First Mill

Jager · March 21, 2015, 06:29:19 PM

Hello all,

I'm new to the forums, and to sawing lumber in general. Looking at buying my first mill this summer and I am looking for input from the more experienced members here.

Been considering a Woodland Mills 722 as I have a front loader, so can handle moving the logs without the fancy hydraulics that some of the other models have...
http://woodlandmills.ca/product/722-portable-sawmill/

That being said, I am not looking to spend more than $5000 either new or used, thus limiting a lot of my options. The mill will be used mostly for soft woods, etc that I have on my 95 Acres near Hearst, Ontario.

I am unsure what mills will give me the best bang for my buck so to speak. Cheap is good if it'll last light use, I can always upgrade if I get into the hobby more than my current plans.

terrifictimbersllc · March 21, 2015, 06:34:08 PM

Welcome Jager. That's one of the several mills many people speak of here at the investment level you're interested in. I'm sure you'll hear an ear-full shortly.

Jager · March 21, 2015, 06:52:37 PM

Quote from: terrifictimbersllc on March 21, 2015, 06:34:08 PM
Welcome Jager. That's one of the several mills many people speak of here at the investment level you're interested in. I'm sure you'll hear an ear-full shortly.

Can't wait to hear all about the different models, as there seems to be a lot out there.

Jake-n-Texas · March 21, 2015, 06:55:03 PM

I just got my woodlands mill hm126 put together and sawed my first log ever today. If you chose to go with them you will be happy.

thecfarm · March 21, 2015, 06:57:25 PM

Jager,welcome to the forum. Your loader will help out a lot. But those logs can still make a big bang when you turn them. I do the same on my mill. Some I turn with a peavey,but the big ones I use the loader. Can you go to any show and look at mills?

Jager · March 21, 2015, 06:59:46 PM

Quote from: Jake-n-Texas on March 21, 2015, 06:55:03 PM
I just got my woodlands mill hm126 put together and sawed my first log ever today. If you chose to go with them you will be happy.

Thing I like about the woodland mills is I can pick up at either the warehouse or head office without a hassle or shipping cost. And they are willing to throw in a some free gear as I'm still serving military so that is always enticing.

Quote from: thecfarm on March 21, 2015, 06:57:25 PM
Jager,welcome to the forum. Your loader will help out a lot. But those logs can still make a big bang when you turn them. I do the same on my mill. Some I turn with a peavey,but the big ones I use the loader. Can you go to any show and look at mills?

I am not sure where to find information on any shows, but I think that might be a very good idea to get a better handle on the differences. Maybe someone in Ontario wouldn't mind giving me a few lessons. Have beer and will travel.

When I spoke to the rep at Woodland they offered to show me around and explain the different mills and features when/if I come to the head office. Just give them a few days notice to make sure they have everything out for me to look at.

Magicman · March 21, 2015, 09:36:53 PM

There are many Woodland Mills owners here and I hear nothing but good from them, and Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Jager.

dgdrls · March 21, 2015, 11:31:53 PM

Welcome to the FF Jager,

Since you are in Canada I would suggest
you look at a Norwood in Kilworthy ON, they have a manual mill in your price range I believe and Norwood is a FF sponsor.
or check Clarke sawmills in Lindsay, ON

Best
DGDrls

justallan1 · March 22, 2015, 12:19:55 AM

Jager, welcome to the forum.
My recommendation would be to try to find someone with the mill you are looking into and see if you can't make a visit and check it out. If that's not possible try to find any and all mills in the same size range you want and visit them. There are a lot of mills that are basically the same, in my mind anyhow, and by visiting and seeing them run you will have the best chance at picking out what's going to work for you.