Introduction and a big question. SHould I?

[mirage2521]

Hi Guys, seems like a great forum with some nice folks here.  I own a couple of acres in North West Florida with quite a few southern yellow pine.  They vary from 10-14 diameter to 20-24 diameter for a total of probably 30-40 trees.  Does this small amount of wood have any value?  Might it be worth buying a small mill and trying to make a few $$ and clear my land at the same time?  There is not enough to get a logger in to clear it,  They all seem to want 10 acres or more to make it worth their time and money. 

I would really appreciate any and all input. 

[wetdog]

It would probably be better to just get a portable sawyer to come and mill your trees after you fell them. I don't think you would make enough money to pay for a mill. But if you have been wanting to get a mill anyway, it's a good excuse to get one.

[Sixacresand]

Welcome to the Forum, Mirage2521.  I agree with wetdog.  If you buy a bass boat, you will never catch enought fish to pay for it, either.  Buy a mill and enjoy yourself.  Build something on your place. 

[beenthere]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum.

Might be a fun endeavor to get a mill, work up some of those trees, and pass the time making lumber. That is if you have such interest in knowing first hand what it would be like.
For some, no time like the present to find out.  ;D  That is if spending the kids money is no problem, as it may not be a 100% paying proposition.

[tule peak timber]

Having made my living off of a boat and then a sawmill,,,,,Rob

[thecfarm]

mirage2521,welcome to the forum. I have a sawmill,I have a tractor,I have a chainsaw. I only saw for me. I have built only 3 out buildings with my mill,another maybe next year. It's not cheap to have all the above,but I am having fun!!!

[mirage2521]

Thanks guys, there seems to be no one around with a portable mill.  There is one member of this forum I have found.  I put out some feelers maybe he will respond.  One of my main goals is to get this land cleared,  Every one I have spoken with wants $$$ in the thousands to clear anything and I thought a mill might be a way to get rid of the wood.

[PC-Urban-Sawyer]

Where are you located in north west florida?

[RM Farm]

Welcome to the FF mirage2521. I am doing just what you want to do. I bought an HM 126 mill from Woodland Mills, a sponsor on the left to clear trees from the 12 acres I live on. Planning to build a barn and some other out buildings. Should you decide to go that route, check them out. 

[Chuck White]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Mirage2521.

[dboyt]

If there are no custom band saw mills in your area, you may have people calling you when they find out you have one.  I got my first mill when I was building my house with the idea of selling it when I was finished.  I did sell it... to get a bigger mill.  I'm now on my third mill, and enjoy it as much as ever.  Thecfarm brings up a good point.  There is much more to milling than the sawmill itself.  Tractor, couple of chain saws, cant hook, flatbed trailer, can all add up.  Even if you have to travel a bit, it would be worthwhile to find someone with a band mill who can show you the ropes.

[Nomad]

Thanks guys, there seems to be no one around with a portable mill.  There is one member of this forum I have found.  I put out some feelers maybe he will respond.  One of my main goals is to get this land cleared,  Every one I have spoken with wants $$$ in the thousands to clear anything and I thought a mill might be a way to get rid of the wood.

     Mirage, welcome to the Forum!  There aren't a whole lot of portable millers here in Florida, but there are a few of us and there are a couple in your area.  For what you're talking about I don't think I'd be buying a mill unless you simply want to buy a mill!
     I'm not sure what you mean when you say "A way to get rid of the wood?"

[PC-Urban-Sawyer]

If you haven't already found him, @woodbowl is located in the Panhandle and does mobile sawing.