Best mills for hemlock clapboards

penfrydd · January 20, 2021, 01:36:37 PM

Although hemlock would never be my first choice for a clapboard, they seem to be popular here in the northeast, and I've got some nice hemlock. I have 50 years of experience in the woods, but no experience milling.
I'd like to specialize in hemlock siding. What would be the best mill to do this with? I've been intrigued by the swing blade mills. I would be a one-man operation. I'd like to get going on this within the coming year.
Thanks.

Nebraska · January 20, 2021, 03:52:26 PM

Whole bucket full of dollars? Or.....is there
a budget involved.

penfrydd · January 20, 2021, 04:11:01 PM

The absolute max would be $15k.

Gere Flewelling · January 20, 2021, 05:16:10 PM

All Thomas Bandsaw Mills come with a clapboard attachment installed. Nothing to buy and add on. Probably within your price range and not too far away.

dgdrls · January 20, 2021, 05:43:33 PM

I run a Lucas swingmill and they have an attachment to saw siding
Lucas Mill > Optional Attachments & Extras - Portable Timber Sawmills

It's very portable and easy for a one-man operation,

D

Gary Davis · January 20, 2021, 07:23:45 PM

wood mizer has an attachment to make beveled siding

thecfarm · January 20, 2021, 09:24:22 PM

Yes, but the Thomas can get the cant and than cut the clapboards, all without a jig, or an attachment. Put the log on and the finish product is clapboards. Just tilt the head back and fourth. No need to saw a cant and than unload the cant and put the attachment on.

terrifictimbersllc · January 21, 2021, 06:22:43 AM

I wouldnt want to saw a lot of clapboard with a swing mill. The kerf and being all manual. But if youre needing to find a used mill then whatever you find reasonable first may dictate. 15K might get you a very used LT40.

tacks Y · January 21, 2021, 07:40:52 AM

Yes, look used. Start out and up grade when you can. I would think the hemlock would crack to much? I like white pine for siding.

47sawdust · January 21, 2021, 08:16:03 AM

I agree with Tacks Y regarding hemlock being a dubious choice for clapboards. Maybe if sawed a full ½ or 5/8 it would work but sawed with a taper I have my doubts.