Used sawmill values

battlinbill · March 17, 2015, 08:14:26 PM

Hi I'm new to the forum. I'm in the market for a used mill, something small. I'm getting geared up to build a house. What I'm interested in is what mills hold their value, what to check on a used mill in evaluation, and if anyone has any input on a used TK 1220 for $4800. Motor is questionable at this point, but I haven't seen the machine. Its got a 6 ft extension and the towing axle. Its older and has the 15 horse kohler. Any input or advice would be well appreciated. Thanks.

tmarch · March 17, 2015, 08:22:03 PM

I looked for quite some time and found that mills from any of the sponsors here hold their value very well. One consideration is how close any dealers are to you in case service is needed. Manual mills are not that expensive in comparison, but you may need a few items. My Ezboardwalk is a well thought out unit and most repair parts can be found locally. Good luck with your search.

battlinbill · March 17, 2015, 08:45:21 PM

Thanks, I may need it. Seems that manual mills come up for sale rather infrequently. I'm getting the idea that they are either uncommon or desirable or both.

ncsawyer · March 17, 2015, 09:01:50 PM

I just sold a Wood Mizer Manual mill and can attest that the Wood Mizers hold their value very well. The mill I sold was 20 years old and it sold for about 70% of what it sold for new and about 1/2 of what a new one just like it today costs. I personally thought I would have a hard time selling it at that price, but it sold very quickly.

goose63 · March 17, 2015, 09:05:16 PM

It will depend how much work you want to put into it I have a woodland mill and it's getting the job done for me

Magicman · March 17, 2015, 10:25:21 PM

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, battlinbill. If you plan to saw for a home, hopefully you have some support equipment for handling logs and lumber.

I would not sell my '98 LT40 SuperHydraulic WM for what I gave for it 13 years ago.

Billikenfan · March 18, 2015, 08:03:03 AM

Quote from: ncsawyer on March 17, 2015, 09:01:50 PM
I just sold a Wood Mizer Manual mill and can attest that the Wood Mizers hold their value very well. The mill I sold was 20 years old and it sold for about 70% of what it sold for new and about 1/2 of what a new one just like it today costs. I personally thought I would have a hard time selling it at that price, but it sold very quickly.

I too just sold a manual LT 15. I had the mill for 7 years ND got 1k more than I paid for it used. Woodmizer flat out hold their value. I would say better then any mill out there. I bought a new Lt40 because I didn't want to pays 15k plus for a 20yr old used one. Other mills cut great also but I would get a Woodmizer just because of the way they hold their value.

Scott

battlinbill · March 18, 2015, 08:13:43 AM

That is definitely something to consider. I've no desire to go throwing money around, I need to make a solid investment. And yes, Magicman, I have a decent tractor and winch to handle logs. I'll do my own logging and hauling.

SawyerBrown · March 18, 2015, 10:14:47 AM

battlinbill, just want to say Welcome! and good luck with your new home project! Where are you located?

battlinbill · March 18, 2015, 10:30:21 AM

Thanks for the good wishes. I'm up in Northern VT, the Northeast Kingdom.

terrifictimbersllc · March 18, 2015, 10:30:30 AM

Welcome Bill, from the title of your post I'd say there's absolutely nothing wrong with your values! :D

dboyt · March 18, 2015, 11:25:31 AM

Determine what you want to cut, then find a mill that will do the job. How well the mill holds its value is largely up to you. Keep it covered and well maintained, and you should do well with it if you decide to sell it. I have little doubt that I could sell my Norwood for very nearly (possibly more) what I paid for it but, like MM, I wouldn't part with it willingly. Get the biggest engine option... you won't regret it!

battlinbill · March 18, 2015, 11:53:01 AM

Right now, I'll be sawing mostly moderately sized softwood, spruce, fir, and pine. I'll saw hardwood- sugar and red maple, white ash, cherry, yellow birch, maybe some beech- when I'm through with the house and when I have the opportunity to pick up some logs or standing timber at the right price.

Unfortunately, right now my limiting factor is cash. I'd love to pick up a larger mill, but its not in the budget. I do have access to a larger circular mill close by, but I'd rather do it myself and have a mill to show for my money when I'm done even if it will take me 4 times longer. Still young enough to enjoy the satisfaction of doing things the hard way. And it'll get done right.

