The original sawmill “Het Jonge Schaap” from 1680 stood in Zaandam, but was demolished in 1942. Between 2005 and 2007, a replica was built on the Zaanse Schans, based on the centuries-old original construction plans. Also used were minute measurements from 1942 and also modern computer techniques. The project was designed in part to preserve the craft of millwright for future generations. One of the young carpenters who helped rebuild the mill subsequently became the miller of “Het Jonge Schaap,” where he works in the sawmill processing mainly local wood; such as oak, elm and pine.

It is the last above-cross wood sawmill in the Netherlands, with a unique hexagonal mill body and three sawing frames, one of which is a “scalloped frame,” for sawing the bark edges off the boards. ‘Het Jonge Schaap’ is located on the Kalverringdijk and even has an exhibition cellar under the mill, from which you can also admire the sawing work from below. Logs lie along the dike ‘watering’ in the authentic little timber harbor and are pulled into the mill via the ramp to be sawn.