Erwin Bonestroo, rural Steen, cuts a rough log on his sawmill. Bonestroo began his business FBT Sawmill and Lumber three months ago. A former livestock barn houses the mill and equipment.
By Jolene Farley
Erwin Bonestroo said he formed the idea for his business, FBT Sawmill and Lumber, when he tried to figure out what to do with a log that was given to him and how to cut it up.
"When I got that log I started looking into it," he said. Bonestroo, rural Steen, thought for a few months.
"The next thing you know, I found a one-year-old Wood Mizer (a sawmill)."
That purchase three months ago was the beginning of Bonestroo's business.
"It's been going good, but to say you're making a ton of money, that's not possible yet," he said.
Bonestroo and his brother, Doug, of Hull, Iowa, attended a training session on how to use the sawmill in March. The manufacturer of the Wood Mizer offered the training in Indianapolis, Ind.
If a customer needs a special cut of lumber, such as a 2-by-4 board that actually measures 2-by-4 instead of the 1 3/4-inch by 3 3/4-inch lumber that passes for a 2-by-4 in most lumber yards, Bonestroo can oblige.
Trees that are cut down can be cut into lumber to make furniture or cabinets, according to Bonestroo.
"They can bring a favorite tree along, and I can cut it up into boards to whatever dimensions they want," he said.
Although the wood must be dried before it can be used, many craftsmen are willing to wait for quality wood.
Bonestroo hopes to eventually invest in a kiln to cut drying time for the wood down from more than a year to about six weeks.
The wood and by-products produced by the mill have numerous uses.
Larger scraps from milling the trees are sold as firewood for woodburners. Smaller scraps are sold as firewood for campfires.
Bonestroo also cuts lumber for a customer who makes pallets.
Most of Bonestroo's customers are currently from Sioux County in Iowa. He knows it will take time to build his business and he has some ideas on how to proceed.
"I want to custom cut logs for customers and start building some things for myself," he said.
"One of my other goals would be to start making grade wood," he said. "Right now I just have rough cut green lumber."
Bonestroo said he typically accepts trees if anyone wants to get rid of them and will sometimes pay a modest fee, depending on the quality of the lumber.
Bonestroo is planning an open house for FBT Sawmill and Lumber later this year. He has invited a woodcarver who makes sculptures out of logs.
He can be reached at 855-2385 or on his cell phone 920-9933.