At most of our store locations, you'll see nine-foot band saws which are among the largest log saws ever used in the sawmill industry. Each saw weighs over 38,000 lbs. and has a blade that stretches over 56 feet in in length. The saws were used to cut Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine logs up to ten feet in diameter and fifty-six feet in length. The lumber from just one of these giant logs would be enough to build two houses of about 1,500 square feet!

The saws were manufactured in the early 1900's and were either used to cut lumber that was loaded onto trains or onto seagoing barges to supply the growing United States housing market. The iron giants were finally retired, and despite the age of the machines, they are in sound working condition. With a little grease they could go back to work anytime, but it's Ganahl's intention to keep them on display at our stores as a monument to the pioneers in the lumber industry.

So, the next time you visit one of our stores where these iron giants are on display, stop by and take a closer look!