To Mill or not to Mill that is the question?

[Timster2]

When I need lumber its usually off to the lumberyard, however, I am planning an expansion to my garage and some logging. The power company is coming through and cutting a road and right of way for a power line and will be removing a lot of trees. Now I intend to sell as much as I can to pay for the expansion but it occurred to me that some of the wood would go to waste, namely the hemlock and white pine. It dawned on me that I could have this milled and use it for board and batten siding. The question is where do I start?

When they fall the trees I can skid them out and take them to a mill I assume but don't have a clue about getting the logs milled to siding. Is this something that is special in anyway or just milled to the size I need to make the siding? If I bring in a load of logs do I wait till the mill gets around to my job or do they just tally up what I have and give me some stuff already milled to siding sizes? Would it be cost effective to have someone come with a portable mill to do the job, and what could I expect to pay for this service at a mill or if someone comes to me with a portable? Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[discounthunter]

call up the local mills directly and find out what their requirements are.also look for someone with a portable bandsaw mill.

 

[Timster2]

Stopped by the local mill, seems they only do hardwood. The guy there was very helpful and we talked about my other project with the power line clearing and how to bring logs to his mill. Although he does not do any pine he did print out names and addresses of a pair of local mills that do.

Does anyone have an idea what it would cost per board foot etc. to have the white pine and hemlock milled into board and batten siding. I am just trying to get an idea if it is worth the whole effort involved.

 

[carhartt]

Check with your local authorities on building codes. I have a mill and learned if you need inspections, they will not allow you to use lumber that is not grade certified for structural building. That is the little bluish green stamp that is on the lumber you buy. Crappy rule. Unless your code inspector knows anything about grading lumber it can be a problem you dont want to be in.

 

[carhartt]

Sorry, I see you are just looking for siding. shouldnt be a problem. Let me see if I can dig up a guys contact that I know up that way with a mill and Ill let you know. You maybe able to go on Woodmizers web page and get some info on local mill owners that are registered up there.

 

[Dave Boyt]

Wish I lived closer! Are you thinking of lap siding or board & batt? Your state wood products association should have a list of sawmills. Sounds ideal for a portable sawmill that could come to your location. Some of the portable mills have lap siding jigs for making tapered siding.

 

[buzz sawyer]

I had a local sawyer with a portable mill come to my house to mill some ash and oak about ten years ago. He charged $0.21 a board foot. If I had a lot to saw and time to do it, I would strongly consider buying a small band mill. Just be prepared for LOTS of sawdust. How big are the logs you will be sawing?

 

[carhartt]

Tim,
The guys name I PMd you has or had a lap siding jig. That is why I kept his card. Let me know if it all works out.

 

[Timster2]

I had a local sawyer with a portable mill come to my house to mill some ash and oak about ten years ago. He charged $0.21 a board foot. If I had a lot to saw and time to do it, I would strongly consider buying a small band mill. Just be prepared for LOTS of sawdust. How big are the logs you will be sawing?

The logs are about 24" diameter or smaller. I am a tool junkie and would love to own my own mill, however, the mind is willing but the body has enough checks that it can't cash already. It would take me three to four times the hours to get the job done and without help even longer. Better to help someone really justify why they bought their mill and make a few bucks and a new friend at the same time.:msp_rolleyes::msp_rolleyes: