Vattensågen i Krångfors

Water-driven frame saw from 1867–68 in its original place in Krångfors, described as the only old water sawmill in the Nordic countries still in almost working condition.

Opening hours unknown

Directions

About the museum

The water sawmill in Krångfors was built in 1867–68 by the village's men over the Krångbäcken stream, near where the stream flows into the Skellefteälven river. The saw was very modern for its time: water power was used both to haul the logs up from the pond into the saw and to feed the log automatically through the frame. Two men were enough to run the saw, and on one working day about 50 logs could be sawn.

The sawmill was rebuilt in 1896 and the dam in 1897. It was in operation until 1909, when a steam sawmill took over, and afterwards it was used only sporadically. When it was in danger of decaying it was restored, with the work completed in 1956. After a further upgrade in the 1970s it turned out that the renovation had not been done correctly, and in 2002 the saw was taken apart for a comprehensive new restoration, which continued until 2008.

The water-driven frame saw in Krångfors is, according to several sources, the only old water sawmill in the Nordic countries that still stands in its original place and is largely in working condition. Even in 2020, however, some technical details were still missing for it to function fully.

Highlights

Water-driven frame saw from 1867–68 in its original place
Automatic log feed powered by water
Comprehensive restoration 2002–2008
Location by the Krångbäcken stream near the Skellefteälven river