Which Mill to Choose? (edited)

[Wallee]

Been looking at sawmills and am looking to dip my toes into the water and get one really soon. Looking to run the mill as a business. From what I have seen the Tk1220 looks to be the best as compared to a say lt15,woodland, or similar mills. I am not looking to push massive amounts of lumber out at first and it is a big chance that if I start to make any decent money at it I will probably upgrade to full hydraulics. I am looking to cut a few ties (not looking to produce MASSIVE amounts just get started), and cut some custom lumber for select markets. Is that even possible on a woodland hm 126? I mean its price is pretty much affordable to me where as I will have to borrow and make payments on the 8k tk1220. I have been scrounging back through all the forum posts and just haven't been able to sway myself either way yet. Some of you more experienced guys help talk me though my decision please! P.s. I have other means of making $ during a start up (full time horse trainer, and Farrier), but I am looking to make money not just build myself a barn(although I do have big plans to build one with the mill :D)

[beenthere]

I for sure wouldn't advise you to go into debt on a mill. They will all cut lumber from logs.

But as long as you have a plan that you think will work, that trumps anything I could suggest differently.

And my opinion comes mostly from reading many, many posts by forum members and having their experiences in mind.

[kellysguy]

I for sure wouldn't advise you to go into debt on a mill.

Agreed. 8K buys a lot of wood so you'd be working your tail off just trying to break even. I don't get it, why spend the money in an area you aren't already in? IMO the money would be better spent expanding your chosen field in another direction.  If it were me I'd be making saddles, not boards.

[bkaimwood]

Amen to the above posts, but to answer your question, if I had to choose, Timberking would be my pick of those 2 mentioned mills...

[Wallee]

I for sure wouldn't advise you to go into debt on a mill.

Agreed. 8K buys a lot of wood so you'd be working your tail off just trying to break even. I don't get it, why spend the money in an area you aren't already in? IMO the money would be better spent expanding your chosen field in another direction.  If it were me I'd be making saddles, not boards.

Already own a log truck and have been milling my whole life. Started working at my great grandfathers mill at the age of 6 helping toss slabs and riding the carriage. Its in my blood. As for the current field I am in, I see enough horses riding the ones in for training and shoeing the 94 other head every 6 weeks. But as things slow down in the mild winter we have here in Ms, It would be nice to have another thing to fall back on. And who knows what the future holds, I may put more into sawing than the other, because I don't know what you know of the horse industry but being a farrier is hard back breaking work. Reason I am not running my grandfathers mill is because we had to sell it to keep my grandmother afloat and I was only 17 at the time of his passing so I couldnt take the mill over and my father wasnt interested.

[WV Sawmiller]

Wallee,

   Tons of information not included. Where are you getting your logs from? How much will they cost you? You mention cutting ties and custom lumber for select customers. How confident are you the market is there? Tie cutting implies material handling equipment and I'd sure think a hydraulic mill would be highly desirable if not absolute requirement. I know you can cut any size with a manual mill but how long with it take you to produce ties and custom lumber? How are you fixed for a place to operate your mill? Good site for the mill with good access and egress? How about storage space for the logs and lumber? How are you fixed for insurance? Collateral equipment? Etc.

    Have you looked at used equipment? How mechanically inclined are you to run and maintain your equipment? You mention the farrier business as being hard work. What do you remember about sawmilling - surely you don't think it is much easier do you? Are there other mills in the area providing the same or similar services? How are they doing?

    Not meaning to burst your bubble. I hope you find your mill and are completely successful in your endeavors but be prepared for may hurdles. Good luck.

   

[Wallee]

Wallee,

   Tons of information not included. Where are you getting your logs from? How much will they cost you? You mention cutting ties and custom lumber for select customers. How confident are you the market is there? Tie cutting implies material handling equipment and I'd sure think a hydraulic mill would be highly desirable if not absolute requirement. I know you can cut any size with a manual mill but how long with it take you to produce ties and custom lumber? How are you fixed for a place to operate your mill? Good site for the mill with good access and egress? How about storage space for the logs and lumber? How are you fixed for insurance? Collateral equipment? Etc.

