# Sovereignty Module: Rip the Plank

## Complete Pit Sawing and Lumber Production: From Log to Board

Before sawmills, lumber was produced by hand with pit saws. This campaign covers pit saw construction, sawing technique, lumber grading, and drying.

### Chapter 1: Pit Saw Setup

| Component | Material | Purpose | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saw blade | Steel, 5-7 feet long | Cuts wood | Rip-tooth pattern, 2-3 TPI |
| Tiller handle (top) | Hardwood | Top sawyer control | T-handle or box handle |
| Box handle (bottom) | Hardwood | Bottom sawyer control | Removable for repositioning |
| Saw pit | Excavated trench | Provides clearance below log | 6 feet deep, 4 feet wide, 10+ feet long |
| Trestle (alternative) | Heavy timber frame | Elevates log without pit | 5-6 feet high, very sturdy |
| Dogs (log clamps) | Iron | Secure log to pit frame | Driven into log and beam |
| Chalk line | String and charcoal | Mark cut lines on log | Snap straight lines |

### Chapter 2: Sawing Technique

Pit sawing process: 1) Position log over pit on heavy beams. 2) Secure log with iron dogs (clamps). 3) Snap chalk lines on log ends (mark desired board thickness). 4) Top sawyer stands on log, guides saw along line. 5) Bottom sawyer stands in pit, provides pulling power. 6) Cutting stroke is downward (bottom sawyer pulls). 7) Top sawyer guides and lifts on return stroke. 8) Advance along log, following chalk line. 9) Typical production: 100-200 board feet per day (two-person team). 10) Re-position log and dogs as needed.

| Role | Position | Primary Task | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top sawyer (top dog) | On log | Guide saw along line, lift on return | High (skill) |
| Bottom sawyer (pit man) | In pit | Pull saw down, provide power | High (endurance) |

### Chapter 3: Log Preparation

| Step | Purpose | Method | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debarking | Remove bark (prevents dulling) | Draw knife, bark spud | Draw knife |
| Squaring (optional) | Create flat reference surface | Broad axe, adze | Broad axe |
| Marking | Layout cut lines | Chalk line, square | Chalk line |
| Positioning | Place over pit | Levers, ramps | Cant hook, peavey |
| Securing | Prevent movement | Iron dogs into log and beam | Dogs, hammer |

### Chapter 4: Lumber Dimensions

| Board Type | Thickness | Width | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board | 3/4-1 inch | 4-12 inches | Siding, shelving, trim |
| Plank | 1.5-2 inches | 6-12 inches | Flooring, decking |
| Timber | 3-6 inches | 3-6 inches | Framing, posts |
| Beam | 6-12 inches | 6-12 inches | Structural, heavy framing |
| Slab (waste) | Variable | Variable | Fencing, rustic siding |

### Chapter 5: Drying and Storage

| Drying Method | Time | Quality | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air drying (stickered stack) | 6-12 months per inch | Good | Very low | General lumber |
| Solar kiln | 2-4 months per inch | Very good | Low-moderate | Faster drying |
| Dehumidification kiln | 1-3 months per inch | Excellent | Moderate | Precision drying |

Air drying: 1) Stack lumber with stickers (spacers) between each layer. 2) Stickers: 3/4 x 1.5 inch strips, spaced 16-24 inches apart. 3) Align stickers vertically (prevents sagging). 4) Elevate bottom of stack 12-18 inches off ground. 5) Cover top with roofing (shed rain, allow air flow). 6) Open sides for air circulation. 7) Weight top of stack (prevents warping). 8) Rule of thumb: one year per inch of thickness. 9) Target moisture content: 12-15% for construction, 6-8% for furniture.

### Reference Card

1. The pit saw is civilization's lumber mill (before water and steam power, every board was cut by hand with a pit saw; two people can produce 100-200 board feet per day). 2. The top sawyer is the skilled position (guiding the saw along the chalk line while standing on a moving log requires experience and steady hands). 3. Snap your lines carefully (every board starts with a chalk line; crooked lines produce crooked boards; take time to mark accurately). 4. Rip teeth cut with the grain (pit saw blades use rip-tooth geometry designed to cut along the grain; crosscut teeth are for cutting across the grain). 5. Debarking saves the saw (bark contains grit and stones that dull the blade; always debark before sawing). 6. Sticker every layer (lumber stacked without spacers traps moisture and develops mold, stain, and warp; stickers allow air circulation on all surfaces). 7. One year per inch (air-dried lumber needs approximately one year per inch of thickness to reach usable moisture content). 8. Weight the stack (lumber dries under tension; weighting the top of the stack with heavy material prevents warping and cupping).