Saw Mill Demonstration - February 2025

In February a small group of guild members gathered  at Eric and Annette Cairns property in  Upper Hutt to see a demonstration of their new  “Peterson” design mobile saw mill

Eric  had a number of Salina logs, (a species of Australian Eucalyptus,) available as a result of recent storm damage, and these had been prepared and moves to the mill site ready for the day. Eric gave a very useful talk on the safe way to handle  these large logs, and then using traditional timber and steel props showing how these could be safely  manhandled and aligned  on  the bed of the pit. Under Eric’s guidance, various members took turns sliding the unit up and down the guid rail, as seen in the photos, slicing the log one cut at a time.  

Over an enjoyable lunch, Eric talked over some of the issues with growing and harvesting the different tree species and wood he and Annette are growing on their property. A great day enjoyed by all with some of the cut timber being  taken away by members for projects underway or yet to start. Thanks  to Eric and Annette for giving up their time and making it such an enjoyable day.