Hi all, I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a HD36 with trailer (wasn't my first choice but I can't wait 70+ weeks)
I'll be storing/working it under a carport so would like to know the maximum height the head/rails will go while on a trailer?
I don't have the carport yet so I can order the height based on the mill.
Thanks in advance.
The top of the head is around 7 feet, but the lumber scale sticks up to about 9 feet when the head is at full height.
Quote from: Patrick NC on June 28, 2022, 08:20:22 AM
The top of the head is around 7 feet, but the lumber scale sticks up to about 9 feet when the head is at full height.
Is that while it's on the trailer?
Yes. The sawmill bed is the trailer with an axle and tongue added. That height will change a little depending on how high you jack it up.
I've had my hd36 for a couple of years now and I'd highly recommend waiting for a woodmizer, cooks, timberking, etc. You will get little or no support from Norwood. Not a bad mill if you're ok wit that. I've outgrown mine and have ordered a lt40
Quote from: Patrick NC on June 28, 2022, 02:44:22 PM
I've had my hd36 for a couple of years now and I'd highly recommend waiting for a woodmizer, cooks, timberking, etc. You will get little or no support from Norwood. Not a bad mill if you're ok wit that. I've outgrown mine and have ordered a lt40
When you say support, what do you mean?
Do you work with the mill on a daily basis? Is that why you say you've outgrown it?
I'm not entirely sure how far I'm going with my milling adventures. I originally had planned on using it to clear some of my land and at the same time use the wood in upcoming projects but now I'm thinking of adding an urban logging adventure and selling slabs/boards to get some of the expense back.
I'm hoping I don't outgrow it in a couple of years but now after reading your comment I'm second guessing myself.
The hd36 is a fine mill if you can source parts such as bearings locally and don't have to depend on Norwood for that. The reason I've outgrown mine simply comes down to production. Not enough horsepower, power feed/head too slow, etc. Electronics are finicky and the bunks are a little flimsy. If you do have to contact Norwood for anything be prepared to stay on hold for hours or if you send them an email you might get an answer in a few days. They were quick to respond when I was buying my mill, but afterwards they don't get in a hurry. Everyone is having the same problems these days due to supply chain issues and staffing, but Norwood seems a little worse than others. It all comes down to what you are willing to put up with. If you just want a higher end hobby mill with a few bells and whistles the Norwood will be just fine. Just don't expect it to be a big production mill even if you go fully hydraulic.