By Adam Eisenbarth
Most people would consider working with a sawmill a difficult job but for Mel Matson it’s an enjoyable hobby.
“I worked with my dad when I was just a kid on a sawmill and I’ve always been interested in doing it. I got the opportunity to buy a mill, so I bought it and rebuilt it and now I’m cutting lumber with it.”
Matson, 69, purchased the mill about 20 years ago and it has served him and his hobby quite well over the years.
“I moved it home and used it some. Then I never used it for about 10 years. I had to spend a couple years rebuilding it, putting it all on the steel and it works pretty fair for me.”
The semi-retired pipeline consultant says he not only enjoys the work but puts the lumber to good use.
“I like working with the wood and making trees into dimensional lumber and I’ve built some buildings and some things around the farm here.”
Since rebuilding his machine, Matson says the sawmill is a sturdy device.
“You’ve just got to buy a few teeth the odd time especially if you happen to get a tree that’s been in a fence line that might have a staple in it or a piece of barbed wire it kind of wrecks the teeth.”
As for a supply of trees, he says it’s not an issue.
“I’ve got quite a few in my own bush. If I lived to be 110 I’d have enough to keep me busy.”
While it is his hobby to enjoy, Matson says it’s not easy.
“It’s strenuous work so sometimes at my age my body starts to ache after a few days of it. I might just have to take it a little more easy.”