7.30am - Saturday 29th November 2025 1,362

Four years after an oak came down on our smallholding, it’s finally time to see what we can make from it.

Local tree surgeon, chainsaw instructor and sawmiller James Vann joins us with his Lucas Mill to turn this heavy old log into usable boards — and to show just how much potential lies inside a fallen tree.

In this film we cover:
🌳 The different ways to mill timber on your land — Alaskan, band saw, or Lucas Mill
⚙️ How James sets up and tunes his saw for clean cuts
🪵 Why trimming, “stickers,” and airflow matter for seasoning oak
💧 The beauty of medullary rays and what they reveal about oak grain
💰 What you can expect to get from a day’s sawmilling (and what it costs)

It’s loud, satisfying work — and a reminder that good things take time.

🔨 If you’d like to book James (based near Tunbridge Wells) or learn more about his work, visit summerhill-woodwork.com