation of unique wood character

• Empowerment for landowners and DIY builders

By keeping the process local, we honor both the tree and the land it came from.

Wrapping Up

From log to board, the portable sawmilling process is more than just cutting wood—it’s about stewardship, creativity, and connection to place. Whether you’re a landowner curious about milling your own trees or a craftsman looking for unique material, understanding this process helps you appreciate every board that comes off the mill.

Best

Jason