Components of a Mill

[Alexanderthelate]

I've been tossing around ideas for a mill for a while now. I have the basic idea of what I want and how it should be put together, but details are harder then basic ideas. I keep thinking of problems with my plans and components that are missing. I've read posts on this forum now for a while, and looked back over pages, this is a wonderful resource, but I figure the best way to get an answer is to ask questions. So what are the vital components of a bandsaw mill? I would also like to know how much horsepower the saw head should have?

Thank you.

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

AL, where you from?

Welcome to the F.F.

[Sawdust Lover]

You will get the answers you need on here but its out of my league to tell you anything. Welcome to the forum.

[bandmiller2]

Welcome Alex,You will get some cute answers on the power question. Within reason the more power the better.I use a 15 hp three phase motor on my mill and its plenty for me.Gas or diesel 25 or 30 should be plenty.If you not in a hurry lesser HP will do the job.The best way to build a bandmill is to have a close look at a commercially built mill,in fact look at several and take good ideas from all.I built my own bandmill for about $500.00 but I had many things in stock.You will get out what you put in,if your A skillfull metal worker you can build a mill your proud of, if you cut corners and slap something togather not so much. Frank C.

[Magicman]

Hello Alexanderthelate, and Welcome to the Forestry Forum.   

[mikeb1079]

well, for a basic manual mill (like mine) the essential components are:

horizontal shaft engine, centrifugal clutch, 12" drive pulley, pillowblock bearings, 1" jackshaft, bandwheels, and some steel.   

just assemble and push.   :D

[dboyt]

... and lots of logs!
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,70023.0.html

[scrout]

I have a 18 HP twin on mine and I am always wanting for more, and I do not cut for money, just myself and hobby stuff.  15 HP 3 phase was mentioned above, and in a gas equivalent, that is pretty beefy, 30-60 HP depending on who you talk to.
Log handling is actually more difficult than most things, on the mill and off.  If you have a large tractor that can lift 12 foot 30 inch wet logs, you are golden.  Blade sharpening is another concern, I don't use enough blades to buy a sharpener, so I just keep buying new.  I have a Linn design, but I really like the Norwood MX34/36 features like the one turn per inch height adjustment, fast.
I personally have more needs for dimensional lumber, so I have collected the parts for a swinger, which should be faster than my Linn and easy sharpening.  I would like to have at least 25 hp for that saw however.

[Alexanderthelate]

Thank you For the answers and the welcomes.

[Dave Shepard]

The 15 hp electric LT40 was comparable to the 24 hp gas LT40. Mills were identical otherwise.