Newbie has Sawmill questions

[OldGoat]

Hello, I'm new to Forestry Forum and new to the sawmill world. I have begun to look for a used mill and at this point I want a circular sawmill (I'm guessing this will stir up some debate as to why). I have found a Jackson lumber PM-B 460 its old and rusty been setting out a few years, owner said he used last three years ago. He hasn't come up with an asking price. So my question does anyone have any clue to what this mill is worth (I know condition is the biggy) It does have a large blade with replaceable teeth. It is PTO driven. I'm also looking at a Timber King m-22, about same condition smaller blade, same questions. Thank you for any help.

[goose63]

Hay OldGoat welcome to the Forum I am no help with the circular mill
You hold on a bit lots of guys here have them thy will be along sooner or later
We like pictures 8)

[mad murdock]

Welcome aboard OldGoat!  A pic or two of the current mill would say a lot to guys wanting to give you an extimate on worth, as well as your location ,you can update that in your profile. 
Circle mills are good, but require more support equipment than a band mill. Give us a bit of back story on your plans and what you have to work with as far as support equipment, and you will get some very good feedback.

[thecfarm]

OldGoat,welcome to the forum.

[Deese]

Hey OldGoat!!  ;D
Welcome!

[pine]

Welcome to the forum OldGoat

[glassman_48]

welcome old goat,
where are you from?  You might want to call the timberking factory and have them tell you about their machine, parts availabilty etc.   Good luck, keep us up to date on your progress

[OldGoat]

Hey thank you, I will try and get some pics posted. I`m in northern Indiana. My wife and I recently built a log cabin ( ok we watch the erectors put it up ) but we did most everything else,( ok we had a contractor do a lot too) we own a large woods that was logged a few years back but still a lot of timber, maple, Lots and Lots of tulip popular, some walnut. I have a barn  and blacksmith shop building  projects and Id like mill as much lumber as I can myself. I have couple of tractors one a loader to support this crazy idea.  Also been very fascinated with sawmills since I was a little kid. so that's the back story.

[ddcuning]

Welcome to the FF OldGoat!

My experience has been that a mill which has been sitting will require some...or a lot of maintenance to get it sawing right and I have been very happy with the fact that there are still new parts available for my Frick 00. My advice would be that you research parts availability on any mill you consider purchasing. I did not do this when I bought my mill but just got lucky that they still make parts for my Frick.

Dave C

[dgdrls]

Welcome aboard Oldgoat.  Glad to here your looking for a circle.  I'm a big fan of them.
IMHO I would call Jackson and ask if they still support the PM B 460.  Price is a tough one,
All depends on condition, search thread by ddcuning, he has done a whale of job with his rebuild.
In either case you need a power unit perhaps your tractor can drive  the mill, how much HP you have to work with?

FWIW there is a thread related to a TK M-22 on the board also,but its not complete to date.

I'll add this also, depending on the type of sawing you want to achieve you could look at a Dimension type circle mill also.

You'll find the right circle mill just dig around a bit.

Best
DGDrls

[21incher]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum OldGoat.

[bandmiller2]

Welcome OldGoat, the cold hard truth is old circular mills that need work are not worth a lot, they used to be before band mills. Today small time millers want bands and the commercial guys want the new stuff.  Different parts of the country prices vary, I'd say between $500.00 and $2500.00 depending on condition. The saw is the most important item if its inserted tooth  with available bits and shanks. A mill with power plant in running condition under cover with tools is worth the high end. Don't rush into any deal theirs more old mills around than you think. Frank C.

[Magicman]

Hello OldGoat, and Welcome to the Forestry Forum.   8)

[OldGoat]

Thank you all for the great advice. I love this forum already.

[sealark37]

A commonly seen price for a dis-used circle mill in the Carolinas is <$2000, with power unit.  Dave knows about the need for parts replacement.  If your mill is no longer supported for parts, then you need to know a good machinist.  Regards, Clark

[OldGoat]

Gents, Having a little trouble getting some pics off my phone of the jackson mill hopefully post some soon, but here is a link to craigs list of the tk-m22. the guy said hes willing to trade and I offered up my 1967 international cub low-boy tractor, mower deck and plow. He ask if I was willing to through in some cash. From what you all are saying I may be getting the short end of the deal...????? thanks again for the advice.

Craigs list links not allowed.

[drobertson]

Battle for your price, sounds like he would take more if you gave it to him,  mill looks fair enough to me, carriage looks just a little on the light side, jmo