You want me to put my mill where??

3Dog · January 05, 2015, 09:10:44 PM

Ok. I have been mill for over 10 years and during that time I have set up in the city several times to cut urban timber. HOWEVER, today I got the first call that really left me speechless.

I had a call to see if I would be interested in milling some reclaimed barn timbers. These timbers would be used to build several outdoor creations for a new big dollar condo complex in the city. The gentleman explained that they had about 17,000 lineal feet of beams, most of which where 6-8" squares and up to 20' long. I explained that I have sawn reclaimed material before and charge these jobs by the hour and made sure that the customer was aware that the chance of hitting metal etc was likely and that additional charges would be added for each blade damaged etc.,etc. THEN, He tells me there is no open space around the building to set up the mill sooo...they wanted to crane my mill up 8 stories and have me set up on the roof where all of the beams are already stacked and ready to saw!!! Um..well...um..gee..um.gosh I have to think about that....

Has anyone done anything like this? They are a very large and very reputable local firm and the money is appealing. But, I figured I would check with Woodmizer and see if structurally the mill could even be lifted without creating any dangerous stresses to the frame or alignment issues and any advice on securing the mill for liftoff. The more I think about this the more I cant figure out if this would be an amazing job that could provide excellent advertising for me (you cant tell me lifting a sawmill 8 stories high in the middle of a city wouldn't get some news coverage) or if I am just crazy even considering the job (did I mention I am afraid of heights too?).

Any feedback, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

GDinMaine · January 05, 2015, 09:17:21 PM

I would jump on a job like that. Look at the bright side. You would not have to worry about someone hooking up and driving away with the mill.
Check with your insurance company if this kind of transporting would be covered.

POSTON WIDEHEAD · January 05, 2015, 09:20:20 PM

Can't help but think of that song by 3 DOG night...."Mamma Told Me Not To Come?.

fishpharmer · January 05, 2015, 09:21:51 PM

Make us proud, go for it! Heck that would probably be some kind of world record. Sawmilling 8 stories high!!! 8)

Sixacresand · January 05, 2015, 09:23:08 PM

Make sure there is an elevator to eighth floor. I would be too whipped to mill if I had to use the stairs.

goose63 · January 05, 2015, 09:23:59 PM

I can see it on the news now man with flying saw mill you would get some DanG good advertisement good luck might be a smart thing to do

dgdrls · January 05, 2015, 09:24:38 PM

If you don't someone with a swingmill would ;)

DGDrls

scully · January 05, 2015, 09:25:05 PM

I would be all over it . It dosn't sound like money is an issue for these folks

POSTON WIDEHEAD · January 05, 2015, 09:26:52 PM

Get all the way to the top and forget something....yep....charge by the hour.

terrifictimbersllc · January 05, 2015, 09:28:55 PM

A portable mill is mostly lifted by the axle at the spring attachment points. Leaving a hundred or so pounds on the tongue. If they can strap it at those places should be no problem, except perhaps some re-direct to avoid the straps hitting the saw head in the travel position. My guess is you would be fine, a crane operator should be using a big bar with two points anyway and just add a third point for the tongue. That is with your mill, not mine.

thechknhwk · January 05, 2015, 09:31:40 PM

That sounds awesome, if it's safe to lift the mill I'd be all over it!

3Dog · January 05, 2015, 09:36:34 PM

Thank you all!.

I am sitting here reading your posts and I can only do 2 things right now. First is having that kind of butterfly feeling in my stomach and giggling so hard the sap might run right out of me. I will start doing some serious brainwork on this issue. Ill keep you up on the happenings.

mikeb1079 · January 05, 2015, 09:40:06 PM

wow. that's a really interesting opportunity. i'd say if you can get your ducks in a row go for it. and by city are you talking madison? if so i'll definitely be stopping by.

3Dog · January 05, 2015, 09:56:19 PM

Mikeb1079 the job would be in Madison. If this actually works out (many things to figure out yet) I am sure it would be something well...different to watch.

