Community & Business
2 September, 2026
Learn about Alaskan milling at demo day
THE sound of logs being milled for timber will once again rumble through the streets of Mount Molloy as the old JM Johnston steam-powered sawmill becomes the site for a demonstration of Alaskan milling this weekend.
The mill itself features a 118cc chainsaw mounted in a rigid frame. As the name suggests, it was developed for timber getters operating in the backwoods of Alaska where transport of full logs to a fixed sawmill was impossible. Using a simple rig like these means that anyone, even backyard enthusiasts, can bring a powerful sawmill to the log.
The event is being hosted by not-for-profit group, the Mount Molloy Boiler Block Benefit Committee. Event organiser John Brisbin said the Boiler Block was one of the heritage icons for Mount Molloy and the region.
“Thanks to the work of dedicated locals like Joan Crothers and Cyril Vains, we have been able to undertake work to conserve and celebrate the old boiler and machinery,” he said.
“Lots of people still remember the mill when it was running and have stories handed down through their families of how it kept this town going.”
The big Alaskan mill is owned by the Julatten Men’s Shed, who will be onsite assisting in the demonstration.
Men’s Shed president Dave Walker said it would be a good opportunity for people to learn off of each other.
“Plenty of people around here know how to slab timber,” he said.
“We’re hoping some of those folks will come out and share their knowledge. It’s a community effort and we can all learn from each other.”
Three large logs will be the focus of the demonstration, including; a big paperbark log which was salvaged from Rifle Creek after the 2020 floods; as well as a “huge” white cedar log and a nice length of Queensland maple which were donated by a Julatten resident who’s “keen to see what the timber looks like”.
Men’s Shed secretary Lionel Wilson said the timber should produce some lovely slabs and would likely be auctioned off at the Bushy Creek Makers Fair (19-20 September) as a fundraiser for the Boiler Block.
The milling demonstration will be held in conjunction with the Mount Molloy CWA Markets this Saturday. The markets will kick off at 8am, with the milling set to run from 11am-2pm across the road.
The event is free and open to the public. However, all attendees must bring their own PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), especially ear and eye protection.
A chainsaw basics safety briefing will be given by event supporters, Civil Safety Mareeba. One lucky attendee (wearing PPE) will also win a surprise door prize donated by the company.
