Last summer we took a trip to Lake Tahoe and toured the surrounding areas as well, this image is inside the Donner Museum, and I am standing next to a 48" big bad blade. Now what I cannot remember if this was a blade to cut through ice in the nearby Donner Lake, or if it was used in a mill, I don't think this would cut wood very well, so I am leaning towards it being an ice blade to cut ice blocks for the local towns refrigerating needs. But it is was impressive either way. I was going through some memories today of 2014 and found this.

LOL YEAH, IT'S AN ICE BLADE. SOMETIMES DURING WINTER SAWMILLS WOULD CUT ICE INSTEAD OF WOOD.  SHAVINGS WOULD INSULATE THE ICE TO KEEP IT FROM MELTING.

LOL YEAH, IT'S AN ICE BLADE. SOMETIMES DURING WINTER SAWMILLS WOULD CUT ICE INSTEAD OF WOOD.  SHAVINGS WOULD INSULATE THE ICE TO KEEP IT FROM MELTING.

Thanks for the clarifcation Mike.

Hmmm. Wonder if that would work on my Shopsmith.

Gene, these would typically be turned with a crank attached to a stationary bicycle. A bunch of circus clowns would take turns pedaling the bike and when the got cold all 276 of them would pile back into their car to get warm. The ice "dust" would be applied to farm fields and gardens aiding in plant growth during the spring and summer months.

 

ok on a serious note I wonder how much of a hum that blade would have at full speed?

Gene, these would typically be turned with a crank attached to a stationary bicycle. A bunch of circus clowns would take turns pedaling the bike and when the got cold all 276 of them would pile back into their car to get warm. The ice "dust" would be applied to farm fields and gardens aiding in plant growth during the spring and summer months.

 

ok on a serious note I wonder how much of a hum that blade would have at full speed?

You know John, I bet it made a slishy hissy sound ripping through the ice,

John H., here's the ice dust collector. Keeps it organized and easy to apply in the spring.

Think I would be scared to try cutting word with that. Think of the first bite....

This might be a bit better, for wood..

They have a 5' blade on site, too

That Farmall tractor is the power supply