What do you guys think? A timberking 1220 15 horse with a 6 ft extension and tow package for $4800 with a stuck motor? I haven't seen it in person yet, but he says it just doesnt get used. Its still colder than heck up here and he hasnt messed with it. I think A little trans oil in the cylinders and some time to let it work and it should free up. Looks like a new motor will run me $1500 or so. Its a gamble, I realize, but if that motor can be made to run, it seems like a decent deal.

battlinbill · March 18, 2015, 11:54:22 AM

Checking with TK, I'd have around $9500 to have that setup shipped up here. It comes with an 18 horse now though.

downsouth · March 18, 2015, 12:11:39 PM

I too sold my LT15 after 2 yrs of use for almost a thousand more than I paid for it.
As for the 1220 I think it would be a good deal if he deducts the cost of a new motor from that price. I think that mill is worth that in good running condition. Just my opinion.
Oh and welcome to the FF

tmarch · March 18, 2015, 01:12:58 PM

Quote from: battlinbill on March 18, 2015, 11:53:01 AM
What do you guys think? A timberking 1220 15 horse with a 6 ft extension and tow package for $4800 with a stuck motor? I haven't seen it in person yet, but he says it just doesnt get used. Its still colder than heck up here and he hasnt messed with it. I think A little trans oil in the cylinders and some time to let it work and it should free up. Looks like a new motor will run me $1500 or so. Its a gamble, I realize, but if that motor can be made to run, it seems like a decent deal.

I'd look at it and try to free the motor while it's still his with the idea you'll buy it if it frees up, or have some give and take if the motor won't free up. Sounds reasonable enough if it's in decent shape.

dgdrls · March 18, 2015, 09:07:07 PM

Welcome aboard Battlinbill,
good people and great place to visit and learn.

Always a tough choice with a used mill.
Used and get a little more mill or new and have a little smaller unit.
IMHO if you go after the TK price it like it needs a new motor
and be sure to hold some extra $ for misc parts it will probably need,

best
DGDrls

Peter Drouin · March 19, 2015, 06:31:21 AM

I did get more $ when I sold my first 2 Wood Mizers ;D

justallan1 · March 19, 2015, 06:57:27 AM

I think if you are buying a used mill and do your research you should easily make most of your money back.
I got my last mill from a factory rep at a HUGE discount because he wanted something bigger to take to county fairs to show off. When I sold it a month ago it was 2 years old and I made money on it, with 4-5 folks in line to come look at it.
If I were to buy a mill with a dead motor I'd make darned sure to really scrutinize every last part of the rest of it and if you haven't been around bandmills I'd certainly take someone along to look at it that has been.
I just bought a brand new EZ Boardwalk Jr. which starts at less than the used TK and seems pretty comparable in its functions to me. I've only sawn a few logs on it, so I won't go bragging to much on it, YET, but it sure seems bullet proof and well thought out.

battlinbill · March 19, 2015, 07:54:11 AM

It looks at this point like he's not willing to move on the price. So I'm back to square one. I have seen a couple Turner mills around this neck of the woods and was very interested that they came with no blade lube system and all of the owners said that due to the rubber tires the blade rides on, no lube or coolant is needed. Sounds like a nice thing for a guy like me who will be working thru the winter. Seems very reasonable and compareable in price and features to other small manufacturers. Anyone had experience with Turner?

And Peter, I see you are in NH. Do you make a living with your mill there? I've wondered at the possibility of going bigger and doing custom sawing, selling some lumber and low impact logging/land management. Of course, the market is quite a bit smaller in northern VT, but I'm not looking to get rich, just support the family a little better than I am now and work more for myself.

Southside · March 19, 2015, 08:24:17 AM

I have no personal experience with a mill that uses tires, but there are a few videos and such that suggest that is not a good of an idea as it appears. I would suggest doing more research to see how much the mill would allow you the option to grow.

As far as being in a cold environment lube is often cut with windshield washer fluid in the winter and the bottle brought inside at night or when not in use, blow out the tube and there are no issues to worry about. I would not be too concerned with that issue.

slider · March 19, 2015, 08:49:08 AM

I hope you are not planning on sawing pine if you are not going to use some form of lube.When the pitch builds up on your band it will not saw straight.

battlinbill · March 19, 2015, 09:07:29 AM

I guess thats the supposed advantage. One guy I know, bought a Turner and, after I gave him a timber falling lesson, promptly went and mill 10,000 ft of eastern white pine with no lube and then built a barn with it. And I have to say, being a carpenter and having worked in sawmills quite a bit, the wood looked really nice. I was pretty surprised.

4x4American · March 19, 2015, 09:09:49 AM

I know of folks who don't use any blade lube at all. If the blades sharp and the mill is aligned, you should be fine as long as pitch don't build up on the blade.

slider · March 19, 2015, 01:26:54 PM

I guess ewp does not have the pitch that yellow pine has.I don't see much eastern white pine here if at all.Cooks sells a drip lube system that's neat.It would take two.One for each side of the blade.I think they go for under 90 bucks each.