RED ALDER OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST 
27 
distant from the timber, as well as mills operated in connection with 
wood-using factories, use gasoline or steam engines, or electricity. 
Figure 8 shows a typical portable mill with tractor, located in the 
timber. A layout of this character, purchased second hand, costs 
from $1,200 to $1,700; purchased new, from $2,000 to $2,500. Cen- 
trally located mills, because of better construction and the inclusion 
sometimes of an edger and cut-off saw, cost from $2,500 to $4,000, 
purchased new. 
The essential equipment for an alder mill purchased new, will 
cost approximately $2,000. A mill so equipped will have a capacity 
of 2,000 to 7,000 feet per 8-hour shift, depending largely on the 
amount of power available; 2,000 to 3,000 feet with a 6 to 8 horse- 
power engine, 6,000 to 7,000 feet with a 20 to 25 horsepower engine. 
Fig. 8— A TYPICAL ALDER SAWMILL 
The power is supplied by a gasoline tractor housed in the shed shown in the background 
A 26-tooth, 8-gauge, 50-inch saw is provided. Smaller saws, though 
such are used, are not recommended. A list of equipment, with 
costs figured on 1924 quotations, f. o. b. Portland, Oreg., is as 
follows : 
Sawmill (husk and carriage) . $550 
Sawdust conveyor, 25-foot 60 
Circular saw, 50-inch, inserted-tooth, 8-gauge 133 
Tractor, gasoline, 20-horsepower 1, 075 
Belting, tools, etc 100 
Total 1, 918 
The crew of the usual operation varies from two to five men, 
depending largely on the character of the equipment. Where there 
is only a head rig, the crew consists of a sawyer, offbearer, and some- 