    Have you looked at used equipment? How mechanically inclined are you to run and maintain your equipment? You mention the farrier business as being hard work. What do you remember about sawmilling - surely you don't think it is much easier do you? Are there other mills in the area providing the same or similar services? How are they doing?

    Not meaning to burst your bubble. I hope you find your mill and are completely successful in your endeavors but be prepared for may hurdles. Good luck.

bubble definitely not busted. Here to be informed. I have my grandfathers old mill site and most of his equipment. I have plenty of friends in the logging business and I am still doing some logging myself. I even have a covered shed for my mill to sit under. Really all I am missing is a mill.

[Wallee]

Also I am definitely not against going used, and am very mechanically minded. Between me and my machinist father in law we can figure most things out. I once helped my grandfather build a mill from the ground up but I was a teenager then.

[beenthere]

To me, with your experience and knowledge, I'd think another circular mill like your grand dad's would be the best bet for the money. And I'd think much better production of ties and the timbers as well.
Seems you have a leg up over many others just starting out looking at mills.

[Wallee]

To me, with your experience and knowledge, I'd think another circular mill like your grand dad's would be the best bet for the money. And I'd think much better production of ties and the timbers as well.
Seems you have a leg up over many others just starting out looking at mills.

I would love to have another circular mill! Just need to locate a good used one. Only down side is they take more than 1 man to run efficiently.

[Wallee]

Don't know if anyone here has one or not but I was just watching some Norwood lm29 promotional videos on youtube and that looks like the smoothest running/fastest cutting small bandmill on the market. Is it lol?

[Verticaltrx]

I was real close to buying an LM29 but went with a LT15 Woodmizer instead. The larger engine, sturdier bed, indexing blade height and the option of power feed are what lead me to the LT15. The Norwoods are a good mill without a doubt, but the LT15 was more mill for just slightly more money.

[Wallee]

I was real close to buying an LM29 but went with a LT15 Woodmizer instead. The larger engine, sturdier bed, indexing blade height and the option of power feed are what lead me to the LT15. The Norwoods are a good mill without a doubt, but the LT15 was more mill for just slightly more money.

I want a lt 15 with power feed but it would be 3k more than a Norwood. Which is a lot to me

[Magicman]

3K is a lot for anybody, but remember that bells and whistles do more than make noise.  Whatever you decide, lean toward quality and potential higher production.  Resale value when you upgrade should also be a consideration.

[Bruno of NH]

Go with the lt15 wide
Wish I did .
Jim/Bruno

[Peter Drouin]

Go with the lt15 wide
Wish I did .
Jim/Bruno

Not too late to get one. ;D

[Wallee]

3K is a lot for anybody, but remember that bells and whistles do more than make noise.  Whatever you decide, lean toward quality and potential higher production.  Resale value when you upgrade should also be a consideration.

Solid Advice! I am going to call norwood monday when their office opens and talk with them. Seems like the lm29 would have several upgrades and be able to grow a bit with it.

[ladylake]

 I'd take a look at EZ Boardwalk also for a push along mill as it will push a lot easier, maybe some EZ owners will reply.   Steve

[Wallee]

I'd take a look at EZ Boardwalk also for a push along mill as it will push a lot easier, maybe some EZ owners will reply.   Steve

Haven't looked at them yet! Headed to check out their site

[fishfighter]

I have the Woodland 126 and there is no way I could see cutting ties and trying to make money with it, Way to much manual labor to flip cants. It's a hobby mill. No more then that. Even with a backhoe to load it, it still high manual mill.

[Wallee]

I have the Woodland 126 and there is no way I could see cutting ties and trying to make money with it, Way to much manual labor to flip cants. It's a hobby mill. No more then that. Even with a backhoe to load it, it still high manual mill.

Honestly it doesn't appear strong enough to suit me. Whereas the Norwood looks like a more professional mill. Plus the Norwood appears to be able to handle more with a decent speed compared to the 126.

