I got It Narrowed Down To These 2 Mills

[Dave Shepard]

Wait, the 50 and 70 have a different frames?

The LT25 through LT70 have essentially the same frames, as far as I know.

[barbender]

Wait, the 50 and 70 have a different frames?

Sorry, my phone auto corrected LT70 to LT40. Yes, I think the LT50 and LT70 share the same frame as the others.

[hackberry jake]

I am a lot better at fixing things that aren't electrical. I would go for the mill that had less electronics and I would also look at what brand engines are available. Im kindof a honda guy.

Says the Einstein who fabricated his own set works system for his mill.  ;D. If electrical is where you get troubled, I have lost all hope for becoming much of a mechanic myself  :D

Sometime it is easier to build from scratch than it is to fix something that someone else built... especially if they used non-off-the-shelf parts.

[Tree Dan]

At one time I was going to build my own home brew mill.
But I want a mill that I don't need to mess with out in the bush or on a custom job.
I have to admit rolling in with a lt35hd with a couple of skid steers and a excavator is preaty impressive.
I sold a ton of gear that I don't use any more and that's going towards the sawmill.
I did the same with my track skid steer.....sold a ton of farm gear and bought it.

[rooster 58]

The 40 thru the 70 have the same frames. The 70, because of the head design, will only saw 20'2" long, compared to I think 21'6" on the other mills. Marty told me they wanted to keep the frames the same. Aggravating on the 70 when you're sawing a 20 footer

[Dave Shepard]

LT40 has a capacity of 21', although you would have to take the rubber bumpers off of each end to do it. Even then I'm not so sure it actually has that much travel. I've been meaning to measure it some time. I tell people that 20'-6" is the max without the extension on, and even that requires exact placement.

[Chuck White]

FWIW, my opinion is:  If you're going mobile, go hydraulic!

[Tree Dan]

FWIW, my opinion is:  If you're going mobile, go hydraulic!

Thanks Chuck...Yaa I think that's the way I'm headed now.
If I wasen't going mobile It would maybe get the lt15Wide
Its a lot of money for a new one, I do have my ears open for a used 35 or 40 just none around here.
Oh well.
I would be cutting maple and pine...what blades would I need?
And what about a cant hook? is there a good size and make to get?

Thanks for all the help on this guys! Much appreciated!

Dan

[Dave Shepard]

LogRite cant hooks and peaveys are the best. 8) I have a 60" and 30" hook. I run WM 10° bands for pine, and most other woods. 4° if frozen, hard or locust.

[thechknhwk]

Do yourself a favor and get the fine adjust outriggers installed from the factory or dealer, they will set you back an extra 3-500 if you figure it out after the fact.

[Mike@Norwood]

Hi Tree Dan

If I may....

I'd just like to point out that Norwood mills are sold in kit form, partially assembled, as well as fully assembled.


Excuse me for butting in fellas

Best of luck in your decision Tree Dan


Regards,
Mike at Norwood

[Dave Shepard]

That's good to know, Mike.

[Solomon]

It's a shame Logmaster went out of buisness.   I have the LM4 .  Bought it new took delivery in January of 2008.   Very simple machine, nothing to go wrong, no electronics,  a simple setworks that works off light through fiber optic cables to a light sensor switch.  14 presets and its a simple steel plate with holes it reads.  You can make your own out of a piece of 1/8 inch steel.
It's built from commonly available parts that can be obtained in any industrial park,
trailer supply or fleet supply.
Other than regular maintence and replacing the drive belt to the hydraulic pump and changing guide bearingings and band blades, I have had absolutely NO issues or problems of any kind.
(except for operator error a couple of times).
Ed and Herman Gibson still call and send emails every so often just to stay in touch and always ask if I need any parts ect....
I may upgrade to a higher volume
hydraulic pump to speed it up a little but everything on it works like a champ with no issues.
  You could do a lot worse than finding yourself a used Logmaster.    No offense to all the sponser mill companys on this sight but I have to tell you , to say I am happy with my mill is a major understatement !

[rooster 58]

I know of an Amishman that saws hemlock with a Logmaster. It's a very nice mill. The blade does not cut perpindicular to the log, it is off set about 10 degrees or so ;)

[Solomon]

I know of an Amishman that saws hemlock with a Logmaster. It's a very nice mill. The blade does not cut perpindicular to the log, it is off set about 10 degrees or so ;)

I wonder which model he has.
My unit is not off set.
If I were to buy another new mill,
as logmaster ceased operations , I think I would go with a Cooks Mill.
I think Wood Mizer builds a decent machine but they seem to be very proprietary.
Parts are pricey and you have to get your parts from them.
If they ever shut down you're out of luck.   

[dboyt]

Sorry to be jumping into this a bit late.  I've been up to the Paul Bunyan show in Ohio this last week.  I'm running an HD36 (no hydraulics) and would buy another if something happened to it.  Good solid machine.  I had no problem assembling it but, as Mike says, you can purchase it assembled from the factory.  You can also add any hydraulics at any point, so you could start out with power feed and head lift and add toe boards, log lift, & turner later when you need (or can afford) them.  The Norwood folks are friendly and very good with advice and service.  I'd say 30% of my milling is portable, and it is very easy to tow and set up.

[thecfarm]

dboyt,I looked at Norwood and what I was impressed about if the mill was $20,000 with all the hyds and you brought a manual mill for 10,000 and than added the hyds one at a time,when you got done the price would still be 20,000.

[thechknhwk]

The LT35 is under 20 with hydraulics & setworks, ready to saw, just sayin.

[thecfarm]

Just so all will know,the $20,000 was just thrown out there. I could of said $12,000 too.  ;D

[Dave Shepard]

If somebody finds an LT70 Wide Head Wireless for $50.00, somebody send me a PM. :D

[thecfarm]

If I find one,I will be too busy sawing to send you a PM.  :D

[thechknhwk]

12,399 for all the hydraulic options & power feed & the mill is on sale right now for 7897 for the 23hp & ya need the trailer package 1767, & you have to buy the 4' bed extension for 467 so you can saw 3' less than the LT35.  Grand total 22530, and no electronic set works.  You can cut a 28" slab compared to a 22.5 tho, and take a 36" log compared to a 32".  Or you can get into the LT35 for 19,495 with a 25hp kohler ready 2 saw.

http://www.norwoodsawmills.com/sites/norwood/files/price-list-english.pdf

[Magicman]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Tree Dan.  I wish you the best with your decision, and remember that "bells and whistles" options are there for more than just making noise.  If higher production is in your future, then consider them carefully.

[Tree Dan]

Making a trip to Orange County real soon.
The Wood Mizer saw will be best suited for my needs.
I may just come back home with a little more weight on the trailer hitch.
Speaking of hitch's what size trailer coupler is on the WM?

How do you cut cookies? I bet it's a homemade jig?

Thanks guys

[Dave Shepard]

I think my LT40 has a 2" ball. I think it would be best to build a homemade jig for cookie cutting. I would be afraid of ripping the block out of the factory clamp. You could screw through a 1" board into the bottom of the block and clamp the board onto the bed. I'm sure there are more ways of doing it.