I'd appreciate some opinions, please. I'm in the market for my first mill, which I'd like to use to mill lumber for my own use (cabin on my property, a garage extension - the usual boy stuff!).
Should I consider an old 1985 Woodmizer LT30 with a brand new 16 hp engine and trailer package for $7,000? Or am I better off getting abrand new LT15?
I would consider sawing other people's logs for money, so having something larger than an LT15 is appealing, as is the trailer package for ease of transportation. But I but am more interested in sawing my own trees on my own property.
Thanks,
Malcolm
Old Wood-Mizers never die. They just get new owners, belts, and a few new bearings and keep on sawing.
With a new motor and if otherwise in good condition, I'd say the price is in line.
If the mill is in good operating condition then the 1985 mill will cut just as accurate lumber as a 35,000 new unit. Just slower. Portability is a definite consideration especially for ease of set-up.
A good friend of mine has an 82 LT30 still running strong and cutting well.
jim
My low hour 1984 lt30 works just fine!
Go for the portability. Even if you plan to only cut your own you will soon have people asking you to cut for them. It helps to off-set the upkeep, blades, etc.
I may be upgrading to a hydraulic, so my 1998 LT30 would be available for sale. It has autoclutch and electric winch for log turning. I'll know in 2 weeks if I get the other mill. If you decide you want to go with the LT30, maybe we can work something out and help the forum at the same time.
Thanks for the input, guys. Looks like I'll be buying a case of beer and inviting y'all over sometime soon.
One comfort about buying a Wood-Mizer (new or old) is the support from Wood-Mizer. Wood-Mizer will still provide technical support and parts for their old mills. Sometimes they may even have to go fabricate a part.
They had at least one "old guy" that know everything about the early mills they could go to if the "new guys" got stuck for an answer. I don't know if he's still there. But if he's not, one I bet one of the new guys is now an old guy and can fix you up if you have a problem.
And I'll bet if you called WM with the mill's s/n, they could give you a history of the mill.
when I bought a used 1983 lt30 woodmizer was great to me. It cuts fine.
Have been buying new blades at great lakes logging congress and sent first batch to resharp last week
marv
yeah..as much as I love my lt-15...the portability of the 15 sucks...if you are going to move the mill ever...get the 30...or a new 28..
I bought a 84 lt30 in 03 for 5000. It was almost sight unseen, it was on extended loan(borrower hoped the owner forgot or passed away)before I came along and foiled his plans. Have had no regrets after restore,cuts well. Just purchased a 88 lt40hd(thanks to marty and jeffrey). I may be the only person who prefers the spring tensioner over hydraulic.Set to cut some full 2 x 8 for turtle excluders.They are for a shrimper friend.