[Wallee]

I'd take a look at EZ Boardwalk also for a push along mill as it will push a lot easier, maybe some EZ owners will reply.   Steve

Don't seem to have a lot of info out on the net about these, such a promotional videos and such. Is the company owned by Amish??

[Magicman]

Click on the EZ banner on the left.  EZ Boardwalk

[Wallee]

Click on the EZ banner on the left.  EZ Boardwalk

I have been to their site but Im not seeing much on youtube about them. Ever hear anything bad about them? They claim to be the easiest mill to push. I am Wondering how well they hold up?

[WIwoodworker]

Before I bought my Peterson I was going to buy an EZ Boardwalk based on good reviews from Forestry Forum members. But to your original question I would take a TK 1220 over the Woodland Mill.

[Wallee]

Before I bought my Peterson I was going to buy an EZ Boardwalk based on good reviews from Forestry Forum members. But to your original question I would take a TK 1220 over the Woodland Mill.

The Tk1220 is probably a way better mill. I am Still leaning highly towards a Norwood, which may change after speaking to them tomorrow for the first time. The guys at Tk seem to be top knotch, but idk if the 1220 is that much better than the lm29 and its 3k more

[kellysguy]

Well, I'll put it to you like this; I'm shocked how well my 1220 held up neglected over the last 6 or 7 years sitting on the ground, not to mention it's been outside uncovered for at least 10. That other mill looks like a nice unit but I'm certainly sold on TK's durability. I don't understand why the cross members didn't rust out. They were FULL of bark, dirt, straw, mice and Lord knows what else. To top it off, I don't think they are coated on the insides. I just don't get it and I live in a WET area too.

[Cutting Edge]

I'd take a look at EZ Boardwalk also for a push along mill as it will push a lot easier, maybe some EZ owners will reply.   Steve

Don't seem to have a lot of info out on the net about these, such a promotional videos and such. Is the company owned by Amish??

Good advice from ladylake... If you could see an EZ Jr. in person, it would be worth it.  MUCH more mill for your $$$. 

Yes, they are Amish owned.  I'd venture to say... the money they DON'T spend on advertising goes towards better quality materials and keeps their prices in a more affordable/appropriate range.

[Bruno of NH]

Ez Boardwalk is made in the US that's a plus .
Jim/Bruno

[kellysguy]

TK isn't?!?

[Wallee]

I'd take a look at EZ Boardwalk also for a push along mill as it will push a lot easier, maybe some EZ owners will reply.   Steve

Don't seem to have a lot of info out on the net about these, such a promotional videos and such. Is the company owned by Amish??

Good advice from ladylake... If you could see an EZ Jr. in person, it would be worth it.  MUCH more mill for your $$$. 

Yes, they are Amish owned.  I'd venture to say... the money they DON'T spend on advertising goes towards better quality materials and keeps their prices in a more affordable/appropriate range.

I will call them today as well. I take it you own one?

[tmarch]

I have the Ezboardwalk 40 and it's a great mill with many well thought out ideas incorporated.  They have been great to deal with and I have no regrets. 

[Will_Johnson]

I can't ethically enter in to this conversation except to clarify that TK 1220 mills are made right here in Kansas City, MO.

Which is about as USA as it gets. 

[Gdaddy]

My dad got his TK 1220 in 06 after the hurricane, it has served us well and the customer service from TK has be great. Before he passed in '10 that little mill has cut just about every type tree to be found around here, and even several loads of treated pilings.
I am still sawing with it now and plan on using it for years to come. It might not be the biggest or the fastest, but as long as you have a strong back and good support equipment, ( tractor or loader ) and not in a hurry, IMO its a well build mill and with proper upkeep and servicing it should last for years to come.

[Wallee]

I have the Ezboardwalk 40 and it's a great mill with many well thought out ideas incorporated.  They have been great to deal with and I have no regrets.

