The Shootout results have been no less spectacular than his performances with the axe.
In 2003, at his first sawmill shootout, David operated a Model 8-27 Lucas Mill and won outright for production with 922 BF/HR (424BF = 1m3) and zero "miss-cuts" (i.e. boards rejected for size inaccuracy or wane).
Recovery was right up with the bandsaws at 1.06 LRF (log recovery factor). In the USA, a theoretical recovery factor of 1.00 is based on the maximum recovery from a log, based on 1 inch thick boards and inch kerf.
The official results were published in Sawmill and Woodlot Magazine (official hosts of the sawmill shootouts) for the last 4 shootouts, held every second year (in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009). Along with the results you can read the rules and guidelines for the events.
Of the swing-blade mills present, Lucas Mill and Peterson WPF, the Lucas Mill has come out well in front at every event for the 4 most important factors: production, recovery, accuracy and price.
If you are considering buying a swing-blade sawmill, these are the first factors you need to consider, and the results speak for themselves.
