2024 Homesteader of America Conference- Front Royal VA
Homesteader Of America Conference – Oct 11-12, 2024
October 11-12 2024
Warren County Fairgrounds
26 Fairground Road Front Royal, VA 22630
Hud-Son Forest Equipment is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming Homesteaders of America Conference 2024. This event promises to be a must attend event for current and future homesteaders. Come fellowship with other homesteaders, learn new techniques, listen to guest speaker, and see live demos of products tailored for homesteading!
Hud-Son’s will be showcased at the Homesteader of America Event!
Come and put your hands on several pieces of the Hud-Son line, be able to try out our products and see the results and just how simple and well built the Hud-Son Sawmill are. Live demos all day. Come make some sawdust and new friends!
How to Properly Tension a Sawmill Blade Using a Tension Gauge
When it comes to sawmilling, blade tension is key to ensuring smooth and accurate cuts. Proper tensioning helps your blade maintain longevity while improving the precision of your milling. We’ll walk you through using a tension gauge to achieve optimal blade tension, ensuring your sawmill operates at peak performance. Each of the Hud-Son sawmill we have used this method to give you the proper torque recommendation for your mill. Most Hud-Son mills 36″ and smaller blades should be torqued between 30 and 35ft/lbs.
Why Blade Tension Matters
Blade tension determines how much the blade stretches under pressure, which directly impacts its ability to cut effectively. When the blade is too loose, it can wander or produce uneven cuts. If it’s too tight, it risks damaging the blade or the mill. Using a torque wrench to the recommended ft/lbs takes the guesswork out of the process, ensuring your blade is always perfectly adjusted.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I check blade tension?
You should check blade tension before every use to ensure optimal cutting conditions. Adjustments may be necessary as the blade heats up or after extended milling sessions. Be sure to back the tension back down at the end of the day.
2. What happens if my blade is to tight?
Blades can be over-tensioned. While a slight over-tension might correct itself once the mill is running, continuously running the blade at this tension can lead to unnecessary wear or breakage.
3. Is the tension the same on different sawmills?
No, most sawmills are 30 to 35ft/lbs, but the recommended tension range may vary. Always refer to the mill’s specifications for proper tension levels.
By using a torque wrench to your mill specifications, you can ensure your sawmill operates efficiently, helping you achieve accurate, clean cuts every time..
Hud-Son Brute Jr: A Compact, Powerful Firewood Processor for Your Needs
The Hud-Son Brute Jr is a compact yet powerful firewood processor designed to meet the demands of those looking for efficiency and convenience. It comes with the same high-quality setup as the Badger, including the same engine, pump, and electric clutch, ensuring durability and performance. Whether you need a machine for small-scale logging or to make firewood processing easier on your property, the Brute Jr provides flexibility with its unique design and features.
The Brute Jr has a versatile table that can be set up for easy log loading and rolling. One standout feature is its ability to function both as a table for logs and as a self-loader, making it easy to handle logs on your own. The legs can fold up, allowing you to convert the deck into a self-loading system, reducing the need for extra equipment or manpower. With the 2-way and 4-way wedges (and an optional 6-way wedge), you can adjust the machine to your needs, processing logs efficiently and to your desired length.
Overall, the Hud-Son Brute Jr is built for users looking for a dependable, compact firewood processor with the flexibility to streamline their firewood production.
3 Key Tips for Success
Optimize Your Wedge Selection Start with the standard 2-way or 4-way wedge, depending on the size and type of wood you’re processing. If you’re handling larger logs, consider upgrading to the optional 6-way wedge for increased efficiency and faster processing times.
Master the Self-Loading Feature Take advantage of the Brute Jr’s ability to fold up its legs and convert into a self-loading unit. This feature allows for solo operation, saving you both time and effort in loading logs onto the deck.
Use the Adjustable Measuring System The adjustable measuring system ensures that you can cut logs to the perfect length. Customize the cut lengths according to your project needs, whether you’re producing firewood for sale or personal use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main difference between the Brute Jr and the Badger?
The Brute Jr and the Badger share the same engine, pump, and electric clutch setup, but the Brute Jr is designed with a versatile deck that allows for self-loading. This added feature makes it a more compact and flexible option for users who want to handle log processing with ease.
2: Can the Brute Jr handle large logs?
Yes! It comes with a 2-way and 4-way wedge as standard, but for bigger jobs, you can opt for the 6-way wedge to increase efficiency and cut through larger logs faster.
3: How does the self-loading feature work?