I spoke with them this morning and they are getting together a quote for me as we speak. Seemed to be nice people on the phone

[Bruno of NH]

Will
I was talking about the woodland not your mills.
You make a great mill made in the USA
Would like to try one some day .
Jim/Bruno

[Wallee]

Ok guys spoke with Norwood and Ezboardwalk today. Norwood was able to give me a quote and a 5% discount making the lm29 4695 out the door. I was pleased with the conversation and like what I heard. After speaking with EZ, I liked what I heard as well but he was supposed to call me back with a quote in around 2 hours and I never received a call back...... 4200 and he had to check on shipping. Not sure why they never called back though. Should I call them back in the morning?

[Wallee]

Ez did call me back yesterday and gave my quote. Now I am planning on calling woodmizer and seeing about a lt15. I really think a lt 15 with power feed would be nice but Idk if I want to spend that kinda money lol

[Dave Shepard]

I think with the mills you are looking at, you get what you pay for, and I don't mean that in a derogatory way. Each bump in cost comes with some sort of feature, such as power feed, more horsepower, etc. You could get an LT15 and add the power feed at a later date.

[Wallee]

I think with the mills you are looking at, you get what you pay for, and I don't mean that in a derogatory way. Each bump in cost comes with some sort of feature, such as power feed, more horsepower, etc. You could get an LT15 and add the power feed at a later date.

Well I spoke with woodmizer, and there is a woodmizer facility opening up less than an hour from my house. I have filled out paper work for a quote on a lt15 with power feed. So Maaaayybe I might get one of those.... we will see. Bonus with it would be the service and sales company being really close. Plus August 8, 2015 they are having open house and a display/clinic for new sawyers and old alike.

[Magicman]

and there is a woodmizer facility opening up less than an hour from my house.

What town will the new WM outlet be in or close to?

[Wallee]

and there is a woodmizer facility opening up less than an hour from my house.

What town will the new WM outlet be in or close to?

They are going to be in Lousiville. The owners have been in Indiana Training and getting their stuff set up. They bought out some woodmizer down in south ms when the owner passed back in January.

[thecfarm]

Go even if you don't buy a WM. I go to the one here,but it's only about 15 minutes from me too. I try to hit any event that has sawmills. ;D

[Magicman]

Thanks,  I'll make a visit when they get going.  There probably will be a Grand Opening.   

[Wallee]

Thanks,  I'll make a visit when they get going.  There probably will be a Grand Opening.   

Yep I believe it will be august 8th! I will be attending for sure!

[Magicman]

Yikes that is soon, and we could still be on the road coming home from the Pig Roast.  Do you have an address or location in Louisville?  We might could make Hwy 25 our road.

[Wallee]

Yikes that is soon, and we could still be on the road coming home from the Pig Roast.  Do you have an address or location in Louisville?  We might could make Hwy 25 our road.

Its right off hwy 25 Magicman! I dont have the address but here is the owners phone number! 662.617.1841

[Fedge]

I had a TK1220 and I would not recommenced it, However, they may have made improvements since I bought mine in 2000 and sold it in 2003. The thing used bearings like I eat cookies. I really like cookies! The bearings were kind of an oddball and they were difficult to find locally and cost too much money. The water tank was cheap plastic that weathered in the sun and broke apart. It actually cut a nice board but all the other headaches were not worth it. I will say that Timber King tried to make me happy and genuinely seemed to care about my concerns. I bought a Timber Harvester, a lot more mill but a lot more money. I never have had to replace a bearing on it either.

I have seen the EZ Boardwalk in person and it appears to be a much better mill. I own one of their log arches and it is a quality piece of equipment. Mr Zimmerman was very good to deal with and I would not hesitate to purchase from them again.

Geoff

[Wallee]

I had a TK1220 and I would not recommenced it, However, they may have made improvements since I bought mine in 2000 and sold it in 2003. The thing used bearings like I eat cookies. I really like cookies! The bearings were kind of an oddball and they were difficult to find locally and cost too much money. The water tank was cheap plastic that weathered in the sun and broke apart. It actually cut a nice board but all the other headaches were not worth it. I will say that Timber King tried to make me happy and genuinely seemed to care about my concerns. I bought a Timber Harvester, a lot more mill but a lot more money. I never have had to replace a bearing on it either.

