Starting a Sawmill Business from the Ground Up | Tour of Ruben Custom Sawmill

Рет қаралды 315,510

Күн бұрын

In this video, we’re visiting a sawmill near me in Denmark Township, Minnesota that Matt Ruben built from the ground up. In only three years, Matt’s gone from learning how to mill and offer sawmill services via KZfaq videos to making his 5-acre farm home to his Woodmizer LT40, iDRY Kiln, and a woodworking shop where he creates custom projects that include everything from modern dining tables to wooden benches and live edge coffee tables.
Watch now for the grand tour where we get to check out all of Matt’s sweet tools and setup that took Ruben Custom Sawmill from a part-time gig to a full-time business so quickly.
Thank you to iDRY for sponsoring this video. Watch Matt Ruben’s video chat with the owner of iDRY, Jim Parker ➡️ • Matt Ruben went from b...
Visit ➡️ idrywood.com/ to check out all of their wood drying products and find out how to take your wood business to the next level.
Click ➡️ / @idrywoodfast to Subscribe to iDRY's KZfaq Channel
Or follow iDRY on social:
Instagram➡️ / idrywoodfast
Facebook➡️ / idrywoodfast
LinkedIn➡️ / jimaparker
Contact iDRY➡️ paul@idrysystems.com
Check out Ruben Custom Sawmill
www.rubencustomsawmill.com/
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
1:05 - Matt's Background
5:50 - Tour of the Site
12:02 - The Sawmill
15:38 - The iDry
27:00 - Checking Matt's Slabs
Thank you to Triton Tools and Horton Brasses for sponsoring my work
www.tritontools.com/en-US
www.horton-brasses.com/
Support What I Do: www.mattcremona.com/support
Check out Wood Talk, a podcast about woodworking that I co-host:
www.woodtalkshow.com/
/ woodtalk
Website: mattcremona.com
Instagram: / mattcremona
Twitter: / mattcremona
Facebook: / mattcremonaww
Email: matt@mattcremona.com

Пікірлер: 288

@bossofthemoss450 Жыл бұрын

Compulsive viewing for all us wannabe woodworkers. Bravo. 👍👏👏👏

@brenturquhart7090 2 жыл бұрын

I love to see people buying these small family farms and then use those little farms to make a living. I spent all my summers on my Grandparents small farm. I feel blessed by being allowed to gave done so. It’s a shame to see these farm disintegrated from not being used. So thumbs up for guy’s like him. Using the land as our forefathers did, to provide a decent and honest way to provide for a man’s family.

@trishblakely3476 2 жыл бұрын

I admire his “see the hill, take the hill” approach to starting and building his business. Glad to see his hard work has paid off and he’s able to support himself and his family. Much more success to him in the future!

@ChrisWillis-li1ed Ай бұрын

Guy had a dream, and did it!! Winner!!! You keep working man!! Thanks for sharing

@rickyschwiderson7737 2 жыл бұрын

this guy is a remarkable example of living the dream!

@MikeWest_W 2 жыл бұрын

I had to drop my favorite oak tree (85’) a few years back. It meant a lot to me to (Alaskan) mill and preserve it. I had to bring in help since most of us don’t have the skills or tools. The stack is just about done drying. I understand the customer experience you describe.

@MikeWest_W 2 жыл бұрын

Oops. My main point is that it took us over a year to (spare time) mill it with a 60” bar. And it’s taken 3 years of stickered, shaded air drying to reach 11% (The “cookies” are 55” and we got 20 10’ 10 qtr slabs). Wood is heavy!

@PatrickWagz Жыл бұрын

@@MikeWest_W Do you run the Stihl 880 with that 60" bar milling that tree? How many hours would you guess you have in running the mill? Thanks!

@donwilliams3626 2 жыл бұрын

Look what followed me home! I am impressed with the vision and determination required to run an operation like this. I hope he has much success.

@brenturquhart7090 2 жыл бұрын

I love to see the old Singer sewing machine in his workshop, 7:05. We had a bunch of these in my family, like everyone else I guess. I had a foot peddle machine and one of the first electric ones. They both were in the barn at my grandparents farm. Funny, nobody wanted them when the farm was sold, so I took them. Gave one to a small museum and the electrical one I gave to an old high school friend who was struggling and who worked part time as seamstress when she could. She made costumes for a place that rented them. Hadn’t seen her for years, but that machine was a blessing for her. She still uses it, newer machines don’t hold up to the old fabrics and its a work horse for her. That machine gave her the wherewithal to stay afloat and I heard she left that lazy husband. My grandmother would have been happy to see her mothers sewing machine helping a single mother for sure. She said she will pass it on to her daughter. I know that has nothing to do with milling wood but when I saw it, it just reminded me of all the history that sits in old pig barns all over the country. I suspect most is just thrown out. No one wants that old stuff, everyone wants things that are stainless steel, plastic or some other crap. People just throw it away because it’s old. Put a bit of work into it and if you ask around there will be someone who will cherish it and put it into good use.