The Brute Jr’s deck can fold down and act as a log loader. After folding the legs up, you can lower the deck to the ground, making it easy to load logs onto the machine without needing extra equipment like a forklift.
Owning a sawmill can be an excellent way to save money and even generate profit. One of the primary benefits is the ability to handle small projects around your home or farm. Whether it’s building a barn from rough-cut lumber or crafting furniture, the cost savings are significant compared to purchasing pre-made materials. A Hud-Son sawmill is a great investment, especially if you have access to timber. The low initial cost and the high value of the lumber you can produce make it easy to recoup your investment.
Take, for example, the Hud-Son Homesteader HFE-21 Series Sawmill, an entry-level mill designed for small farms and homesteads. This mill handles 21-inch diameter logs and can be easily expanded by adding more track sections. Whether you’re working with hardwood or softwood, this sawmill is perfect for hobbyists or those looking to start a small lumber business.
Hud-Son also offers additional accessories like the vertical slicer, which is perfect for creating smooth, accurate cuts for tabletops, wedding décor, and other artistic woodworking projects. This flexibility allows you to grow your business as your production needs increase, making it easier to scale your operations.
3 Key Tips for Success
Start with Small Projects: Begin with simple, cost-saving projects like building sheds or furniture. This will help you understand the sawmill’s operation and prove its value quickly.
Invest in Accessories for Growth: Consider adding accessories like a vertical slicer to diversify the types of wood products you can offer. This will open new avenues for revenue, such as selling to artists or crafters.
Expand as Needed: The Homesteader Series is highly customizable, so as your business grows, you can easily extend your sawmill’s track to accommodate larger logs and higher production volumes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make money with a sawmill?
Yes! By producing your own lumber, you can save thousands on building projects and sell any excess. Small businesses, woodworking artists, and even furniture makers often seek quality, locally sourced lumber.
2: What’s the best Hud-Son sawmill for beginners?
The Homesteader Series is a great entry-level option. It’s affordable, easy to use, and customizable, making it perfect for small farms and hobbyists looking to get started.
3: Do I need a lot of land to make sawmilling profitable?
Not necessarily. Even if you don’t have your own timber, buying saw logs is an affordable option. A small investment in logs can yield significant returns when turned into finished lumber.
For more information on how to get started, contact us to find the perfect mill for your needs.
Watch as we take on a massive tree using a small tractor and a powerful hydraulic winch from Uniforest! Learn the tips and tricks for safely cutting, chokering, and pulling out heavy logs without damaging your equipment or the woods. Discover the secrets to winching as it bites into the ground, lifting the front of the tractor, but we can still move that monster tree.
We’re making the hitch like we would in the woods to basically cut and pull out the butt log and pull the top out for firewood.
I guess around here they don’t leave nothing laying in the woods correct, Brian?
So, we’re going to put our chokers on while it’s up in the air that’s going to go on that end.
Slide this other choker up here. The second one cut down about a here. I’ll cut her about a third down here.
Then come from the bottom. Need more? Nope, we’re good.
Okay, we’re choker in this. First, just so we don’t have to fight getting the choker chain under the log after we’ve cut it.
If it falls down get your cable out of the way right here. We’re going to make our cut at 12T be a 12T butt log out of this tree which should make a nice one.
So Brian’s going to slice down a third and do an undercut so that tree is probably going to want to roll this way as you’re making that cut.
So you want to when you make your cut bring yourself up on this side first. Then let that side finish through.
Okay, cuz she’ll probably want to roll on you.
You’ll see it but feel it ok?
So now that we’ve got it cut off now we’re going to snatch that tree right out.
The whole thing with just that little horsepower tractor.
The tractor probably don’t have enough power to pull a whole tree but that winch does!!
Put the bucket down now. If you notice that winch is dropping right into the dirt.
So we’re feathering it right now with the with the hydraulic winch.
The tractor ain’t got enough power, so I have to feather it.
See how that winch is biting right in?
Look at that front end of the tractor come up now. That top is extremely heavy in this. Fighting in like a plow with them.
Broken limbs with it now Joe. There you go. It’s all yours. It’s all yours. Take it up the hill.
You should still run with it now. It ain’t going to do it. No it ain’t going to do it but we can see a good shot of how that went.
Holding that little tractor with the remote you can release the cable and drive up.
Do it again. Do it again.
We’ll drop that. We pull that other log up go ahead.
John, way to!!
Good you want it? You just grab that hust and go a lot easier.
Yes sir this one in second. So it’s on top there. You go.
I’m showing right here the little damage that that winch did just pulling in that huge log.
You seen it pull right in but you can fix this so easy.
