TurboSaw vs. Peterson??

[Mulekicker]

Hi All,

I'm wondering if anyone can chime in who has real world experience working with both of these machines about some pros and cons and what they like and dislike about each? 

I'm currently running a manual Woodmizer LT-15, and while it has been good to me, and is fine for milling smaller live edge slabs, it's not ideal for cutting dimensional lumber. I'm about to build a shop and a house and plan to mill as much of the wood for them as possible....having already built a number of buildings with lumber off the Woodmizer, I feel like transitioning to a swingblade mill will definitely make life a little easier.

I've narrowed it down to the TurboSaw or Peterson because of the ease of double cutting among other things. For the most part I will be bringing logs to the mill so portability isn't a big issue.

I'm not totally sure what size is best for me, and am also on the fence about getting an automated version. My initial budget was about $25k, but that won't get me much in the way of automation so I might be able to get that up to $30k. It doesn't seem like used machines pop up very often, and especially not in these times.

I'd love to check out both saws in person if anyone had one in Southern Oregon? Youtube videos are great but aren't a substitute for real world experience and taking one for a test drive.

Thanks for the feedback!

[NZJake]

Hi,

You could jump on the Turbosawmill user group on facebook to speak with owners. Also the 10" automated mill is 29k FYI. 

[DDW_OR]

I have a Timberking 2000
dimensional lumber is no problem

For Forestry loans i use AgDirect dot com
get the Fixed Rate.
3/26/2021 = 5 yrs - $25,000-$74,999 - 2.65%

[WV Sawmiller]

   I have used neither and am sure they are both fine machines. I don't understand the comment about your LT 15 not being ideal for making dimensional lumber. What are your issues with it or what features do you need you don't get on your LT15?

 Are you saying the accuracy is off? If so I'd say adjust it. Are the logs you are cutting too big for the mill? Is the fact it is a manual mill the problem? What kind of logs are you cutting?

  I running an LT35 Hydraulic but you can get the same engine on the LT15. I don't know which engine you are  running. I do not have any problems cutting accurate dimensional lumber on my mill.

 I am interested in more details. Good luck on your search.

[ladylake]

Any fully hydraulic  mill makes dimensional lumber fast, I think with less work than a swing mill.  Steve

[dgdrls]

Cant speak to either, but I do run a manual Lucas,
I understand what the OP is pointing to.
My first mill was a manual band
and my experience has been dimensional
lumber comes off the Lucas faster with less work

D

[Ianab]

A manual bandmill needs a lot of log / cant / flitch handling to saw dimensional lumber. That's manual work, and slows production. That isn't such a problem with hydraulics, and goes away completely with a Swing Mill. 

I would agree that a hydraulic band mill does do a good job on dimensional boards, and should be less manual work, but it's maybe 2X the price of a manual swing blade that can keep up, if you are keen enough. 

The automated Swing Blades are a whole other level, especially if you are getting into over size logs. 

[Lgc]

I have a 10inch Turbo sawmill and a Norwood MX34 band mill. I use the band mill for wide boards 1x12 or 2x24+ for countertops. It is also good for small logs to make fence boards fast. For framing , deck lumber 2x4 2x6 or timbers the Turbo sawmill is more accurate and faster with less log handling. Both companies have been great to work with and have had great customer support when ever I have needed it. To answer your question I have also used a Peterson which is also a quality mill. The Turbo is much easier to set up and run.

[Psawmill]

both available, it depends on what's the size of log to be cut and what's the dimension of wood after cut. your budget will be affordable 

[Erik A]

Where abouts in SO are you?

[Mulekicker]

Where abouts in SO are you?

I'm about 20min outside of Jacksonville, do you have one of these mills locally?

[Erik A]

I wish I did, I am leaning toward a turbosaw

The main reason is the ability to easily set it up in the field where the log lays.

also, one rail over the log not two on the ground that you would need to align.

I have family in Medford and K Falls - went up there 2 weeks ago, If you find one I would like to see it.