I'm planning on taking my just graduated (high school) grandson on a little road trip this summer. There are a couple of places I'm for sure planning to go. One is Newnan Georgia, to finally, in person, order a fully hydraulic sawmill (going with a LT40, super hydraulic). Then I'm heading to Wetumka Alabama to visit my sister.
I'm wondering if there are any Forestry Forum folks within 3 or 4 hours of either of those destinations who could tolerate showing us around their operations and letting me pick their brains. I'm super interested in seeing people's equipment choices and how folks have arranged their workflows. I've had a Cooks manual sawmill for the last few years but have never seen (in person) how anyone else has themselves set up, so I'm very curious.
Our trip is planned for July 26 through July 29. We are well mannered and promise not to stay long.
I will send PM to you.
I'm im south Montgomery about 40minutes from wetumpka. I have a ac36 and edger setup in my barn. Be glad to give the tour if your buying lunch lol.
Thanks Bushhog, I'd love to buy you lunch! I'll send you a PM and see if we can arrange a time.
I tested and ordered my first Woodmizer at the GA State fair in Perry. A couple years later I ordered a LT40 at the Ag Expo at Moultrie, GA. I picked up both mills at Newnan. I had to wait three weeks to pick up the second mill, which is nothing compared to wait times today. The staff at Newnan are super nice.
I saw the LT40 in action at the Ag Expo in Moultrie, I was impressed with the mill and the people running it.
I'm back from my trip that included a stop in Newnan Georgia to order my new mill. I ended up going with LT 40 instead of the LT 40 super. The price difference allowed me to get all the whistles and bells I most wanted, inclulding a wide head, the command station with accuset, debarker, FAO. I couldn't quite swing the diesel engine but feel I can will be happy enough with the 38hp gas
I want to take a minute to thank the folks who generously took the time to show me their operations.
First and foremost, I'd like to thank Robert "The Real Deal" Milton for what ended up being a 3 hour master class that covered everything from marketing wood, to operating a mill. He was able to share countless tidbits of advice that will serve me well on my sawdust journey, but the thing that most impressed me was his lazer like focus on quality product and efficient operations.
Down the road a ways KenMac gave me a look at how to blend sawmill operation with retirement and Bushhog920 showed me how he was able to streamline his mill and edger to maximize production.
It was a great trip, seeing what others are doing is super helpful.
I was glad to help, Kit B and son was asking intelligent questions so I wanted to give intelligent answers.
I milled up a log for him and it was a good example of how to identify stress planes and how to cut around knots and defects. I thought one of the more interesting comments he made was when I got done, I think pretty much all the boards were almost dead clean, and Kit asked something like "Where did all the knots go??" and I said "That's the real trick, isn't it? These are some of the techniques I don't show or talk about on YouTube, but you got to see it in person." :D :D
Anyway, they got a free hat and shirt, and I hope enough information to give them a real head start when their mill shows up. I hope they had as much fun as I did.
I think Kit got a picture or two of the log after I milled up, it looked pretty good.
< This is me practicing one of my favorite bits of advice from YellowHammer, never lift both ends of the board.
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(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/71225/IMG_4609.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1691099510)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/71225/IMG_4621_28129.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1691099631)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/71225/IMG_4615.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1691099632)
This is some beautiful "mineralized" poplar that YellowHammer sawed up while showing us how to identify and minimize the effects of stress planes. Very nice wood!
Awesome. Sounded like you really got some valuable information. That was pretty nice Robert took the time and give you some valuable hands on advice. And the other guys also. Bet your excited for your mill
I also enjoyed your visit Kit. At some pount pretty soon I've got to relearn all that I've forgotten this summer while not sawing....................
Hopefully I will be able to get down your way at some point.
Kit, where are you at in N. FL? I will be using my LT15s on my land up in Lafayette county soon making some pine boards. There's a LT35 along US 27 just west of Branford, and something LT up on US 90 west of Lake City.
I'm in North Jefferson county, outside of Monticello, close to the Georgia line.