Magnetic Log Scales: An FAQ for Your New Lumber Scale

Here's what you need to know about the magnetic scales for your Woodland Mills portable sawmill

What is the Magnetic Log Scale Kit and do you need it for your portable sawmill?

A sawyer's log scale is one of the most important tools on their sawmill, indicating the cut thickness for their boards. For that reason they have to be accurate, and take into account the saw's kerf to accommodate the material lost from the blade itself.

So here's what you need to know. 

What are the Magnetic Log Scales?

The Magnetic Scales are the newest log scales for Woodland Mills sawmills. These new scales come by default on all HM122, HM126, HM130MAX and HM126MAX sawmills from 2024 onwards. You can also purchase it separately if your sawmill came with one of the older scales.

The previous magnetic scales came in either white or yellow. The new scales can be easily differentiated since they come in white and Woodland Mills green.

What's the difference from the previous log scales?

The older style yellow scales had two measurements: one side was a standard ruler while the other was for cutting 1 1/8" boards.

The white scales had a 1" scale on one side and a 2" scale on the other.

The newest version of the log scale offers not only a standard ruler but also 10 other increments in Imperial scale. Those increments include:

• • 3/4"

  • 1"

  • 1 1/8"

  • 1 1/4"

  • 1 1/2"

  • 1 3/4"

  • 2"

  • 2 1/2"

  • 3 1/2"

  • 4"

This means you can easily and quickly prepare the height of your saw head to cut boards for any of the above measurements. This is great if you are making a high quantity of cuts, since you can easily set your head to one of the designated heights and just start cutting.

Why use a log scale on a sawmill?

The benefit of the Woodland Mills Magnetic Log Scale is that it takes into account the kerf allowance, meaning how much material will be lost from the blade itself turning wood into sawdust. Because of this, the increment marks designated on the log scale make it easy to quickly adjust the height of your saw head to make the next cut.

If you try and eyeball your cuts you may end up with inconsistent thickness. With the log scale you can be making accurate cuts every time, while benefitting from decreased quantity of wood waste.

Should I get a new log scales if I have an old one?

That's up to you. Do you prefer using the older measurements laid out on the original log scales that came with your mill?

One of the advantages of the new log scales is that they're all encompassing, covering most of the common increments sawyers are likely to use every day. It also covers the increments used in the previous yellow and white log scales, so you're not losing anything by upgrading to the new one.

How do I install the new magnetic log scale?

The log scales easily apply via magnetic back, and are made of UV protected vinyl that will easily last outside. All you have to do is peel the original log scale off your sawmill and attach the new one in its place, being sure that it's applied straight.

How do I use the log scale?

The red indicator is used to indicate the height of your blade. 

Begin by using the standard ruler to square or bring the log to the desired starting dimensions. This is for your first initial cuts.

To begin milling boards, choose the correct scale. Then adjust the indicator so it lines up with one of the white lines for the first cut in the measurement scale you want. 

For example, if you line up your indicator for 1" cuts, you won't have to do any calculations for the thickness of your boards, you just have to line it up with the next white line and do the next cut. Continue this process and your cant will be cut into perfect 1" boards every time.

You can do the same process for any of the other measurements to consistently achieve the same dimensions for your boards every time.

Get the best accessories for your sawmill

Interested in kitting out your sawmill so it can do even more than it can now?

Consider getting a track extension to mill longer logs, or our Power Head, so you no longer have to manually adjust the height of your mill, letting your battery-powered accessory do the work for you.

Take a look and see what accessories can make your milling easier and more convenient.