Just stomp it down and you don’t have a big rut in your in your woods or your metal.
So it’s really effective to curve on that winch.
Hud-Son Forest Equipment Uniforest skidding winches are available for ANY SIZE HP TRACTOR!!
Call our upstate NY headquarters at 800-765-7297 or check with your nearest Hud-Son Forest Equipment dealer near you!!!
The Hud-Son BladeSet: Your Sawmilling Game-Changer
When it comes to sawmilling, precision is key. The Hud-Son BladeSet is designed to improve your woodworking experience by offering automated blade height adjustments for consistently accurate cuts. This advanced system not only simplifies the milling process but also ensures that each cut is as precise as the last, saving you time and reducing waste.
The Power of the Hud-Son BladeSet Automated System
The BladeSet is a computer-automated system that takes the guesswork out of sawmilling. Whether you’re cutting dimensional lumber or custom sizes, this tool allows you to set blade heights with pinpoint accuracy, leading to uniform boards every time. The BladeSet’s features, such as the zero-out button and the go-to height function, make it easy to correct any errors and maintain consistent settings throughout your milling session.
3 Key Tips for Success
Regular Calibration is Crucial: To maintain the accuracy of your cuts, make sure to regularly calibrate your BladeSet. This process realigns the system, ensuring that the measurements stay true over time. Regular calibration is especially important if you notice your cuts are slightly off.
Use the Preset Buttons Wisely: The BladeSet comes with factory preset buttons for common board sizes, such as 1 inch and 2 inches. Familiarize yourself with these presets and use them to your advantage. If your project requires specific dimensions, you can easily customize these presets to match your needs.
Utilize the Bump-Up Feature: The bump-up button allows you to return to your last cut height quickly, making it easier to produce consistent boards without constantly checking the scale. This feature is particularly useful when you’re cutting multiple boards of the same thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Reset the BladeSet if I Lose My Settings?
If you accidentally move the mill head while the system is off, the BladeSet might lose track of its position. To reset it, bring the mill head all the way down, press and hold the zero-out button for a few seconds until you hear a beep, then re-enter the correct position.
2: Can I Customize the Preset Buttons?
Yes, you can easily change the preset buttons to match your preferred board thicknesses. Simply press and hold the preset button, enter the new dimension, and save it. This flexibility allows you to tailor the BladeSet to your specific milling needs.
3: What Should I Do If My Cuts Aren’t Accurate?
If you notice that your cuts are slightly off, it’s time to calibrate your BladeSet. The calibration function realigns the blade height settings, ensuring that your cuts are as precise as possible. It’s a quick process that can make a big difference in your results.
The Hud-Son BladeSet is more than just an accessory—it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about sawmilling. With its advanced features and user-friendly design, it’s an investment in both your efficiency and the quality of your work. For more details or to purchase the BladeSet, check out Hud-Son BladeSet.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, mastering the BladeSet will help you take your woodworking projects to the next level.
Hud-Son Forest Equipment will be attending and demonstrating Equipment at the SunBelt Ag Expo in Moultrie GA. Hud-Son will be demonstrating the Hud-Son Sawmills, Hud-Son Firewood Processors, and Uniforst Skidding winches. Factory Representatives can help answer questions and connect to your best options forestry equipment.
Hud-Son will have factory representation at the SunBelt Ag Expo to answer your questions and operate the equipment.
Meet the Local Dealer
Hud-Son Forest Equipment Factory Reps will be live demonstrating Firewood Processors, Sawmills, and Uniforest Winches. We will be dmonstating in Booth WC-9-36.
Sunbelt Ag Expo is considered one of the great farm and forestry show in the southeast. Thousands of vendor from all over the country are showing off the newest and greatest technology . Come spend the day watch in field demonstrations, meeting new leaders in the industry or just seeing old friends. There is something for everyone at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie GA. If you are interest in talking to a Hud-Son representatives call 315-896-7297
The Hud-Son BladeSet: Your Sawmilling Game-Changer
When it comes to sawmilling, precision is key. The Hud-Son BladeSet is designed to improve your woodworking experience by offering automated blade height adjustments for consistently accurate cuts. This advanced system not only simplifies the milling process but also ensures that each cut is as precise as the last, saving you time and reducing waste.
The Power of the Hud-Son BladeSet
The BladeSet is a computer-automated system that takes the guesswork out of sawmilling. Whether you’re cutting dimensional lumber or custom sizes, this tool allows you to set blade heights with pinpoint accuracy, leading to uniform boards every time. The BladeSet’s features, such as the zero-out button and the go-to height function, make it easy to correct any errors and maintain consistent settings throughout your milling session.