@xmas4203 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview! Who wants to place bets on how long before Matt has an iDry on his new property? My guess: 1. Matt talks the other Matt into getting the new bigger model and our Matt buys his old model. 2. Matt just buys the new bigger unit for himself. 3. Matt builds his own vacuum kiln bigger and better out of a shipping container.

@mcremona 2 жыл бұрын

2 or 3

@freepress8451 2 жыл бұрын

A shipping container build with Andrew Camarata would be interesting

@paulgrenier2279 2 жыл бұрын

Haha vacuum would implode a shipping container quick!

@vintagemotorcyclerepair4052 2 жыл бұрын

4. No matter which of 1‐3 happen, Matt and Matt stay friends for decades.

@doubledarefan 2 жыл бұрын

Atmospheric pressure is 14.7 PSI. That is 2116.8 pounds per square foot. You could probably dent a shipping container by kicking it. Sucking the air out of it, even only half of it, will make the container look like Godzilla stepped on it.

@Perzyouz Жыл бұрын

The chickee took the spot light during that water check up....!!! lol

@russdixon614 2 жыл бұрын

It's amazing what you can learn and how you can change your life/future by watching You Tube

@brentfarvors192 Жыл бұрын

WTF dude? That shed structure would make an AWESOME green house/grow room in the winter!!!

@kevincorbin6273 2 жыл бұрын

Believe it then achieve it, that’s what I was told by friends and family, 25 years later still self employed, never regretted it. America is in good shape with entrepreneurs such as yourselves! not all in the basement playing video games

@dannettebouchee9887 2 жыл бұрын

This was by far an awesome learning experience especially for new sawyers. He went from knowing very little about sawyer working in 2018 to become pretty much an expert in the process of running a successful sawyer. If I lived near him I would volunteer my time to help him just to learn more. My sawmill won’t arrive until August 2022 but this video gives me a ton of insight. I only know of one kiln service near me and it’s a business aspect I’m considering getting into

@unruhsj1 2 жыл бұрын

It is neat knowing that I have stood in the very spot that you guys were chatting at then seeing it on the screen. Matt is a standup guy and has a passion for his job

@joeybox0rox649 2 жыл бұрын

EXCELLENT SHOW this week Matt & Matt2! Get a kiln Matt. I hear Matt2 is looking to upgrade and an iDry will soon become available! Really enjoyed this show!👍👍

@murchlk 2 жыл бұрын

Great video and operation he has. I wish him success

@Lee-qp6gf 2 жыл бұрын

Good for Matt. Always good to see someone figure out how to make it in a business they started. Great video

@kevinellis9150 2 жыл бұрын

Woodworkers are great people always so willing to share there knowledge and business experiences. Great video!!!

@tbone0785 2 жыл бұрын

This video pushed has pushed me closer than I've ever been to quitting my job. This is a dream to work towards.

@j.davidneel9059 2 жыл бұрын

Good on him. Hard work pays off, always.

@MattStehouwer 2 жыл бұрын

That's so cool. Thanks for sharing.

@vintagemotorcyclerepair4052 2 жыл бұрын

Really great video, Matt! It's very cool to see another aspect of the wood business. Thanks!

@alanblasczyk1779 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative. I wish I would have seen this 25 years ago. Good stuff.

@billchervenak9349 2 жыл бұрын

Great look and thanks to Matt for the info. My best to you both.

@jwood314 2 жыл бұрын

This was fantastic, huge thanks for sharing!

@richardthornhill4630 2 жыл бұрын

Informative for any thinking about owning a mill. Best to both of you.

@RXRSawdustStation 2 жыл бұрын

That was a fantastic video, Matt & Matt! Great content! Well done, Mr. Ruben! Thank you #IDry!

@dalepowell6815 2 жыл бұрын

That is quite a setup for the log business. I thought he was going to roast a couple of chickens in the I Dry, hahaha

@w96725 2 жыл бұрын

This was very informative. You two do great work.

@FransBlaas1 2 жыл бұрын

That’s quite a good learning day for you Matt..

