Saw mill - Definition and Overview

This article or section should be merged with Sawmill

A saw mill is a machine used in forestry to cut trees into logs. It consists of a saw and some method of powering the saw. In earlier times, power was provided by steam, wind or water, putting the mill element in the name, though electric saw mills are now more common in industrialized countries. The term saw mill can also refer to an industry or place housing a saw mill.

Before steam and electricity, saw mills were most commonly water mills, as water could generate much greater power than wind. Proximity to running water had several advantages. Water channeled through a millrace to an overshot waterwheel generated tremendous power. Water could also transport the logs to the mill to be sawed, often over great distances. Once at the mill, frequently built over the stream or river, the water's motion could be harnessed to move logs through the sawing process.

External links

• Steam powered saw mills (http://www.steamengine.com.au/steam/sawmill/)

Example Usage of mill