PALTROKMOLEN
(SAW MILL)

This molen was developed in the Zaan district about 1600, where sawmills and the timber trade were established. Timber arrived on rafts, remaining in the water a long time prior to being sawed. The paltrokmolen was always situated along a water front.

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 Due to their long length, the logs would project on either side of the mill. As a result, a platform and roof were located on both sides of the mill body.

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Inside the mill were several floors. From bottom to top, was the sawing floor, frame floor, "empty floor," crank floor (where the crankshaft was located) and the top floor.