Considering a Thomas or EZ boardwalk Sawmill

[Jimpa]

I have been reading the forum for the last few year and have decided to jump in. Thinking about purchasing a sawmill in the near future. The Thomas is local for me, and the EZ Boardwalk seems to provide a tremendous value . I need a 30" mill and would consider 36". Manual mill is fine so my top price range is $10,000. and I am happy to keep it below that number if the mill meets my needs. The bulk of my milling will be pine, oak and hemlock taken of my own property, for my own use. (Barn,small bridges, etc.) Any suggestion or concerns about the brands I've mentioned would be appreciated. Also any other brand which compare in value would be considered. This forum has been a tremendous help to me ,so I would like to thank you all for providing such a valuable resource.https://forestryforum.com/board/Smileys/default/new_year.gif

[Ox]

Whew.  That's a toughy.  EZ Boardwalk is a sponsor here and I've heard excellent things about their mills.  But putting myself in your shoes, I would be torn because of another brand mill manufacturer that was local to me, for repair and parts purposes.
I think I would probably lean toward the EZ Boardwalk because many people have them all over this country and parts and customer service is reputed to be among the best of the best.

[chickenchaser]

A BIG warm welcome to the FF, Jimpa.

Lots of things to consider, as you already know.

First thing that struck me was "local". I'm unfamiliar with the Thomas brand
but that has to be one or two points there.

Manual mill x 36" capacity...how are you on support equipment, mechanical
engineering and fabrication, available help a.k.a. free labor  ;) ...?

If you haven't considered it, see if it might be possible to loan yourself out to a sawyer or two and get a feel for things - especially the ones operating a mill you are leaning towards. That proved invaluable for me.

Best of luck and remember - making sawdust is addictive.

CC

[Ox]

Oh, geez!  I didn't realize that was your first post, Jimpa!  My apologies - and welcome to the Forestry Forum!  I'd bet folding money that you won't find a better place to be on the internet.

[Bruno of NH]

I have a thomas 8013 with no flex track
I like it a lot
The large ez is a great mill also
Bruno

[cntryby]

I have an ez 40 and I would not do it again.

[rasman57]

I have an ez 40 and I would not do it again.

Based on what? Was a bandsaw mill not a good fit for your needs or just this one?   Did you find a manual mill wrong?  Wrong size? Too much work?  Did you have mechanical issues?  Support and/or service?    Can you be more specific in your case?   Without any additional information it is hard to use your experience in any context.

[cntryby]

I thought about posting a new thread, but I didn't want to start a bashing thread. In a thread like this it's probably not appropriate. If the original poster wants specifics I'll give them.

The saw works, just mine had a lot of little things requiring corrections.

[rasman57]

Fair enough since you are willing to share your experience.  PM sent.   

I think even the sponsors would want real life experience and observations about the mills ESPECIALLY on this site as it is by far the best site available for gathering and sharing information.   I don't think a thoughtful and factual presentation, without bashing would trouble anyone who is trying to find pros and cons on any particular mill or model etc.    Lots of modifications and improvements are usually based on customer ideas and feedback.

Most folks who use the forum and the internet quickly sort out sour grapes from reality.   FOR SURE Jeff and his crew do.   

[Jimpa]

Thanks for the welcome. I would be interested in hearing positive and negatives on either machine. I
know the 36" machines have large decks but I thought the extra deck space and larger motor might be nice.Most of my logs will be 8 to 16 feet in length with a diameter of 14 to 20 inches. Yes I  do have a 45 hp tractor with forks for loading.

[Bruno of NH]

The Thomas is a well built mill .
My 8013 can cut 36 inch and I have cut some big logs oak and pine . The hardest cutting log was hickory but I have some 4 * bands to try next time . My mill is honda powered . Do they still use Hondas ?
Bruno

[Jimpa]

Bruno
Yes, the Honda is still used on all the Thomas models. . 20HP on the 8020 mill and 13HP on the 6013 mill.
It looks like the EZ Boardwalks come in about $1500. less for like models. Of course there is shipping to consider on the Boardwalk mills.

[Bruno of NH]

I looked at the EZ well built
I liked the trailer pkg better on the Thomas it can be raised up for less bending when cutting . You can leave axle on or take off .
The shipping not that bad on the EZ they use honda and Subaru power. I have Subaru power on my john Deere gen set .
Bruno

[thecfarm]

Jimpa,welcome to the forum.
I have the 60 Thomas model with a 20hp Honda. They will build whatever you want. I had the 20 hp add on,no flex track and a four foot extension. Yes,it brought the price up,but I feel it was all worth it. The 4 foot extension is REAL handy. Instead of just a few inches to put a 16 foot log on I have 4 feet. The extension also lets me get the head out of the way too.I also have the movable bunks. I can move the bunks and cut a 16 inch stick with no jig. I don't know how many models come like that now,but it can be handy. I have cut some 3 foot cedar moving the bunks. I also saw another feature that was not available when I bought mine. There is a handle that drops down one side of the head to saw clapboards. No need to saw a cant,take the cant off and put a jig on. Now saw the cant and work the lever and saw clapboards.
I've seen the boardwalk at a show. They look as well built as the Thomas.
Thomas also has a Centrfigual clutch,just like a chainsaw,press the throttle and that is it. That was a big selling point with my shoulder that acts up.

[Chuck White]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Jimpa!

[Jimpa]

One of my concerns is whether or not the 2 post head unit is as stable and precise as the 4 post unit. Comparing the 6013 to the 8020 mills from Thomas. Also Thomas mill owners if you had to do it over again would you get another Thomas mill ?

[dsgsr]

Welcome , Jimpa! We must be in the same neighborhood. I have my blades sharpened at Thomas, but don't have their mill (wish I did) they seem to be really good people.
Only my Opinion, but local support is worth a few thousand dollars.

David
 

[Jimpa]

Hi David,
No we are not far away, We have farm in Sidney Maine. I haven't been down to Brooks yet to see the Thomas mills , but will definitely make the trip down in the near future. I will pay a premium for buying local, but also want the best equipment I can afford. 

[thecfarm]

Yes,I would buy another Thomas. It's a simple mill,not much to go wrong. The 2 post design works well.

[Bruno of NH]

My 8013 is a modified 4 post .
You won't find a stronger base with the no flex track for the money .
I like the look of the Cooks mills but no dealer in NewEngland
Bruno

[thecfarm]

I almost think they had to go with the 4 post on their wide mill.

[Jimpa]

Lap siding attachment is a important add on due to the fact the 40x50 barn will need residing. Any input on the two different types of lap siding methods (ez boardwalks jig or Thomas blade angle adjustment. Has anyone used Thomas lap siding attachment?

[thecfarm]

I only saw it at a show. I betcha if you called Jon,he would let you play with one.  ;)

[dgdrls]

Welcome to the FF Jimpa,

I believe you cannot go wrong either way.
So what I could consider is builder location.
Have you tested a Thomas yet??

Dan

[Jimpa]

I have not tested the Thomas mill yet. I will be making a trip down next week to see the mill in operation. I will also make them aware of my interest in a siding attachment.