Build Your Own Bandsaw Using Salvaged Parts

2011 - Volume #BFS, Issue #11, Page #94

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Bill Reeks is at it again. He recently sent us photos of his new all-electric Thriftwood bandsaw that puts out no fumes - so it can be used indoors - and starts with the flip of a switch. It’s the third in a line of Reeks-designed sawmills that have been duplicated by thousands of do-it-yourselfs all over North America and in 13 countries around the world.
  Reeks built his first sawmill in 1994 for less than $100, using recycled materials and a salvaged engine. Since FARM SHOW first featured that sawmill in 1995, he’s sent out more than 10,000 packets of information to interested sawmillers and figures that more than half of those went on to build their own mills.
  Bill is “notorious” for his ultra-personal customer service. His “packets” of information contain hundreds of photos and detailed information. And Bill is always available to help anyone who “gets stuck” along the way.
  He offers separate packets of information on each of his three sawmills.
  1. Lum-BR-Jak - Reeks first sawmill. He built it in 1994 for $94 using junk parts, including 24 1/2-in. dia. tires. It’ll saw logs up to 30 in. dia. Some people still prefer this mill because of its simplicity. A packet of information with 3 books and more than 120 pages of instructions and a complete parts list is available for $54 (in Canada, send $58 U.S. money order only).
  2. Yellow-Jak-It - In 1998 Reeks wanted a lighter mill with more mobility and he wanted to be able to saw logs up to 36 in. dia. So he used 13-in. “donut” spare tires and wheels. A packet of information with 79 color photos, a 52-page instruction booklet, and a fold-out blueprint is available for $54 (in Canada, send $58 U.S. money order only).
  3. Thriftwood - Reeks designed this mill in 2010 to run on single-phase 220-volt power. It saws logs up to 24 to 26 in. dia. and comes with 200 pages of detailed instructions and parts information in a packet that is available for $54 (in Canada, send $58 U.S. money order only).
  Reeks notes that most guys end up customizing the plans to fit whatever equipment they have on hand. For example, one sawmill builder recently modified the Yellow-Jak-It plans to cut logs up to 55 in. dia.
  For a 20-plus page introductory packet that explains the basics of Reeks three bandsaw mills, send $3.50 (In Canada, send $4.50 US money order only). “I’m not in this for the money,” says Reeks who just turned 82 years old. “Anyone is welcome to stop by my place and take pictures and measurements of my mills and I’ll gladly help them get started.”
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Bill Reeks Sawmills, 7104 U.S. Hwy 231 S, Cromwell, Ky. 42333.

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Build Your Own Bandsaw Using Salvaged Parts WOODLOT EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous Bill Reeks is at it again He recently sent us photos of his new all-electric Thriftwood bandsaw that puts out no fumes - so it can be used indoors - and starts with the flip of a switch It’s the third in a line of Reeks-designed sawmills that have been duplicated by thousands of do-it-yourselfs all over North America and in 13 countries around the world Reeks built his first sawmill in 1994 for less than $100 using recycled materials and a salvaged engine Since FARM SHOW first featured that sawmill in 1995 he’s sent out more than 10 000 packets of information to interested sawmillers and figures that more than half of those went on to build their own mills Bill is “notorious” for his ultra-personal customer service His “packets” of information contain hundreds of photos and detailed information And Bill is always available to help anyone who “gets stuck” along the way He offers separate packets of information on each of his three sawmills 1 Lum-BR-Jak - Reeks first sawmill He built it in 1994 for $94 using junk parts including 24 1/2-in dia tires It’ll saw logs up to 30 in dia Some people still prefer this mill because of its simplicity A packet of information with 3 books and more than 120 pages of instructions and a complete parts list is available for $54 in Canada send $58 U S money order only 2 Yellow-Jak-It - In 1998 Reeks wanted a lighter mill with more mobility and he wanted to be able to saw logs up to 36 in dia So he used 13-in “donut” spare tires and wheels A packet of information with 79 color photos a 52-page instruction booklet and a fold-out blueprint is available for $54 in Canada send $58 U S money order only 3 Thriftwood - Reeks designed this mill in 2010 to run on single-phase 220-volt power It saws logs up to 24 to 26 in dia and comes with 200 pages of detailed instructions and parts information in a packet that is available for $54 in Canada send $58 U S money order only Reeks notes that most guys end up customizing the plans to fit whatever equipment they have on hand For example one sawmill builder recently modified the Yellow-Jak-It plans to cut logs up to 55 in dia For a 20-plus page introductory packet that explains the basics of Reeks three bandsaw mills send $3 50 In Canada send $4 50 US money order only “I’m not in this for the money ” says Reeks who just turned 82 years old “Anyone is welcome to stop by my place and take pictures and measurements of my mills and I’ll gladly help them get started ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Bill Reeks Sawmills 7104 U S Hwy 231 S Cromwell Ky 42333

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