Woodland HM 126 vs Harbor Freight sawmill

[Shaggy]

I am looking at getting a sawmill and only need a small cheap mill to cut enough wood to build a house, barn and small animal housing/structures (troughs etc)... So of course I am looking at the cheaper mills like the woodland and the Harbor Freight's version. I know that the HF is a cheap knock off but is the woodlands worth $1000 more ????
Does the Woodlands cut bigger logs? is the cut better? I have seen posts on the HF saying the head moved while cutting so the boards were wavy or changed thickness. Is the clamping/locking better.... or can/is there easy fixes   for that and I can save 1K? What about adding track to cut up to 16 ft ? I can't find HF selling track so has anyone made track to lengthen log length you can cut? I can buy the HF now but would need another 6-8 months to save up to get the Woodland... (any and all help would be great)(tell me any good AND BAD about either if you have or used em.... THANXZ

[WDH]

There are no free rides.  There are a number of satisfied Woodland Mills owners on here.  Logs are heavy and rough and tear things up.  The re-sale value should also be taken into account.

[wilcox_11]

HF mill is $2000 and the woodland is $2900. Have no experience with either. The woodland looks better built in my opinion.

[goose63]

I have the woodland bought the extra extension can cut 16 foot log built a trailer for it. its a tough little mill  am real happy with it I think its a better mill than the H F 

  

  I have cut some big logs on it

[Shaggy]

so all the woodland ppl, is the cuts wavy or how thin have you cut? any 1/2 in. boards or even 1/4 in?

[Shaggy]

HF mill is $2000 and the woodland is $2900. Have no experience with either. The woodland looks better built in my opinion.

Your right, i meant to say save 1000 and was thinking of the woodland price of 3k, sorry for the misprint ya'll, I'll fix the original post....

[Dave H.]

I own a woodland mill. I looked at both for a while before decideing. from what ive seen the HF mill will need upgrades right out of the box(about $200).bed system is very light duty(I don't know of being able to by extentions so they might have to be fabricated?)also the big point for me was dealer support.hf has basically zero.shipping is also something to be considered.woodland mills does front door delivery(includes off the truck service)HF ,I believe that's extra or you will have to figure out how to get it out of the back of a semi.in my opinion the extra cost is money well spent.
as far as cutting ive had very little issues(most being operator issues)ive also cut several 1/8 slices(for fun) with no problems.

[reswire]

That Woodland mill looks pretty impressive, but cutting enough lumber for all the tasks you have listed will be no easy job.  Remember support equipment, how you'll find and move the logs, and where you will set them to dry, (additional time and money), all add up.  I'm sure you can accomplish your goal, but it may be more to cutting  out lumber for your home than you imagine.   I'm just saying the mill might not be the only cost you'll encounter.

[jwcracker]

I have enjoyed my Woodland Mill HM 126.  The key to this mill is to keep a sharp blade, a tight drive belt, and don't flood the blade with lubricant or the blade will jump off.  My Woodland Mill does great on pines (that we have plenty of around here).  Hardwoods challenge it.

[Sawyer4fun]

Hi, I also have the HM126 and am very happy with it.  I have not had any issues with the head dropping, the head locks with both the cams on the legs as well as the crank itself.  Properly adjusted it holds solid throughout the cut.

One major thing with Woodland Mills is the customer service, it is way above average and they are extremely easy to deal with.

[StimW]

I know Woodland is a sponsor and I don't like to go against someone who is paying the way, But.
I have had the HF since last spring and am very happy for the money that I paid.
It was on sale for $1900. , I used a 25% off coupon (if you can't find one google for it)  and with shipping and sales tax it was $1607. to my driveway.
It comes with a 10 hp Honda knock-off motor (Preditor HF Chinese Brand)  and will cut 9' 6"" boards, is packed very well.
I mounted it to a frame with a removable axle and added an extension so I can cut 16' boards.
If you check my gallery pics (click on the little camera to the left) you can see it from the crate to assembled and cutting.
I did have some problems with a oak log and it cutting wavy but the oak is like cutting iron! I gave scraps to  friend for firewood and he can't even split it with a wedge!
I since have been cutting pine with great results.