I have seen the EZ Boardwalk in person and it appears to be a much better mill. I own one of their log arches and it is a quality piece of equipment. Mr Zimmerman was very good to deal with and I would not hesitate to purchase from them again.

Geoff

Honestly after looking at woodmizer I can get a lt15 with power feed for the same price as the 1220 so tk is out the door as far as I am concerned lol

[redbeard]

Water tanks are a minimal item and the guide roller bearings are greaseable now and with proper grease applications they last forever. I've never seen a 1220 so can't give it a honest report. The LT 15 I've seen and they are stout and push easily. Norwoods push really easier cause there lighter and do a really good job keeping lumber perfect, sharp blades are the key with push mills. EZ boardwalks are a very well thought out mill and I'd look closer at them mainly because there products end at the manual level where TK and WM are entry level mills and grow to bigger mills. Just food for thought.

[Kbeitz]

I'm kinda suprised that no one said anything about looking for a used one on the crages list.
I see used ones for sale all the time in my area.
You should be able to get a good one real cheap if you look around.

[Wallee]

I'm kinda suprised that no one said anything about looking for a used one on the crages list.
I see used ones for sale all the time in my area.
You should be able to get a good one real cheap if you look around.

I have been scouring craigslist for days. Happened upon a belsaw.... Anyone got info on a old belsaw?

[Wallee]

Alright guys, I bit the bullet and ordered a lt 15 with power feed! 2 weeks and we should be seeing some dust fly!

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

Anything that happens to 1 mill will surely happen to another mill sooner or later.
But some people just DO NOT know how to care for a mill.
Clean it, lube it, cover it, regularly do maintenance on it, put it in a shed or cover it outside....READ YOUR MANUEL.....doing all these things will extend the life of ANY mill. 

[sandsawmill14]

Anything that happens to 1 mill will surely happen to another mill sooner or later.
But some people just DO NOT know how to care for a mill.
Clean it, lube it, cover it, regularly do maintenance on it, put it in a shed or cover it outside....READ YOUR MANUEL.....doing all these things will extend the life of ANY mill. 

x2  ;)

[Wallee]

Anything that happens to 1 mill will surely happen to another mill sooner or later.
But some people just DO NOT know how to care for a mill.
Clean it, lube it, cover it, regularly do maintenance on it, put it in a shed or cover it outside....READ YOUR MANUEL.....doing all these things will extend the life of ANY mill. 

I am a stickler for maintenence, I actually enjoy it for
Some reason lol. So I plan to read the Manuel cover to cover as well. Plus I have the new woodmizer place opening up close by and the owner is going to teach me how to run it properly!

[sandsawmill14]

good luck  glad you got it figured out

[Wallee]

good luck  glad you got it figured out

Thanks Sandsawmill14! you have been a big help. Now I just got to learn to really use it!

[Magicman]

Sounds like Congratulations are in order.   

[Wallee]

Sounds like Congratulations are in order.   

Thanks I am excited about the new mill!!!

[WDH]

Maintenance on that machine is very simple and straight forward.  You will really like the power feed. 

[Wallee]

Maintenance on that machine is very simple and straight forward.  You will really like the power feed.

Thanks! I cant wait to try it out. I believe I will be very glad I did the power feed vs. the crank.

[Verticaltrx]

Maintenance on that machine is very simple and straight forward.  You will really like the power feed.

Thanks! I cant wait to try it out. I believe I will be very glad I did the power feed vs. the crank.

I think you made a good choice, but I might be a little biased.  ;D

I don't have power feed (yet) but honestly the mill isn't too bad to operate without it. You can push it just like any of the other manual mills and there is a nice handle provided for such (something woodmizer doesn't advertise well). The only time I use the crank is for really wide/hard cuts. That said, when the budget allows I'll be adding power feed.