Logs to Lumber

Our Logs to Lumber services are provided on a local basis. Transportation to and from the Woodworks shop (near Iowa City, IA) is essential to utilize our services.

Custom Sawing
Using a Woodmizer LT40HDG24 portable sawmill, logs up to 21 feet in length and 36 inches in diameter can be sawn into lumber. Lumber ranging in size from shingles to 12x12 beams can be cut using the mill. We encourage customers to be present while their logs are being sawn to ensure they get exactly what they want and to enable them to experience the joy of converting their logs into beautiful lumber.  The cost for this service is $0.25 bd. ft.  If the blade is damaged during the sawing , there is a replacement fee of $10.00.

Custom Planing
The planing operation utilizes a "1920 something" Frank J. Clements, American Number 4 1/2 planer. The expression "they don't build them like this anymore" aptly applies here. A 1950 VAC Case tractor powers this vintage machine.  The cost for planing is $0.25 bd. ft.

Custom Drying
Our drying services utilize a Northland kiln. This kiln can accept boards up to 12 feet long and dries a charge of 800 board feet each load. Drying time ranges from 4 to 30 days depending on the type of wood and whether the wood has been allowed to air dry prior to insertion into the kiln. Prices vary considerably for green versus air-dried lumber due to the time and energy consumed.  For green wood, the charge is $0.60 bd. ft.  For air dried wood, the charge is $0.25 bd. ft.