Another newbie trying to decide on a mill

[Gagnon Mountain]

Hey folks, I have narrowed my choices to the norwood lm29 with a trailer package or the woodmizer lt15go.

The the two things I do not like about the woodmizer is the crank feed and the sawdust shoot being on the operators side.  I am aware of the power feed option, but that is quite pricey.

The saw will be used to cut mostly pine and fir, with some  maple and oak as well.  I have a tractor for log loading.   

The main reason for wanting the mill is we want to build a barn on the property which is 10 and half acres that is mostly wooded.  I already cut and split my own firewood, so what's one more wood "tool" :D.  The best part is the wife is on board with this and has given me permission to buy a mill!

[Bruno of NH]

I think you can push the woodmizer.
But I might be wrong 

[SawyerTed]

Welcome to the forum.  

Both mills you are looking at have pros and cons but are good machines.  I have zero direct experience with Norwood but they appear to be a reputable company in all respects.  My experience tells me that there may be companies as good as Wood-Mizer but I doubt there are any better when it comes to support.

Power feed is nice and probably something to get with the new mill IF you think you will ever want it.  It's an option you might not get around to adding later.  It will also increase the resale value should you elect to upgrade later on.

I have little issue with the sawdust chute on the operator side on my Wood-mizer.   Keeping the chute clear makes sure the sawdust goes to the ground to my left.  Setting up so the wind doesn't send the sawdust back on me is the key.  If I saw all day, I do have to move the sawdust periodically so I can wall.  Remember that sawdust disposal is an issue with any sawmill no matter where the sawdust goes.  

[firefighter ontheside]

The LT15 you can either crank or you can just push the bar.  I like it.

[thecfarm]

Gagnon Mountain,welcome to the forum.
I have a Thomas,I walk on my sawdust. ;D  I have not moved my mill since I got it. If the sawdust exited the other side,it would be a bother to remove,I have two logs that I put my logs on,on that side. The side that I walk,has only lumber stacked on that side. I have used the loader a few times to remove the sawdust.
I have only contacted the maker of my mill once in all the years I have owned the mill. I needed a guide wheel in all that time. Not much can go wrong with a manual mill.

[Skipper11A]

You are going to like the sawdust being on the operator's side.  It's so soft that it's like walking on a cushion all day...and ....it means you'll never have to walk in the mud!  I know you are thinking about how to keep your boots clean, but when you actually start milling wood, your boots will be the only things that are clean.  Pick the one that lets you walk in the sawdust.

[opticsguy]

I own and use a Timberking 1220.  The mill has a crank handle for feeding through the log.  I love the crank, much more accurate than pushing the mill for when you need that accuracy.  For me, I would get bored and tired having to push a mill.   Also, Timberking has great customer service and support.  

[thecfarm]

opyicsguy,I compare pushing my mill to pusing a grocery cart half full of grocery. Mine pushes easy. Now I suppose if the blade is real dull it would push hard. Like a grocery cart with a bad wheel. ;D

[Gagnon Mountain]

So you can push the lt15, I like that.

The local wood mizer dealer will be at a fair in the area in two weeks, I will check it out then, maybe they will offer a special deal for purchasing at the fair.

I hadn't that of the pluses mentioned about the output being on the operators side.

[Lko67]

I've got the lt15go. Had it for 2 months or so very easy to tow and set up cuts great. As far as cranking or pushing I mostly push it pushes very easy if set up level or slightly down hill. I imagine if you sawed 8 to 10 hours a day it may get old. Keeping in mind I am not in the best of health. As far as saw dust agree on walking in it keeps you out of the mud.

[Brad_bb]

I am an LT15go owner.  It's a great first mill.  I think it's good to learn on a manual mill.  You learn a lot.  The crank is pretty easy to use.  I only push when edging or when sawing through 4"  or less.  For wider cuts, the crank gives you leverage.  You won't get worn out from the crank.  I actually put pressure at the base of the engagement handle with my right hand, and crank with my left. So It's about 30 percent push and 70 percent crank. 

The LT15go is a solid mill.  I do mill logs up to 34 inches, but have to trim the butts down to 28 so the head rig can pass by.  The downside to the LT15 is that upgrades like hydraulic toe boards, log turner, and clamps are not available.  If they were, it would be the perfect mill for me.

Lately I'm realizing that I may need to switch to a wider mill.  I just quarter sawed my first BIG white oak.  I like it!  But I'd like to be able to cut a log up to 36 in half.