Country Saw Mill

The other day, my friend Barry and I made a run to "Lunas Saw Mill" in Dora, Missouri. Our mutual objective was to pick up a load of rough sawn pine boards like you see in these pictures. I had admired the look the last time I was in Barry and Kim's barn, so we agreed on a day to make the trip and BOOM...the rest is history.

If you haven't been to an old fashioned small town country saw mill recently, you should consider visiting one. This particular mill is owned and operated by an old fella who, from what I could gather, runs the place from the comfort of his air-conditioned saw shack (they say you don't get old bein' a fool) while a nice young fella (about my age) named Rick runs the yard and keeps things kind of organized. I told Rick I was in the market for 1"x12"x10's, but ended up settling for 8 footer's. I asked Rick if he'd mind if I sorted through their 8' inventory so I could hand pick the boards I wanted. He was agreeable as long as I'd re-stack the culls when I was done and I was glad to do that. He was also  thoughtful enough to stack the pallets of rough sawn boards in the shade so I would only sweat half my rear-end off as I rifled through the stacks of boards. For his assistance and agreeability, I supplied him with an Andrew Jackson to add to what ever collection of legal tender he might have stashed around the greater Dora Metropolitan area. He seemed appreciative.

The next time you have a little project that requires dimensional lumber, you might consider checking out your locally owned and operated saw mill. You'll likely find some stuff you won't find at Lowe's or Home Depot, and it will cost you a whole lot less per board foot than the so called "big box" boys and girls will want for their boards (Big Bear and I paid .45 a board foot).
Rough cut from Lunas Lumber...you cain't go no better!

PS. I'll keep you posted on the ongoing barn project....