  

    

[mikeb1079]

i've run the woodland mill but not the hf mill but even looking at stim's pic i can tell you the woodland is way better built.  we cut cherry at my buddys property all day and the woodland mill was flawless.  i was impressed.  get the woodland, it'll have more resale when you decide to buy a superhydraulic anyways.
:D :D

[goose63]

so all the woodland ppl, is the cuts wavy or how thin have you cut? any 1/2 in. boards or even 1/4 in?

Shaggy mine  don't get wavy keep a sharp blade on and it will cut good

  and this thin if you want had to dig this out of the burn pile was 10 inch by 8 ft

[shawnr]

I really liked the looks of the WM, but I just got a 25% off coupon from HF (friends and family discount).  I'm not a friend or family but the coupon can be used by anyone and is good through Sunday.  Let me know if you want it and I'll email to you.

[RM Farm]

I own the Woodland Mills. This is a great saw for what you are wanting to do. I do believe you can make money with it, but as someone else stated, logs are heavy and they shake things up a bit.  For what I use mine for it's great (hobby sawing), and I have not had any wavy cuts. Hope this helps.

[nrp0450]

I have the Woodland Mills too. I've been very happy with it and happy with the customer service until they messed up an order I placed for guide bearings. Their mistake put the mill out of service for 3 weeks. The bearings are supposed to come in tomorrow!

To cut longer logs I went to our local steel plant and bought two 20' steel angle pieces of the same dimensions as the track that came with the mill. I drilled holes in it and moved the bunks to it. I can cut 18' with that setup. And when I need to, I mount the old track to one end to cut even longer.

[John357]

Hi Shaggy,

I have the Woodland Mill and have had wavy cuts.  I thought it was from sawing small diameter logs (branches!) as the wave tended to follow where a branch was.  Now I think it was from pushing through too fast.  I have since done several branches and with a real slow cut, can get straight boards. 

I picked the Woodland because it was a little more expensive than the HF, assuming I'd get little thicker steel, better cables, etc.   I also liked the video's demonstrating all the design features such as lowered hand crank (from an earlier WM model) track sweepers, and now they ship with adjustable feet. 

I'll second the comments about log handling.  I have a stationary setup, and thought I'd be able to handle 8' logs, but even those are pretty hard to move around without dedicated machinery.  Just something to keep in mind.

John

[Ga Mtn Man]

I really liked the looks of the WM, but I just got a 25% off coupon from HF (friends and family discount).  I'm not a friend or family but the coupon can be used by anyone and is good through Sunday.  Let me know if you want it and I'll email to you.

Better read the fine print on that coupon.  High priced items like sawmills are often excluded from those big discount coupons. :-\

[StimW]

I really liked the looks of the WM, but I just got a 25% off coupon from HF (friends and family discount).  I'm not a friend or family but the coupon can be used by anyone and is good through Sunday.  Let me know if you want it and I'll email to you.

Better read the fine print on that coupon.  High priced items like sawmills are often excluded from those big discount coupons. :-\

I was skeptical about the coupon but they did honor it for my mill.

[StimW]

The big log on the right is on the mill.



 


I added more pics today. I have this cant on the mill now trying to decide what to cut next. ??
The slab on the ground I am going to stand up and cut into 2 X 4's , cant and slab are 16' 4"" long.



  

 

[hunterbuild]

I have the HF mill for a couple of years now. have cut a lot of logs with it. I did have to do some fixing, but nothing any one couldn't handle ( see my earlier post on this). The 20% coupon works for the saw. Mine was about $1700 delivered to my door. Not much for customer service is true. I found two pieces of angle 20ft long and made a new track to cut 18'. If I had it to do over I would do it again. It paid for its self in first job I used it for. I've sawed 20"plus Oak with it, but mostly am cutting pine. It will cut 22"     

[Shaggy]

I guess I should have said that I've done logging and I have an ol'e Farmall 130 tractor and a Stihl saw... I know it can pull the logs I want out of my woods as we used her back when a little storm called Katrena hit the land mass between New Orleans and Mobile. (yes we still remember that weather channel) The only oak I couldn't move with the Farmall was a huge water oak that was over 6' in diameter... (that was the same tree that turned a mudbog truck w/ 44's tires to a GMC that was less than 6" tall once that tree centered her :'( ) The branches were   almost 3' in diameter n were 60' up (when the tree was still alive)... But I couldn't cut her up w/ even a 24" stihl 066 saw.... made me sick to watch all that wood just rot in what used to be my driveway... and NO  ONE w/ a mill would even look at my wood as ppl w/ 100's to thousands of acres took them away