@ThoenWorks 2 жыл бұрын

Matt and Matt - Don't get much better than that... Enjoyed!

@TheRedhawke 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, such a treat to see a young man build his dream.

@robertanderson2223 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Both of you guys are terrific people. Wish I lived closer so I could drop by and meet you both and support your businesses. Keep working hard and sharing your talents and good things will continue to come of it!

@bcreationz8618 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing to see his growth happen so fast. Proves you can succeed in less time when you put in the hard work. Cant wait to get a vacuum kiln but will be testing a few ideas with making my own for now.

@johngrace199 2 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on your work and effort creating your own milling operation...good luck

@olddawgdreaming5715 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Matt, that was a great video you folks shared. 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻✋🏻✋🏻

@OldNew45 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff. It's a really nice change from your usual video, especially for those of us who have slabbing fever, and would like nothing better than to make a business out of it. Thanks Matt, and thanks idry.

@bavondale 2 жыл бұрын

Great vid. Always great hearing how people start a business and make it successful

@idlewildsage8088 2 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate this video. Thank you for sharing!

@Springfield-1903 2 жыл бұрын

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video. Thanks for the Great content. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your's.

@ericcorse 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks to both of you most interesting. That system pull a pretty good vacuum.

@colddiesel 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Big asset that both Matt's are excellent communicators.

@jeffconnor8469 2 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed your video with your timber drying segment what a set up he has there wow keep it up Matt

@mariowickel456 2 жыл бұрын

Impressive Matt especially the Oak Burls

@Ninja47Monkey 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Matt, I loved watching your videos a few years back and found you again, Its good to see you're still making videos! I lost my old account but subscribed again!

@luvbigiron 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Very informative and interesting. I run an LT40 mill and the modifications to saw wider slabs is something I would never have imagined was feasible.

@edwardsimmons3721 2 жыл бұрын

Great insight to what is needed to dry.

@paser11385 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this. it's nice to see somebody take a risk on the unknown, and be successful at it. God bless, I hope your business continues to grow more and more each day!

@DaveBobsMS 2 жыл бұрын

Matt, keep pushing on. I’m sitting right where you where at 3 years ago. Been wood working for ever. Great that your idea is paying off. God is blessing you 🙏👏

@felixreali7101 2 жыл бұрын

another really enjoyable vid. so nice to see how brave people are to quit their job and start their own business like that. Especially doing something you really enjoy. I bet Matt's gonna end up buying the bigger iDry kiln and still keep the one he has too. he could have them both running simultaneously 🤔😃

@Poundy 2 жыл бұрын

That was a great change up from some of your regular/current content (not complaining about that - just that this was a welcome, refreshing change with some great insights into Matt's business)

@rexhavoc2982 2 жыл бұрын

To crunch the numbers We need more info, What will the slab flattener earn per board? how do you charge for the kiln time, 2 slabs, 8 slabs, What do you charge for one of your logs if the customer buys one for you to cut up? What are you doing with the scraps? sawdust ?

@roberta4989 2 жыл бұрын

Frigg'n excellent episode. Great information and well delivered.

@nathanbrackeen2377 2 жыл бұрын

thanks, Matt, for an informative video. I grew up near a sawmill that a cousin set up in the 1940's. Wow! How the process has changed! Matt Ruben will be an absolute business success story.

@stevemarshall5197 2 жыл бұрын

Superb two men doing what they love. Job satisfaction 👍👍👍

@ryanm2214 2 жыл бұрын

This video was extremely inspiring thanks!

@casycasy5199 2 жыл бұрын

i enjoyed this very much.hope you get to do more like this

@blh3741 2 жыл бұрын

GREAT video! I have always been interested in vacuuming since I built my first press 25 years ago. Thanks!

@SharpeTimber 2 жыл бұрын

Great Video! I just bought my first 2 sawmills this year after going full time working for myself in May last year doing timber framing.

@benjaminelliott4112 2 жыл бұрын

At 2:29 when Matt is talking about selling chickens, a little hen runs out from behind the log like, "Nope I'm out, ain't selling me to Butterball" lol

@davidmartin5179 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Very informative and learned a lot . Thanks

@markbrown6236 2 жыл бұрын

Good video, love to see someone successful starting a business.

@raccoons392 2 жыл бұрын

another great video, thanks very much!

@gayle4804 2 жыл бұрын

What an education I totally enjoyed watching this video As the saying goes You learn something everyday

@kresimirbazijanec3730 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, first time viewing your podcast, looking forward to more of your podcasts and adventures on the homestead

@sueswift8344 Жыл бұрын

Cool tour!

