“I love the os18 but it says it claims to cut 18 inch log and cut 16 inch boards and I don't see how it possible. I can barely get a 14 inch logs to be able to clamp it. I bought the sawmill cause I couldn't see myself needing to have to mill logs no bigger than 18 inch. I would have been better off buying the os23 instead of I knew the os18 couldn't cut an 18 inch log.”
Thank you for your review of the OS18. This sawmill is designed to handle logs up to 18 inches in diameter, with the sawhead providing 18 inches of clearance above the log deck. When used with the included Log Chock, you can securely mill logs of this size.
You are correct in noting that the dogging clamps do not reach around the sides of an 18-inch log, so the Log Chock is necessary in this case. The dogging clamps are primarily used for securing cants during cutting and smaller logs. Additionally, the distance between the blade guides is 16.5", which defines the maximum cut width. The distance from the integrated cant stop to the far blade guide (the adjustable one) is 15-3/8", which represents the maximum cant width.
For your reference, here are the basic specs for the OS18:
Maximum Log Diameter: 18” (45 cm)
Maximum Cut Width: 16.5" (42 cm)
Maximum Cant Width: 15-3/8" (39 cm)
If you ever need assistance, please feel free to reach out to our customer service team at 1-855-880-7152 (toll-free) or +1-705-325-0030 (international). You can also contact us by email at info@FrontierSawmills.com.
Best regards,
Frontier Sawmills
“Im not impressed i feel let down. I can’t talk about the product as it hasn’t been used yet I just got my third child. I asked to hold on to the product because I thought the 18 inch was too small for my needs. You shipped it anyways. Ok.. the next days the os23,27,35 inches went on sale… probably what would of suited me better but the salesperson didn’t mention it. The product came in and I realized there were four feet kissing to go with the extension. Called and asked information and I purchased the missing feet and 10 blades. I asked your representative if I needed another log-dog and he said no I already have 2.. I rechecked and I only have one in my boxes. Now I’ll have to call again and have the log-dog delivered and pay again for the shipping. This should of been done by frontier. I’m bot supposed to know what parts should be shipped with my shippement. You should be able to know what I need to complete my kit! Everybody has been very polite I must say. But the end result for me is frustrating to say the least. And I have to call again for the second log-dog for the track extension.”
“This is your absolute basic sawmill, which is why you get it so cheap. Great for someone who just wants to cut a little bit of wood and not get into regular production, which is exactly what I wanted. It cuts true, a nice smooth board. That little 7 HP engine has to grunt when making a full cut, but it gets the job done.
One complaint - it's supposed to be able to take an 18 inch log, but there isn't nearly enough room between the log clamps and the rest to hold a log at that size. Also greasing instructions are confusing, I can't figure out how to do it.”
Thank you for your purchase of the Frontier OS18 and for taking the time to leave a review. We're delighted to hear that you're satisfied with the sawmill's performance and that it meets your needs.
To address your concern about the log size, the OS18 is designed to handle an 18" diameter log on the log bed. This allows for an opening face cut on the top of the log and subsequent processing of boards with a maximum cut width of 16", which is the distance between the blade guides.
Regarding the greasing instructions, we apologize for any confusion. Please feel free to reach out to our customer service team for detailed guidance and support at 1-855-880-7152 (or +1-705-325-0030 for international clients) or by email at info@FrontierSawmills.com.
Thank you once again for your purchase and your valuable feedback.
Happy sawing!
Frontier Sawmills
“Only cut one 17"popple tree, not sure how you can cut 18" because this seemed max. Higher important things on the to do least right now. Was fun and have lots of ideas. Bought the small portable but think I will end up getting bigger. HIGHLY recomend! Great people to deal with.”
“Although I think the tracks, bunks and frame are well built, there's a lot to be said about how cheaply some parts are. The water valve was cheap and broke within a week, the clutch didn't have a shaft screw and lock washer and it came off. Moat bolts should have came with lockwashers because the vibration loosens everything. Have yet to receive my permanent heat shield, the cheap foil tape has already burnt and came off. Why not just install the permanent heat shield with the purchase? Better to invest in the 9+ hp range. The 7 hp bogs down through any knot......still waiting for the heat shield. Very disappointed in the service and quality. I'll definitely be looking to a new company when I upgrade that's for sure.”
We appreciate your detailed feedback and have forwarded your comments to our product team for further review. We want you to know that the heat shield on the OS18 has been modified, and new models now include this improvement. Your heat shield upgrade was sent separately, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Regarding the OS18's power source, the original Norwood sawmill, designed by Peter Dale, operated on a 7 HP engine and was so successful that it launched the entire line and revolutionized the portable sawmill industry. The OS18 has been designed and tested for quick and easy assembly and disassembly. A heavier engine was tested but added too much weight, compromising this key functionality.
Knots can be challenging even for experienced sawyers, requiring practice and technique to handle effectively. To start, keep your blades sharp and slow down slightly before hitting the knot.
We offer several heavier-duty options with bigger engines in our Frontier and Norwood line-up. The OS23, for example, provides exceptional value with more powerful engine options and greater log weight capacity.
Thank you for your understanding and we are here to help with any further questions or concerns.
Best regards,
Frontier Sawmills