But I digress, I will build the barn first to house the mill and the dried lumber and use an old greenhouse to be a solar kiln. I have only hardwood on my land though and I'm still leaning towards the woodland, but I got the money for the HF now n I want to see sawdust flyin.... but reason says to get the better built n go with the Woodland. its just hard to know I could be milling now but I gotta wait 2-3 more months to get it instead of the HF now...(I think the bug has bitten me ya'll )

[Nomad]

     Shaggy, have you considered looking into a used mill?  Maybe you could get your "fix" upgraded and still save some coin.

[pidaster]

Shaggy, I sent you an email earlier. I caught the HF mill on sale and used a 25% coupon on it, I think I paid $1500 plus tax. I've recently read that they will no longer accept coupons on the sawmill and have noticed the fine print to include that it is not accepted on them as well.
If you are close to Hattiesburg I might can meet you somewhere or bring it over to you so you can look at it if you haven't purchased one yet.

[Magicman]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, pidaster.

[pidaster]

Thanks, Magicman!
Glad to see more users from my area!

[fishfighter]

I look at both. The more I looked at the HF, the more spending 1K for a Woodland HM126 would be better spent.

If one looks real close at the HF and compare with the 126, one will see what the big difference is.

Now only if Woodland would push my mill to me that I ordered yesterday.

Oh, those coupons for HF exclude sawmills, I called them.

[HaroldSiefke]

I bought a hm126 and when I got it it had a band wheel that had the hole to big for bearing. So I called Neil and my band wheel was sent the next day. Try that kind of support with harbor freight. Stick with some one that you can get support from. The people one the side are are friends so we all should stick together. Good luck in your choice ... Hal

[Swatson]

I would agree with Harold.  HF has poor customer service and its a failure from the top.  My wife worked there for six months while she was in between management jobs.  She tried to order some replacement pulleys for my lathe and even she couldn't get them.  They have no standard process for getting spare parts.  She was frustrated as she could be trying to take care of folks.  Finally she found a job in her field.     

[dukecrazy]

I realize I'm reviving an old thread from the dead but I'm now in the same situation as shaggy. Instead of making a brand new thread about the same thing I was actually wanting to get with the guys close to me(shaggy and pidaster) and see if I can check out their mills. What say you gentlemen?

[Kingmt]

Hi dukecrazy.

I didn't read the whole thread yet since I seen it was old but wanted to say hi & let you know you can PM me any questions. If we were closer if let you cut some boards. The screws in my HF mill have a fancy W on the head I figured might stand for Woodland.

I have a thread with some of the mods I've done on mine & was able to keep the cost down. I've been really happy with it.

[dukecrazy]

kingmt,
 
     I appreciate the response sir and were you closer, I would definitely take you up on your offer. As it stands, I'd like to get with one of these local fellas and check out their rig before I purchase. I've been researching and eyeing the cheaper entry level mills for a little while now and am antsy to pull the trigger on one. Although I don't want to spend the extra grand on the woodland it may be a good option. As I sit and look at pictures of the HF and Woodland side by side it really is hard to tell a difference in them. Also, from the videos of each in action it becomes EVEN HARDER to justify the $1000 extra for the woodland as the central machinery rig cuts very well.


Off topic: is there an area with introductions? I looked around but didn't see a specific area to introduce ourselves.

[beenthere]

duke

Off topic: is there an area with introductions? I looked around but didn't see a specific area to introduce ourselves.

Go to the General forum on the Home page and start a new thread to introduce "dukecrazy". We'll gladly listen, and welcome to the Forestry Forum.

[Kingmt]

I own a HF & looking at the pictures other then paint I can't tell them apart. I did replace my track so I could cut a 16'+ log & ended up with 3" more top clearance which 3" made a big difference on those oblong butt logs. Surprising how many more logs almost fit that so now & I get a extra board out of a log sometimes. I'm going to sale my old track as soon as I finish building my new bunks.

