Frequently Asked Questions

A portable sawmill is a mobile lumber mill that can be brought directly to your property. Instead of transporting heavy logs to a stationary mill, a portable wood sawmill processes them on-site, giving you usable lumber immediately.

Yes! With Mustard Seed Wood Transformations, you can rent a portable sawmill and have us operate it for you. This means you don’t need training or special equipment. We handle the milling while you decide how you want your lumber cut.

We primarily charge a daily rate (starting at $500/day), which is the most reliable method for both parties. This encourages you to be prepared and organized, so you get the best value for your time. We also have a minimum charge to cover travel and setup costs. The total cost depends on several factors, including:

• Daily Rate: How many days of work the job takes .

• Log Condition: Dirty logs, metal objects, or poorly organized logs can increase the milling time and incur extra fees.

• Travel Fee: A travel charge may apply depending on your location.

• Blade Fees: A fee will be charged for any foreign object strikes as well as cumulative blades used.

Reach out to get a quote for your project. 

Not typically, for large jobs or jobs requiring extended travel, a deposit will be required. 

There are a lot of benefits to using a portable sawmill rental service, especially when working with Mustard Seed Wood Transformations: 

• Use timber from your own property, which is often free or low-cost.

• Create unique, custom cut lumber for your specific projects.

• Reduce waste and minimize environmental impact by cutting your logs into usable lumber where they fell. Mustard Seed is a member of the Urban Wood Network who's mission is to keep wood and trees from the waste system. 

• Work with logs that are otherwise logistically challenging without being broken down.

Production varies significantly based on log size, wood species, and the desired lumber dimensions. For example, milling thick, plain-sawn lumber is much faster than quartersawing thin boards. Having an assistant on-site can also increase daily output.

To ensure a smooth and safe milling process, we require a relatively flat and level work area of about 30 feet by 30 feet, with enough room to maneuver the mill and stack lumber. The area should be free of obstacles like stumps, rocks, or branches.

For best results, your logs should be:

• Stacked neatly in an accessible location near the milling site.

• Raised off the ground using dunnage or small diameter logs to prevent debris and damage.

• Clean and free of dirt and metal objects, which can damage the saw blade. This is especially important for yard trees.

Foreign objects like nails, fencing, bullets, rocks, and excessive dirt are a significant risk. If we hit metal, it can damage or break the blade. We will charge a fee for any foreign object strikes.

While the sawyer can operate the mill alone, having one or two helpers from your side can greatly increase productivity and efficiency. Extra hands are helpful for stacking boards, moving logs, and general cleanup. This can save you money, as it speeds up the process.

Milled lumber needs to be properly dried, or "seasoned," before it can be used. We can advise you on best practices for air-drying your lumber, which involves:

• Creating a level, well-ventilated stack with stickers between each layer of boards.

• Covering the stack to protect it from rain and sun.

• We can also discuss potential kiln-drying options if you require faster results.

We will leave the sawdust and other wood waste for you to use. Many customers find creative uses for it, such as:

• Mulch for landscaping or gardens.

• Bedding for animals.

• Material for composting.

• Firewood for smaller limbs and scrap pieces.

The possibilities for milled lumber are endless. Most of our customers use their custom milled lumber for:

• Construction projects, such as framing, siding, and flooring

• Fine woodworking and furniture making

• Creating live edge wood slabs for countertops and tables

• Rustic fencing, trim, and other landscaping needs

The most common finishes include stains, oils, sealers, varnishes, and waxes. Each offer different levels of protection and sheen. At Mustard Seed, we focus on natural stains, non-toxic varnishes, and fractal wood burning to bring out your lumber’s character while keeping it safe and sustainable.

Yes. Mustard Seed uses non-toxic wood stains and natural varnishes that are safe for both indoor and outdoor use. We prioritize eco-friendly materials that protect your wood without harmful chemicals.

Our finishes are intentionally simple and natural. The varnish we use has a semi-gloss sheen, and our natural stains come in a limited range of tones. Because they’re derived from natural materials, some color variation can occur. We believe that's part of the beauty and authenticity of working with real wood. Custom-mixed colors or sheens aren’t available at this time.

Not at all. While many clients pair our portable sawmill services with finishing, we also work with lumber or slabs you already have, whether salvaged, store-bought, or from another mill.

Fractal, or Lichtenberg wood burning, is a process that uses controlled electricity to create branching, lightning-like patterns in the wood’s surface. The result is a one-of-a-kind natural design that highlights the grain’s texture and movement.

Yes. Our Lichtenberg burning technique is performed using professional, controlled equipment to ensure both safety and precision. Each pattern is carefully created to highlight the natural grain and energy of your wood.

Fractal wood burning should only be done by trained professionals using specialized, insulated equipment. At Mustard Seed, we use professional-grade tools and controlled environments to ensure precision and safety during every burn.