I can't decide, Wood-Mizer LT-40 or TimberKing 1600

[jpgreen]

Jeff said it better than I did.  da original poster, who has probably become disgusted with dis commentary and gone somewhere else, was asking about da quality of da mills.  He didn't ask about da advertising campaigns of da various companies.  He didn't ask about da emotions of da various sawmill owners, either.  Let's get real here, people!  Brand loyalty is a fine ting, but ain't a cottonpickin' religion, for cryin' out loud!

What'd Jeff write?  I put him on da ignore list. 

Just kiddn'..  :D

-ya guys don't actually pay attention ta anything I post do ya?..  ??? ??? ??? ;D

[DanG]

-ya guys don't actually pay attention ta anything I post do ya?..  ??? ??? ??? ;D

No, of course we don't. :  But some pore slob who's just drifting by might not know any better. ;D

[Bob_T]

Please look ta da left and make a little consideration on how doze names do more then simply make and sell products. They are ALL doing a lot for ya and dis yooper, Lets not take dat for granted eh?

Jeff,

I agree that we should support forum sponsors and when all else is equal, buy from them.  However, I don't think that paying for forum sponsorship should be considered an insurance policy against valid criticism.  It isn't bashing if it's true and stated without hyperbole and I haven't seen anything posted here that isn't true. 

[Todd]

I don't think there's been any bashing either, and any company would love to have the devotion members seem to have for their equipment. I know that all the other companies compare off of WM, and they do that becuase WM has more mills out there.  They sell more, so they can advertise more, so they can sell more.  Being #1 in sales means everyone is going to go after you, and I'm sure they'd rather have that happen than be #2. As long as there's no blatant trashing or unfounded criticism of a maker, I think it's something thats healthy and encourages discussion. 
Todd

[flip]

BUT!  Biting da hand dat feeds Jeff and us ultimately does no good.  Jeff is correct, lets give experienced comments about da mills us yoopers own and leave da opinions out of it.  What do ya like about YOUR mill what do ya not like about YOUR mill.  How is da support, ease of maintenance etc...  Let da scrappola fall between da bunks and under the deck.   ;)

[Bibbyman]

Ya'll know my blatant prejudice when it comes to brand of mills.  

But I don't know any TimberKing customers that were unhappy with their mills or support from TimberKing. 

The one TimberKing owner that I've had limited involvement with was a novice at sawing and over retirement age.  He was able to make good looking lumber to build a house.  He had some minor issues with his mill that an experienced sawyer would have overcome on their own but TimberKing help him resolve them.

I've visited with Will Johnson of TimberKing a couple of times and toured his facility in Kansas City.  We've bought a blower from him.

I try to look at things and put them in a positive manor whenever possible.  This is, I'd rather list what I like about one mill and not list what I don't like about another. (If you can't say something good, don't say anything at all.)

As far as some negative impressions of some sales technique,  my I suggest you send your comments to the poster in and instant message – if you feel they have some bearing on the topic.   

[DanG]

One of the things, perhaps the main thing, that sets the ForestryForum apart from other internet sites, is the fact that we don't flame or trash other people or companies, period.  If we criticize at all, it is normally done behind closed doors, either in the Full Members section, or through private messages, not here in the publicly accessable part of the forum.  When guests come in and see this sort of thing, they're likely to say, "Hmmph, that's the same bunch of jerks that inhabit all those other sites" and promptly leave.  It is the absence of this sort of thing that has brought us to the top of the heap, and I'll not stand idly by and let our reputation suffer without saying anything about it.

If anyone still insists on exercising some imagined "right" to criticize here, please send me a PM and I'll endeavor to explain my position in terms you will easily understand.

[crtreedude]

Um, DanG - I don't have to agree with eating grits do I?  I mean the rest makes really good sense, but a man can only go so far!  :

In all seriousness, what I have always enjoyed about FF is the fact that people are expected to be gentlemen (or women) and behave themselves. I think it fits since in so many forums, you have no idea who the people typing are - but here, we are people and most people know each other - and have even seen members before. In other words, this isn't fake.

What also isn't fake is that this very useful forum is supported by those people on the left. And having met Jeff before (and him grilling me about MY company) I rather doubt there is a one of them that you couldn't buy their product and be pleased about it.

[thurlow]

If you come to my house, I expect you to abide by a few rules............wipe your feet (most folks take their shoes off, but you don't have to, take your headgear off, don't spit on the stove (or floor), bow your head when we say 'grace', flush after using the toilet, if you don't like the food, just push it around on the plate without making as issue of it, put your cigarette out before you come in (THAT DOESN'T MEAN THROWING THE BUTT OUTSIDE THE DOOR), take your "chew" out and put it in your pocket, etc. 

Well, I'm a guest here...............it doesn't matter whether I agree with the rules or not;  if I don't like 'em, I can hit the road.  I've left better worse forums than this.  What's not to understand about Jeff's # 43 post above?

[LeeB]

I own both brands, a TK 1200 and a WM LT40 super. I cut a lot of boards with the TK. It had some problems over the years and I either figured out a fix or got help from the manufacturer. There was one fupa in the assembly of the idle side hsaft, but I figured it out and fixed it. I bought a used Wm and haven't cut a whole lot with it yet. Still working out the traps the previous owner left for me. It seems to be an excelent mill. The Wm has more engineering in it than the TK. The TK was pretty simple. The WM is way more expensive but then again it is moremill than I had before. I still have the TK and don't have any real plans to get rid of just yet.
As for the original question, the 1600 will be cheaper than the LT40 but I think you will be getting more mill with the LT40. It really boils down to what yopu want to do with it and how much you want to spend. I think either way you go you will be pleased with your choice. Get out and see both mills run then make your choice from there. You may have to travel a bit to see both of them but ion terms of what you will be spending on the purchace it will be worth the expence for the peace of mind that you got what you want. Both companies put out a good product and both have good service.