3 Key Tips for Success
Regular Calibration is Crucial: To maintain the accuracy of your cuts, make sure to regularly calibrate your BladeSet. This process realigns the system, ensuring that the measurements stay true over time. Regular calibration is especially important if you notice your cuts are slightly off.
Use the Preset Buttons Wisely: The BladeSet comes with factory preset buttons for common board sizes, such as 1 inch and 2 inches. Familiarize yourself with these presets and use them to your advantage. If your project requires specific dimensions, you can easily customize these presets to match your needs.
Utilize the Bump-Up Feature: The bump-up button allows you to return to your last cut height quickly, making it easier to produce consistent boards without constantly checking the scale. This feature is particularly useful when you’re cutting multiple boards of the same thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Reset the BladeSet if I Lose My Settings?
If you accidentally move the mill head while the system is off, the BladeSet might lose track of its position. To reset it, bring the mill head all the way down, press and hold the zero-out button for a few seconds until you hear a beep, then re-enter the correct position.
2: Can I Customize the Preset Buttons?
Yes, you can easily change the preset buttons to match your preferred board thicknesses. Simply press and hold the preset button, enter the new dimension, and save it. This flexibility allows you to tailor the BladeSet to your specific milling needs.
3: What Should I Do If My Cuts Aren’t Accurate?
If you notice that your cuts are slightly off, it’s time to calibrate your BladeSet. The calibration function realigns the blade height settings, ensuring that your cuts are as precise as possible. It’s a quick process that can make a big difference in your results.
The Hud-Son BladeSet is more than just an accessory—it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about sawmilling. With its advanced features and user-friendly design, it’s an investment in both your efficiency and the quality of your work. For more details or to purchase the BladeSet, check out Hud-Son BladeSet.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, mastering the BladeSet will help you take your woodworking projects to the next level.
Logging can be a challenging yet rewarding task, especially when dealing with massive trees. Whether you’re a professional or a weekend warrior, knowing the right techniques is essential for safely and efficiently managing large logs. In this post, we’ll walk you through a real-world scenario where a small tractor, a hydraulic skidding winch, and some well-honed skills were used to handle a giant tree.
Taking on a Monster Tree
We just tackled a large tree using a compact tractor paired with a powerful hydraulic winch. The goal was to cut the tree, pull out the butt log, and extract the top for firewood. Given the size of the tree and the limitations of the tractor, this was no small feat. The key to success was using a methodical approach: first, we chokered the log while it was still suspended, then carefully planned our cuts to ensure the tree wouldn’t roll uncontrollably. By using the hydraulic winch to feather the pull, we were able to safely extract the log without damaging the equipment or the surrounding environment.
3 Key Tips for Success
Plan Your Cuts Carefully: When dealing with large trees, it’s crucial to plan your cuts to control the tree’s movement. Start by cutting a third of the way through the log from the top, then make an undercut. This technique helps prevent the tree from rolling unpredictably, which can be dangerous and cause damage to your equipment.
Use a Hydraulic Winch for Heavy Loads: A hydraulic winch can make all the difference when pulling large logs. It provides the power needed to move heavy loads that a small tractor alone might struggle with. Be sure to feather the winch, especially when dealing with uneven terrain or large trees that could tip the tractor.
Choker the Log Before Cutting: Chokering the log while it’s still suspended saves you the hassle of getting the choker chain under the log after it has fallen. This step simplifies the process and ensures you’re ready to pull the log immediately after making your cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a small tractor really pull a large tree?
Yes, with the help of a hydraulic winch, a small tractor can handle surprisingly large loads. The winch provides the extra pulling power needed, allowing the tractor to move logs that would otherwise be too heavy to handle.
2: How do I prevent a tree from rolling when cutting?
To prevent a tree from rolling, make a controlled cut by first slicing a third of the way through the log from the top, then making an undercut. This method reduces the risk of the tree rolling unpredictably and helps you maintain control during the cutting process.
3: What should I do if the tractor starts to lift during a pull?
If the front of the tractor begins to lift, it’s a sign that the load is too heavy or the terrain is uneven. In this case, feather the hydraulic winch to gradually release the tension and bring the tractor back down. This technique helps maintain stability and prevents the tractor from tipping over.
Mastering the art of logging, especially with large trees, requires the right tools, techniques, and a lot of practice. By following these tips and being mindful of safety precautions, you can handle even the most challenging logging tasks with confidence and efficiency. Whether you’re pulling firewood or clearing land, the right approach will make all the difference in your success.