You will be able to spot me right away- I will be standing at the controls of my mill in a red and blue spandex suit with a big superman cape gliding gracefully to the roof.

mikeb1079 · January 05, 2015, 10:02:07 PM

QuoteMikeb1079 the job would be in Madison. If this actually works out (many things to figure out yet) I am sure it would be something well...different to watch.

You will be able to spot me right away- I will be standing at the controls of my mill in a red and blue spandex suit with a big superman cape gliding gracefully to the roof.

:D :D

well keep us posted i'd love to stop by/help if this goes down. hmmm....8 stories and already built...gotta be the new state st complex, or perhaps francis st?

Magicman · January 05, 2015, 10:09:59 PM

Wow, I love the thought. I would be all over that job and the newspaper would know how to spell my name correctly. 8)

Dave Shepard · January 05, 2015, 10:12:30 PM

I wouldn't worry about the mill as long as the head is very secure so it can't shift. If they have a crane that big, chances are they know how to use it. :D Just make sure that the ride back down is in the contract.

POSTON WIDEHEAD · January 05, 2015, 10:14:52 PM

At least you'll be closer to the sun.

backwoods sawyer · January 05, 2015, 10:16:19 PM

You may want to have them lay down some heavy plywood to set the mill up on.

Hate to poke a hole in the roof.

I have a 5 page contract for those kind of spots, had it wrote up when we loaded the mill on an under sized barge in winter weather.

Have them sign off on taking resposibilty for the mill during the move up and down ;)

Enjoy the veiw 8) 8)

Doug Wis · January 05, 2015, 10:18:16 PM

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned it yet but I think the unofficial FF policy is that if there are no pictures it never happened.

Ljohnsaw · January 05, 2015, 10:49:08 PM

That sounds awesome. But when would you be doing it? Isn't there a bit of snow on the ~~ground~~ roof?

3Dog · January 05, 2015, 11:02:51 PM

I really dont know any details yet. I just had the call this afternoon. In all honesty the job may never happen if the building owners dont want to proceed or details cant be worked out. I just thought it was something so out of the ordinary that you all would enjoy it.

Dave Shepard.....Excellent point on returning the mill to the ground.

mikeb1079- Are you located downtown? like in the East Main St. area? I have seen a homemade mill on a trailer in that neighborhood when I pick my wife up from work. It always catches my attention when I see another mill. Maybe its because I know that there has to be a story behind it.

hunz · January 05, 2015, 11:08:43 PM

This is absolutely awesome, and makes me even prouder than I already am to own a Wood-Mizer. Like others have mentioned, insurance coverage would be my main priority. So what if the mill falls.....I mean we wouldn't want that, but that also means you get a newer mill!

4x4American · January 05, 2015, 11:21:11 PM

My ford friend would say he'd just fly it up there with his ford :D

Sounds like a heck of an opportunity. These cranes lift way heavier things than sawmills, as long as it isn't a green operator I'd go for it. Make sure head is bolted in place good. If you don't have a giant banner already I'd get one made up if you get the job.

Good luck

beenthere · January 05, 2015, 11:22:41 PM

Quotehad about 17,000 lineal feet of beams, most of which where 6-8" squares and up to 20' long. I explained that I have sawn reclaimed material before and charge these jobs by the hour and made sure that the customer was aware that the chance of hitting metal etc was likely and that additional charges would be added for each blade damaged etc.,etc. THEN, He tells me there is no open space around the building to set up the mill sooo...they wanted to crane my mill up 8 stories and have me set up on the roof where all of the beams are already stacked and ready to saw!!!

Sounds like someone got the cart before the horse (moving all those beams up top in some apparent raw state).
But sawing on a rooftop would be intriguing for sure. Good for the tree cycling business.
Wonder what the plan is for blowing sawdust? Or would a sawdust collection system be required by someone?
Will be interesting to hear what the plan is for a product sawn from the beams. And why not off site??