Thread: Miller's Special Tools of Trade

I just have a few 2" pipes for rolling slabs off the log, cant hook, regular fencing bar and....... bob the cat :O

Ah yes, the "cat." Did you end up with a set of forks for it too?

Regards
Paul

No, no forks Paul, just a tired old 4-in-1 bucket, but for milling it is magic.

Dad and I made a project of makin forks for it one day....

The last pic is just from the other day, log was just on 0.8cube of ironbark

I dug up a picture of my tailing out assistant when looking for another pic just now. Often these conveyor belt rollers are turfed out when the bearings start to squeal, but they will still run satisfactorily at slow speed.

I used to roll the planks off the log using a short length of pipe onto my tailing out roller which then I used to put it onto a timber stack or a trailer.

Regards
Paul

That tailing out roller is a good idea paul, very simple & effective.

Your picture has got my attention. Is that a bushmill that the late John laidlaw used to manufacture & sell? Before I started building my own bandsaw I heard about the Laidlaw and was advised to try & find an old one but couldn't find any info.
Later on I've heard there still 1 or 2 around my district, unused & sitting in the back of old farm sheds. John Laidlaw built these mills at Allansford, only 20 mins drive from my place, hence my interest.

thanks,
Dean

Dean

You are correct. It is one of John Laidlaw's Bushmills and the inspiration for my forum name (contrary to what some larrikins have insinuated.)

This thread may be of interest to you:

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f132/l...g-saws-133485/

If you would like more information, please don't hesitate to ask.

Regards
Paul

Thanks paul,
I bookmarked the thread, and downloaded the photos as they are quite informative.
I'll continue to seek info about the whereabouts of other Laidlaw mills and post it in your thread.

regards,
Dean.

Dean

I have to say I have never seen another of his mills around. I don't know why as my impression is that he made quite a few. You might consider trying to contact Vivian
Laidlaw as she may be able to help.

I may have an address and telephone number if you wish, but I will have to dig it out of the archives. PM me if you can't locate her. I think they were at Allansford near Warnambool.

Good luck

Regards
Paul

This little device may be of some interest. I made it up years ago to move around some long lengths of 150mm pipe. It could easily be adapted to move around small logs. The taper of the sides grips the pipe very firmly.

I was working on concrete, but for the bush I would use at least wheel barrow size wheels (pumped up to their maximum pressure).

Clearly you won't move around a monster log, but it may give you some ideas. Throw a rope around one end and away you go. I have also used it to move sawn timber.

Regards
Paul