[dukecrazy]

I own a HF & looking at the pictures other then paint I can't tell them apart. I did replace my track so I could cut a 16'+ log & ended up with 3" more top clearance which 3" made a big difference on those oblong butt logs. Surprising how many more logs almost fit that so now & I get a extra board out of a log sometimes. I'm going to sale my old track as soon as I finish building my new bunks.

would you mind posting a picture of your upgrade to the track? I'd like to see it bc it may be something I do.

[Kingmt]

I can't because of the way I do things & the rules on here but when I get a picture taken I'll PM you a link.

[beenthere]

But you do enjoy other members' pics... 

[Jeff]

[bkaimwood]

I would spend the extra $ for the woodland, without any hesitation or pondering... Just sayin'...

[Kingmt]

But you do enjoy other members' pics... 

Yes I do. I also respect the rules of the forum. 😉

[Jeff]

Which translates two ways...

1. I can't figure out how to do it

or most likely
2. I totally DO NOT respect the rules for sharing photos here and the rules pertaining to that, so choose not to

Either way, okay by me, but the answer to beenthere is pure bull puckey.

[dukecrazy]

I can't because of the way I do things & the rules on here but when I get a picture taken I'll PM you a link.

That's fine, just PM me. 
I don't get the rules thing I keep seeing, the way I read them the rules didn't come across in a way where you can't post pics of your setup that you modified?  Maybe I just didn't understand them, lol. 

[sawmilljoe]

I too own the Woodland. There customer service I great. The mill was been doing great in a small scale sawing business for about 8 months now. I saw on weekend and some evenings as this is a new business not even one. The lumber coming off the mill is great if you do 3 things keep a sharp and well set blade on the mill (do not think about just one more log change it ) , lots of tension on the blade (35 ftlbs on the nut with a torque wrench it will be more then you think) and last but not least speed the old saying speed kills with the smaller mills this is so true. Welcome to the group and get sawing any mill is a good mill.

PS the engine on the woodland is a great little engine and there is a lot of you extra cost plus the changes in the dogging and crank systems make it great.

[Kingmt]

Jeff, I really don't understand how you interrupt it that way. You have rules to your forum. It is your house & I respect that. I never asked you to allow me to do something different or expect you to.

My answer to beenthere at first was just "Yes I do" but I was concerned that short response would be taken wrong. I'm not sure why he asked it to start with since I never said anything negative. I was only responding to a request that I wouldn't be doing.

As far as pictures go. I've explained before. First I don't take many pictures but those that I do are backed up to my cloud & only when I'm connected to WiFi & they take forever because of the speed of my connection. When I'm on cellular data I'm limited to 1.5GB between my wife & I for the month. That isn't very much & is hard to stay under that limit.

Sorry that my choice not to upload pictures to your server offends you. It just isn't efficient for me. I do really enjoy this from & while I don't have much experience I enjoy offering what knowledge I do have. However if you don't want me to I'll remain silent.

[dukecrazy]

thanks for the advice sawmilljoe, believe it or not, I will definitely remember it!

kingmt, you know better than I that this forum is a great and respectful place so don't take stuff too offensively bc I'm sure it isn't meant in a harmful manner.

[Jeff]

Kingmt, BS!! on  THREE recent and separate occasions you have brought up that you don't post photos due to our rules. The first time you felt the need to butt in where someone else was having an issue to proclaim this. I'm not offended about your not wanting to share photos. I could care less if I ever see one of your photos. What pisses me off is that if you don't want to share photos under our rules, just don't and shut up about it.

[Kingmt]

Well I don't BS. I try to be quite respectful about things even when I feel others are not.

[beenthere]

I recall reading this quote somewhere...   ;)

No pictures=didn't happen.

http://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/posts/by_user/id/30014/page/50

[Kingmt]

I take it you've checked up on me to see if I'm a trouble maker. 😉 I do the same thing with people to get a better feel for who I'm talking to at times. You can also find me at androidarea51.com along with a few other sites.

I wanted to add some info on the bearings. The track rollers use 6004RS. I believe if you pop the seals & add grease you won't have any problems out of them. Time will tell.

