Put the mill’s concrete piers or treated wood posts on a strong foundation. The solid ground prevents sagging or shifting and ensures the proper coordination of the various parts of the saw. If the foundation is not solid, it will be difficult to properly align the saw, the carriage and other equipment as a result of the vibration during operation.
Pour reinforced concrete slab on the ground in case it is unstable and place posts not more than four feet apart with the footings at least 18 inches underneath the frost line. This will provide an adequate working surface for the saw, effectively ensuring there is no impediment during sawing. The concrete also ensures that the foundation will stay clean from muddy soil.
Lay the tracks securely and fasten them to the piers or posts. This provides stable paths on which the carriage travels past the saw. Circle sawmills contain a flat track located next to the saw and a V-track that directs and supports the carriage.
Put down the tracks on the same level with each other and maintain their stability. Test the stability by placing a heavy log on the track and moving it. If the tracks are not on the same level, you will notice some shifting and sagging that will cause wayward cutting of the log.
Position the carriages and align the assemblies for your sawmill to transport the log past the saw in a straight line and in constant motion. Ensure the wheel axles of the carriage are in good working order by constant lubrication and tightening to guarantee smooth movement and long life.
Clear the tracks of debris that may fall along the tracks by placing cleaners behind and in front of the wheels. The debris may cause the carriage to move slowly, thus reducing the rate of sawing in your mill. The debris is dangerous to anyone working in the mill as it may fall off the tracks or cause a log to fall.
Level and tighten the guide pins and collars of the saw to achieve a high degree of efficiency of the saw. This will ensure that you will cut the logs to their precise measurements as the saw works steadily. Hold the saw securely on the rotating shafts using collars and lug pins to ensure accuracy when cutting.
Cool the mandrel bearings with a lubricant to avoid the resulting heating of the saw, which causes curving and erratic running.