Lucas Mill still going strong after 25 years

The factory originated in a small farm shed on a sheep property nestled within the native stringy bark and red box trees in a locality called Wooragee.

With low expectations, it came as a welcome surprise that orders for more than 50 machines were placed in the first month of manufacturing – a quantity the Lucas family would have welcomed as a typical annual output.

Initially, the company specialised in manufacturing the Model 6 sawmill with a six and a quarter inch cut until early 1996 when a Model 8 was launched, capable of cutting eight and a half inch and powered by a 20hp engine.

In 1996, Lucas Mill manufactured the first dedicated 'slabber', a machine specifically designed for cutting timber slabs.

The electrically powered swing blade sawmill was the next addition to the range in 1998, powered by a three-phase electric motor.

The portable sawmills continued to grow during the next 21 years with five different circular swing-blade machines now available.

They include from the six and a quarter inch cut model up to the versatile 10 inch model.

Optional attachments are available for each model including slabbing, planning, sanding and weatherboard.

March 2019 represents Lucas Mills 25th anniversary in manufacturing their popular and proven portable sawmills.

"We are pleased to announce that the first Lucas portable swing blade sawmill ever made, a Model 6 is still operating 25 years later," a Lucas Mill spokesman said.

"The Lucas Portable Sawmill can be transported to almost any location and set up to select harvest timber with minimal impact to the surrounding environment.

"Whether your project is cutting timber for private fencing, building or furniture making, hobbyist or if you are a sub-contractor, there is no doubt that there is a strong demand for a quality Australian made product such as the Lucas Mill."

To date over 18,500 Lucas Mill portable sawmills have been sold into more than 100 different countries around the world.