Starting a milling business

[MattP]

I have been researching starting a portable sawmilling business.  I have been working on a business plan, researching different sawmills, etc.  I was wondering if there is a sawyer in central Iowa I could visit and observe?  Thanks.

[JimBuis]

You need to look at the Members Map.  Click on the button at the top center of the screen, then change it from the world view to the U.S.A.  You will see that there are several show in Iowa.  If you roll your mouse pointer over the tree symbols, it will show you who the tree represents.

I hope this helps a bit.

Jim

[Greg_B.]

Jim Buis

i have been building my business slowly over the past 5 years. double check all of you figures and make sure you have enough market to support it. personally i opted for the added value in my lumber then volume. my lower grade goes to a pallet maker locally, and fencing for local farmers give them a deal to get it out of my way. the rest i kiln dry plan and use in my woodshop or sell to other woodworkers. it is some of the hardest work you will ever do!! i have never bought any logs mine are all given to me just for the takin. greg

[beenthere]

Welcome to the forum. Whereabouts in 'central' Iowa are ye from?  Originally from just the south side of Waterloo myself.

[Bibbyman]

Welcome to the Forum.

ElectricAl is in Norway, Iowa.  That's pretty close to the middle so he and Linda can't be too far away.  They run a full-time sawmill business + drying and retailing lumber.

Another couple of ways to look for sawmills is to click on "Find a Forester-Sawmill" in the upper right corner of this screen.  Or,  you can call Wood-Mizer and they will give you the contact information on mills in your area.  Other manufactures can probably do this too.

Good luck.

[MattP]

Thanks for the help. 

[MattP]

beenthere....I live just south of Colfax.  I grew up outside Decorah.