@kenstewart687 2 жыл бұрын

Happy Thanksgiving. Great video!

@zates2272 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video

@akdefense 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome go getters. Matt R has a good attitude. Maybe he'll buy not just one but two larger capacity I-Dry's. Thanks Matthew C for sharing your life and friends lives and experiences.

@atomicmozart 2 жыл бұрын

Great video!

@williamreed8919 2 жыл бұрын

Love the shop tours

@davepruitt2739 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. Enjoy the determination

@peterlittle9935 Жыл бұрын

Very very nice thank you for the video

@merlinsatrom6678 2 жыл бұрын

Great tour and interesting process! Th

@alzathoth 2 жыл бұрын

i know the truth. Matt isn't the boss. the rooster is. i like the way he hangs around and supervises! :)

@user-gr6ht2yn9s 2 жыл бұрын

So cool!

@joebeecher3919 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Lindsey, you know what will go on the back side of the new sawmill shed in 23/24..... Looked good

@SUROBLEDEKchannel 2 жыл бұрын

Great video sharing

@bruce1816 2 жыл бұрын

Great video.

@nicholastinling1022 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting. Thank you for this video

@josephsalazar4939 2 жыл бұрын

Holy Jenga that’s cool!!

@shawnharriman1916 2 жыл бұрын

Very cool raw operation great guy !

@VicsYard 7 ай бұрын

Great Video

@jasoncable9289 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing video and very helpful. I am as well going to venture into the sawmill business and it’s very promising to see someone with such ambitious goals and able to obtain those goals . Best of luck to your business ! I hope I can follow in the same steps .

@freepress8451 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting video, I imagine with your skill-set creating a few kitchen cabinets you could do in your sleep

@cdawg9149 2 жыл бұрын

Great vid Matt

@brianbrown600 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Almost done in the style of an old episode of This Old House. Comfortable informative conversation without too much to distract from the purpose of the video. Good insight on starting a sawmill business from the ground up. I wouldn't mind hearing the amounts invested for the equipment necessary to get it all going. Once again, Great video!

@ruby23m 2 жыл бұрын

150k

@motzemog 2 жыл бұрын

I spy some bench slabs! This video was great. So informative and I now have a new list of dream equipment.

@IveysFamilyFactotum 2 жыл бұрын

Ooh do I see an iDry in your near future. That thing is super awesome.

@normolson1 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Matt, Happy Thanksgiving

@mcremona 2 жыл бұрын

You too!

@brit7044 2 жыл бұрын

Have been enjoying your videos for several years. Would be great to see you produce a series on "Discovering Small Mills". I think it would be a hit!

@bartwaters1946 2 жыл бұрын

So that lift off the trailer & over the dump trailer there at the end…. Just a normal telehandler day, eh? Thanks for sharing Matt’s operation. His solar kiln is so close to being usable - he might find a local “high volume hobbyist” who would finish it off & put it to good use. The iDry is awesome. Great to see the background. Good luck both of you…

@boatrvme8478 2 жыл бұрын

Good job!

@Newyorkgardener585 2 жыл бұрын

U always got interesting content keep it up matt good stuff 🤩🤩🤩🤩🔥🔥🔥💰💰💰💲💲💲💲💲

@brinkee7674 2 жыл бұрын

Wow thank you and a little to late. I looked what seems for ever to find a vacuum dryer. I found a couple and only one that seemed good. I was doing this for a friend and it was like jumping through hoops to get info on it. I found a Radio Frequency Vacuum Kiln but again it was a pain and no where near local. He ended up building one which does the job but not as good but way better than a hot box kiln. He is still looking as he is no where near keeping up with the demand. We are pumping out slabs and tables left and right. We need a piece like this where you don't need to be so hands on through the process. A kind of set it and forget it, a RONCO of vacuum kilns I find that about 98% plus of the people have no idea that it takes years to dry a log to get it to a proper slab or even molding/cabinet grade wood

@c.a.g.1977 2 жыл бұрын

27:49 no hipster brewery jumped on that brilliant idea yet: wood water IPA?

@messybench 2 жыл бұрын

Nice! Also seeing you in tshirts had me confused but you ended in parkas.

@TheVitorgoncalves 2 жыл бұрын

good job guys

@Hoogee4 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting story about drying. In Sweden, before around 1850, only masters were allowed to build furniture. Then the master saved up wood to try over 30 years for the next generation. While he got the wood dried and nice from the previous master.