[JD350Cmark]

Perhaps this thread did get off base a bit. 

Regardless, I think competition is good as it provides a better product.  -Mark 

[treecyclers]

As a proud owner of a TK 1600, I have to say that I am very pleased with it.
I've run a few thousand feet of lumber through it, hit my share of foreign objects and accessories, and gone through a couple hundred blades in the process.
I checked out every manufacturer of sawmills I could find before I bought mine, even visited their facilities to inspect their production processes.
I settled on my TK for a few reasons.
1) I trust a 4 post head more than a cantilever style. Just my personal preference.
2) I got the full hydraulic package for loading and whatnot on my rig.
3) I like Kohler motors. I can beat on them and they run like a champ time after time.
4) I spoke with other owners, and got stronger opinions on the TK over any other mill.
That said, there's a few downsides to the 1600.
1) The log turner setup is garbage.
2) The measuring magnet tapey thingy leaves a lot to be desired. One of these days I'll get a computer setworks put on mine....
But, there's also more upside too-
1) I get about 1/8 variance in a 16' log with a fresh blade.
2) Blade changes are fast and easy
3) Oil Changes are simple with the spigot extension on it.
4) Maintenance is simple
5) It cost me about 20% less than a comparable orange mill, which buys a LOT of blades.
Superdave

[sgtmaconga]

I bought my TK 1220 in november of last year. since then i have run it silly. me and dad love it and when, not if i upgrade i will get another TK.

Richard
Macon, GA

[MikeH]

 I fogot to mention woodmizer sleek yet elegant compact design when set up for travel, don't let the compact size fool you. This is one mean cutting machine. 8)

[Tom]

There aren't any undercover anything here. All manufacturers share the limelight.  While there are some members who favor one machine over another, you will find that anywhere you go.

It's not the duty of a member to sell based on anything, still, I think it admirable that some manufacturers have such a loyal following.   Most of the acceptedd post are touting the positive aspects of a manufacturer.  We all know that you can't please everyone all of the time.  It's the flaming of companies that is discouraged on this forum.  We don't delve in the negative just for the sake of complaint. 

What's being American got to do with it?   

[DanG]

Firebass, I guess you just haven't been paying attention.  Most of our sponsors are represented openly on this forum.  Many of those representatives are the founders, owners, CEOs, Chairmen or Presidents of those companies.  Several of the sponsors have employees who  participate in the forum, as well.  As far as I know, those folks are here for the same reasons as the rest of us...they like it here.  They give freely of their expertise, and seem to be genuinely glad to be of some service to their fellow members.  I can't imagine why a sponsor would feel the need for a spy. ??? :

The controversial portion of this thread was precipitated because some folks chose to flame a company that was mentioned in a thread.  It happened that the company was one of our sponsors, but the bottom line is, we don't flame people or companies here on The ForestryForum, whether they are members or non-members, or sponsors or non-sponsors.  It just isn't the way we do business.

By the way, I'm an immigrant...17th generation.

[crtreedude]

Just my dos colones which is pretty worthless usually. Freedom of Speech is a wonderful thing and worth dying for. However, it doesn't cover saying whatever you want inside someone's home - which is what this is. The Forestry Forum is not a public institution, but a private one. Being such, Jeff gets to set the guidelines to what is and is not permitted here.  It is a hard thing to make a successful forum and keep it together. It only looks easy until you try to do it.

Part of being an American is respecting the private property of others - which this is.  Jeff and the administrators spend a lot of time keeping this on track. We need to respect them for that and be grateful. Given that just about any controversy you could name is splashed all over the Internet, there really is no need to put it here too.

[flip]

I'm hungry, what's for lunch?

Had late night Wendy's last night for dinner. Mmmmmmm. ;D

[flip]

No takers ??? 

Well I grabbed a quick bite off the "roach coach" "gut wagon" "meat wagon" and what ever else name it has called.

My lunch consisted of a McRib knock off, bag of Ruffles chips (plain) and a diet Coke.  Let me tell you, I am paying dearly about now :  I am bloated an gassy :(

Anyone else want to share their lunch menu?

[Haytrader]

Tuna salad sandwich w/lots of lettuce and ruffle chips.
Cold brew iced tea.
;D

[WH_Conley]

Just came in to a pot of Pinto beans. I think the third bowl is what done me in. Anybody wanna come and pull boards for me tonight? ;D

[crtreedude]

Okay, the thread is finished, as with most threads - it ended in food. At least we didn't talk about those funny ground corn that some people eat...  :

[tim1234]

Flip,

I'm glad you had that Diet Coke with that lunch :  :

It should make up for the rest :D

Tim

[MikeH]

 So how much do they pay you Bibbyman? smiley_blue_bounce

[Handy Andy]

  When you look at the features of the 1600, it is a pretty good buy.  I have a cook mill and like it fine, but looked at the TK's and boy that 1600 package is pretty sweet. Course I thought that log turner would be great. I would check to see if the 30 hp Kohler is available yet.