Want to buy a mill

[ms0099rg]

Thanks for taking the time to read this guys. My reasons for buying a sawmill. I love woodworking and making small projects around the house. Would love to have the mill make my own lumber. And maybe sell some on the side. I have been looking into bandsaw mill. My biggest question is to anybody that lives in the city or around area, how do you get your Timber. Just wanted to know how you guys got your logs and if you getting dropped off or you pick them up. I have been looking on craigslist but got deadens. I'm also looking at the woodland mills.

Again let me thank you for your time!

Matt

 

[SDB777]

There's plenty of logs to be had. Storm clean-up, farmers fields, C-list(search trees/logs/firewood ~ 'free stuff')... I live in the middle of a city/town and use a 14' single axle trailer to get logs into the backyard for milling.

Scott (I even run the chainsaw mill) B

 

[ms0099rg]

THank you for the info. Anyway you can post a picture of your setup.

 

[hunterbuild]

I think the woodland would be a good hobby mill. I have the Harbor Freight mill which is basically the same mill, and I'm very happy with it now. I did have to do some work on it, see may other post. View attachment 295490View attachment 295491View attachment 295492View attachment 295493 I have been cutting a lot of wood with it. I made the tracks( very easy) and can cut 22" x 18' with no problem

 

[Dave Boyt]

In addition to Scott's advice, I've had success with tree services. Disposing of logs is always tough for them. Most sawmills won't take them, since urban logs often have metal. This is not so much a problem for band mills, since the blades only cost about $30 to replace. Urban logs often have a lot of character to them that would be good for a woodworker, but not for production. Another challenge with urban logs is that you need equipment to move them without damage the yard too much. Winch, log arch, and trailer are the minimum. Having a tree service that will work with you can be like pure gold, especially when they learn what kinds of logs you're after. I have also cut on shares, which can be a good way to get some good wood (plus the customer may want his or her shares built into something, which would be good for the woodworking side of your business). By the way, DO NOT attempt to cut down any trees near homes, roads, or power lines, unless you are licensed, insured & bonded.

My advice is to look at a lot of different mills before you buy one. Make sure they have the size capacity and power you will need, and that they are strong enough to hold up. I did look at Woodland, among others, and got the Norwood MX34-- no regrets, it has worked beyond my expectations. You will likely be handling some pretty good-sized logs.

Wrestling a sweet gum log out of a yard:
View attachment 295535View attachment 295536View attachment 295537

Harvesting a large maple log for lumber:
View attachment 295538View attachment 295539

 

[gemniii]

Thanks for taking the time to read this guys. My reasons for buying a sawmill. I love woodworking and making small projects around the house. Would love to have the mill make my own lumber.<snip>

The main thing to decide early on is how big do you want or need to go?

BSM's come in small, medium, and large. With corresponding costs.

An MX34 will handle a log 34" in diameter and costs at least $7K. A woodlands mill, or the harbor freight knock off, will only handle about 20" and cost about $1.6K if you get the discount (http://www.arboristsite.com/milling-saw-mills/233185.htm).

If all you want to handle for starters is lumber for small projects I suggest you investigate the wimpy sawmill http://www.arboristsite.com/milling-saw-mills/219928.htm and a CSM. Plans for $24. That's 24 Washington's.

With a decent CSM you can "cut down" big logs into cants that can be handled by even the wimpy sawmill.

As far as WHERE to get wood - also look for "stump dumps", government run dumps that just accept big pieces of trees.