I was back in Vancouver this summer to visit family. Part of the time my
wife and I were over on the west coast of Vancouver Island. To get there
you drive through the pulp and paper town of Port Alberni. Driving
through I saw a little sign for a sawmill museum/heritage site. Never
one to turn down the chance to see historic woodworking, we went to see
the place. Well, it's WAY more than a museum!! The Alberni valley
historical society is slowly rebuilding a 35 acre early 20th century
softwood saw mill site. The mill is back in working condition, complete
with log pond. They have rebuilt (or are rebuilding) many of the other
buildings and equipment. We had to catch a ferry, so only could stay a
couple of hours, but I did get to talk with one of the sawyers.


Here's the web site for the society: www.alberniheritage.com. Click on
the McLean Mill label. They have pictures and a few short video clips.
Be sure to note that there are two circular blades used in the
sawing--one blade is above and slightly behind the bottom blade. This
allowed them to cut some pretty big logs.

david

--

www.brndogwoodworks.com