Your Questions, Answered
We get a lot of questions—so many, we figured we’d save you the trouble of asking and put the answers right here.
We have a Wood-Mizer LT35 Hydraulic
We provide portable sawmilling services throughout Virginia and may travel farther depending on the size of the project. Travel fees may apply for jobs outside our normal service area.
Yes. Our portable sawmilling services have a 2-hour minimum charge. This helps cover travel, setup, equipment operation, and blade wear.
In many cases, yes. Customers are typically responsible for having equipment available to move and position logs, especially larger logs. Tractors, skid steers, excavators, or forklifts are commonly used. Easy access to the logs helps the milling process move safely and efficiently.
Production depends on the size, species, condition, and quantity of logs being milled, along with the type of cuts requested. On average, portable sawmills can produce several hundred board feet per day, but every job is different. Straightforward dimensional lumber cuts are typically faster than custom slab work or specialty cuts
Fresh-cut lumber should be stacked flat using evenly spaced stickers between each layer to allow airflow. Keeping the stack level, covered from rain, and off the ground helps reduce warping and cracking while the wood dries. Proper drying takes time, but it’s one of the most important steps in producing stable, usable lumber.
For the smoothest setup, logs should be placed in an open, accessible area where our equipment can easily reach them. Keeping logs relatively straight and free from excessive mud, rocks, or metal helps protect the blades and keeps the milling process moving efficiently. If possible, stack logs with enough room around them for handling and movement.
At this time, Drifter Woodworks primarily focuses on custom sawmilling services and milling customer-owned logs. Depending on the species, size, and condition, we may occasionally be interested in purchasing specialty logs or hardwood slabs.
We can mill:
- 1x and 2x dimensional lumber
- Posts and beams
- Live-edge slabs
- Mantels
- Trailer decking
- Custom-cut lumber to your specifications
If you have a specific project in mind, we can help determine the best cuts for your logs.
Our signs are made using quality hardwoods. Wood species vary depending on the style, size, and look of the finished sign, but we often work with walnut, oak, maple, cherry, cedar, and live-edge slabs for custom projects.
Fresh-cut logs are generally the best option for milling. Logs left sitting too long can develop cracks, insect damage, staining, or rot, especially during warmer months. Milling logs sooner helps maximize lumber quality and usable yield.
You’re welcome to watch and be involved during the milling process if you’d like. Many customers enjoy seeing their logs transformed into usable lumber and learning more about the sawmilling process. For safety reasons, only adults are permitted near the sawmill while it is in operation. Children and animals must be kept a safe distance away from the work area at all times, and everyone on site must follow all safety instructions while the mill is running.
Our mill can handle logs up to 32 inches in diameter and 21 feet in length. We can cut dimensional lumber, beams, posts, and live-edge slabs depending on the size and condition of the logs.
Yes. We regularly mill hardwoods such as oak, walnut, maple, cherry, and poplar, along with softwoods like pine and cedar.
Every job is different depending on the size and number of logs, desired lumber sizes, and site accessibility. Smaller jobs may only take a couple of hours, while larger projects can take a full day or more.