need advice for a saw mill

taandctran · 03-25-2007, 07:25 PM

I'm looking at buying a saw mill in the near future.... I was wondering anyone of the guys on this site that has a saw mill will recommend a certain size and brand of saw mill I dont want to spend a whole lot on the mill. .... I know I'm looking at getting a bandsaw mill... Also what other type of things are a necesity for a mill. Do I have to have a tractor, or is it possible to load a mill with a winch, 4wheeler, truck ect... I would like to know what I am getting into before I buy a mill... Thanks in advance for all of the help.
Please keep in mind that I'm not looking at doing this professionaly. Just on the side. I dont think anyone in my area currently has a bandsaw mill. Especially a portable one for hire...

Alan in Little Washington · 03-25-2007, 08:46 PM

I don't have a mill, so can't speak from the same perspective as Jeff, Kyle and Woodbutcher, but have worked closely with my local wood guy and local sawyer enough to appreciate mills and features.

Since sizes, features, and costs vary greatly, you first need to decide what you are going to do with it- cut and mill an occasional log /tree for personal use, and though you say you do not want to do it professionally or start your own wood business, will you be cutting for others? Also, what is your source of logs/trees? Will they be delivered to your "wood lot" or will you need to go get them, or will you be milling at the source and need a portable mill?

If you are only going to be milling a occasional log for personal use at your house, it makes no sense to put a lot of money into equipment (unless money is no object). While it is possible to mill logs with a chainsaw mill like the $2000 (w/o chainsaw) Logosol Woodworkers Mill, it can be difficult, especially with larger hardwood logs, and you say you want a bandmill. You can buy a lot of hardwood for what a good bandmill costs- the smallest manual Woodmizer bandmill, the little LT10, sells for around $4000. You can check the price of the other lower end bandmills by Woodmizer, Timber King, Hudson, Norwood, and others, but you generally get what you pay for in capacity, capability, and quality. Logs are heavy and while you can manually manipulate smaller ones with cant hooks, etc. it can be a tremendous effort. There is nothing like a mill with full hydraulics for manipulating the logs- loading, rolling, positioning, and adjusting, feeding, etc. the cutter. The cheapest hydraulic Woodmizer LT40H goes for around $26,000-28,000. You can also investigate used mills.

What are your plans for drying the lumber? air or kiln? How about storing it?

I think the pros will be better able to answer your questions if you give them a little more info on you plans.

McRabbet · 03-25-2007, 09:21 PM

Warren Keull of Mountainsawyers.com, a local sawyer here in the Asheville area that I've used (he's in our Region 1 NC Sawyers list on the menu bar) has a Timber King 1600, which is a superb mill. It features a rock-solid 4-post head (unlike the less sable cantilever design of several competitors) and a fully welded dual tube log deck that can handle 17' long logs up to 36" in diameter. It features log loading hydraulics and is one of the few saws in its class that has hydraulic blade feed and positioning -- no hand cranks for those routine operations. It features a very strong 20 HP Kohler engine. It has a 5,000 pound capacity and comes as a fully portable trailer unit. Here is a link to the details on this beauty. Warren said the saw cost about $16K.

Another company that makes four post head machines is Baker. By the way, his is not a hobby for the faint-at-heart -- just ask Jeff... or The Woodbutcher or Warren Keull...

Rob

jeff... · 03-25-2007, 10:24 PM

Thanh, I think it's awesome you are entertaining the though of purchasing a saw mill. Give me a call and I'll try and answer your questions and give you a straight shoot. My number is listed in the NC Sawyers page (Region 3) under Mills Custom Sawing.

http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/view.php?pg=sawyers

Thanks

taandctran · 03-26-2007, 06:27 AM

I'm sorry I didnt really explaine the reason I want to get a saw mill... I am going to be receiving a pretty decent amount of money... And I dont want to just waste all of it... I want to put some of it towards something that could bring in some money in return. Kind of like a eivestment... I figured the best way would be to put it into something that I enjoy (wood working) and something that has always amaized me (milling lumber). I was looking at buying one of the smaller mills, but was affraid the quality wasn't good..... I know the more expensive ones make it easier but do they do a better job of making a log into lumber... Also I wa worried that I wouldn't be able to get the log onto the mill... I have saw (just in pictures) and heard of others accomplishing this with out a tractor or skid steer. But I was wondering what the limitations would be... And would the limitations of this method of loading the mill also meet the limitation of the mill.... Pretty much I still have lots of questions, but I am really interested in a saw mill... Thanks for all of the help.

jerrye · 03-26-2007, 06:47 AM

I'd think that you could find someone with a mill within driving distance and volunteer to help them. Nothing like seeing one operate and being able to operate one to help you make up your mind. If you can't find one any other way you should be able to call the manufacturers for an owner/operator near you. HTH.

Have you looked at The Forestry Forum for help?

jeff... · 03-26-2007, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by taandctran

I'm sorry I didnt really explaine the reason I want to get a saw mill... I am going to be receiving a pretty decent amount of money... And I dont want to just waste all of it... I want to put some of it towards something that could bring in some money in return. Kind of like a eivestment... I figured the best way would be to put it into something that I enjoy (wood working) and something that has always amaized me (milling lumber). I was looking at buying one of the smaller mills, but was affraid the quality wasn't good..... I know the more expensive ones make it easier but do they do a better job of making a log into lumber... Also I wa worried that I wouldn't be able to get the log onto the mill... I have saw (just in pictures) and heard of others accomplishing this with out a tractor or skid steer. But I was wondering what the limitations would be... And would the limitations of this method of loading the mill also meet the limitation of the mill.... Pretty much I still have lots of questions, but I am really interested in a saw mill... Thanks for all of the help.

Your more than welcome to come watch / help me mill. I'm there most every Saturday and some evenings during the week, swing by and ask for Jeff. Bring a PU Truck and some $ leave with some lumber.

Thanks

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