PRESTI and the Vintage Sawmill

About the Engine...

2010-02-09T21:27:00.000-08:00

Well that is an old International Harvester what was called a Power Unit. Actually, I think it was just a tractor without the tractor.. ie just the power plant...

It starts on Gas and then is switched to diesel. Puts out about 75 HP and I have just recently purchased the service manuals so I am now slightly more advanced than the last few years where I was starting this puppy by complete feel. Does have 12V electric start, it is loud, but that is because, there is no muffler.

Then again, I am a mechanical engineer so give me fuel, air and a spark and I can make it run!!!

BTW, I the oil has not been changed in say, probably 15 years easily. And this baby has ran without modification since probably the 60's. Best I can tell so far this is a 1953 or so model year. Model is actually the UD14A. I'll post more info later. But if you are still interested leave a little feedback and follow so I can keep you updated.

What we are starting with.....

2010-02-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

OK so this is where we start. I dug this out of a field in rural Fauquier County Virginia. The original mill was active for over 50 years from the 1940's to the later part of the 20th century. We dug it out, and started it up and with the help of the property owner, kicked a little life into her. Now to relocate, rebuilt, reset, restart, and saw.... saw... saw...

Actually before we get too far along let me set a few groundrules.... for this blog I am working off the top of my head.. so while everything I say is intended to be spot-on accurate - it is safe to say that I will do my best but on occasion probably a little follow-up is needed. Remember, this is a hobby ..... so we don't give this the care we do with our clients..... But if you post a response, as a thankyou for checking in I will try to get you an answer...

Ok, more photos soon. ..... M

ABOUT ME!!

2010-02-09T20:20:00.000-08:00

Hello, I'm Mike. Also, known as PRESTI.

It could be argued that I am a throwback to the industrial age.... Well, not really.. I am President of Presti & Company, Inc. a multifaceted Consulting Engineering Firm located in Washington, DC. You can visit and learn more about my company at http://www.presti.com/. Anyway, I love all kinds of hardwoods- Oak, Cherry, Maple, Poplar, and others... the bueaty, the warmth, the hygroscopic properties. Just a liking for the old oak paneled library. I also like creating things from nothing with little waste. So that's why - I, and maybe you too, are embarking on the reconstruction of the 1940's vintage Frick Sawmill. And besides, the science and the skills of a Sawyer are much more complicated than is recognized, and then the science of hygroscopy, well, very little is understood and hence some of the real benefits of indoor comfort, passive humidity control are seldom recognized. Here we go, lets see how it goes....