I use mostly water to lube the blade so if your using something else you might not see the same problems with them.

[btulloh]

an order I placed for guide bearings. Their mistake put the mill out of service for 3 weeks. The bearings are supposed to come in tomorrow!

These bearings are easy to find locally or from a domestic source.  The WM service is great, but they have to ship parts from Canada so it makes it a little more involve, expensive and slower.  All of the bearings are pretty common, especially the guide bearings.  I bought 10 the other day for $15, not that I go through that many.  Drive belt also.  Better to get locally or domestic at least just because of the shipping.  (I hope that's OK with Neil.)

When I did need a couple of little things replaced that were not made quite right they got them out right away with no fuss.  Great service.

[pidaster]

I realize I'm reviving an old thread from the dead but I'm now in the same situation as shaggy. Instead of making a brand new thread about the same thing I was actually wanting to get with the guys close to me(shaggy and pidaster) and see if I can check out their mills. What say you gentlemen?

You're more than welcome to come put your eyes on the mill. I may not have anything to run through it at the time but at least you could see what it looks like in person. There were a few things about the mill that needed some attention but for $1600 I'm perfectly happy. If I had access to a Woodland Mill then I could honestly tell you if it's worth it or not. Since I only saw maybe once a month, this will do. Maybe one day when I'm able to saw more and can justify the cost, I'll get a Woodmizer.

[dukecrazy]

I'd love to come by today even though I know is short notice. If not today, maybe tomorrow?

[dukecrazy]

It was great getting to meet you pidaster. I gained a good bit of knowledge about the mill just from seeing yours today.  Thanks again. 

[seadawg]

I have a harbor freight mill and love it. I just wish my health would let me use it more.

[pidaster]

It was great getting to meet you pidaster. I gained a good bit of knowledge about the mill just from seeing yours today.  Thanks again.

Ditto on the meeting. If you have any questions or need some pictures, just let me know.

[breederman]

Welcome to the forum seadawg ! A couple of us live very close to Bainbridge .

[dukecrazy]

For you guys with the HF mill, have you given thought to upgrading to the 13hp engine at HF? I was in the store tonight shopping for some woodworking items and I walked over and eyeballed the two engines (the 301cc and 420cc) side by side and they look identical with the exception of the 420cc having a key start. It would stand to reason that it would be a direct replacement upgrade for us and at $359 I'm considering it. What are ya'lls thoughts on it?

[KirkD]

Are they the same shaft sizes as the motor that comes on it? If not you will have to change clutches.

[dukecrazy]

I haven't checked out full specs yet to find out but I'm about to go to the site and find out bc I got an email that the engine I want is on sale for 299 which is hard to pass up. 

[dukecrazy]

PTO shaft diameter, length, height, keyway on the two engines are both the exact same, however, the difference is the shaft end tapped which on the 420cc it's 3/8" 24UNF and on 301cc it's 7/16" 20UNF.

[Nomad]

PTO shaft diameter, length, height, keyway on the two engines are both the exact same, however, the difference is the shaft end tapped which on the 420cc it's 3/8" 24UNF and on 301cc it's 7/16" 20UNF.

That makes no sense at all.  The bigger engine uses a smaller connection?

[dukecrazy]

that's what the specs say, lol.

[KirkD]

With HF I would question it I bet you will find out it is metric.

[dukecrazy]

I wonder how hard it would be to find a new clutch to fit if the one I have won't fit the new engine....hmmm

[Kbeitz]

You can buy bushings for smaller shafts.

[dukecrazy]

Will definitely do that then!  For 300+bushings to double my power seems like a no brainer

[starmac]

It would probably be easy enough to drill and tap the shaft if it was needed.

[dukecrazy]

It seems there are a few good options on the table for it. Thanks guys

[DelawhereJoe]

Dragging this up from the depths, are any of the original posters out there and are you mills still up and running ?

[StimW]

I still have my HF mill, it still works great.
I haven't had much time to use it because I closed my business, retired, bought 10 acres and moved 50 miles from where I was living and have been remodeling a 4 bedroom house.
I got some pine logs a year ago but they were poor quality, too many limbs but I cut them up just for fun. 

[coyotebait]

Made by the same company in Canada.