First sawmill

[dansietsma]

Long time lurker, don't usually post.  But it has come time to purchase a hobby use sawmill.  Really like the EZ Boardwalk design, but would be nice to have something a little more local.  Long story short, this would first be used for personal use to build some dry storage and a sugar shack.  Would be mostly sawing softwood, but can't rule out some hardwood milling at some point.  I am not too concerned about no hydraulics.  I have a Kubota MX class tractor to load logs.  I would like a trailer package for the times the mill needs to be moved around.  Woodmizer would be nice, but I don't think I can swing that price point at this time. Have recently heard about Turner mills which would be a lot closer to me. Other thoughts? Or other questions for me?  Thanks in advance.

[thecfarm]

Check out Thomas sawmills.
They have an all manual mill.
I've had one for years. Kinda use it the way you want too.
They even have a clapboard lever. I call it that because the head tilts. No need for a jig.
I almost think I could pick mine up by the corner and shake it and put it back down and it still would be level.

[beenthere]

Hopefully you will pick a mill from a sponsor of the Forestry Forum. They are really the ones keeping the Forum running for members and for guests.

[Digger Don]

Don't be afraid to look at used mills. You might find one with hydraulics for the price of a new manual mill. We found a Timberking B20 for less than $15K.

[KWood255]

I've only had Woodmizer mills, and would highly recommend something like an LT15 if the budget allows. They have been around a long time, and are impressive for a hobby machine. 

I have heard positive reviews on the SMG Champion mills as well. They are built in Canada, using Honda engines. Very nice looking machines.

If you are able to consider a mill with hydraulics, you won't regret it!

Best of luck.

[jpassardi]

I can attest to what KN said above: I bought my LT15 used and soon understood why people are fond of the "orange" mills. I've made upgrades to mine which has made it even better.
Definitely recommend looking for a used LT15. Have you looked at their more entry level mills they now make? The LX30 is $2500 and it has roller guides.

[dansietsma]

Thanks for the input.  I knew there was one in Maine, but I couldn't remember the name.  Thanks for the reminder thecfarm.  I have looked for used mills, haven't seen too many in my area.  Especially this time of year.  Actually with the spring sale, the LT15 with a trailer package is right around the same price as the other mills I was considering.  Guess I have more to think about know...  Again, thanks for the input everyone.

[thecfarm]

I know this show is about 4 hours away on May 16-17
 but this is the place to go to see sawmills and woods equipment.

Bangor,ME woods expo

It's a 2 day show that is great to attend.
Sawmills are sawing, and they will answer questions.

[dansietsma]

Unfortunately, I have to work my day job both of those days.  

[Nebraska]

I will put my plug in for an EZ Boardwalk they are solidly built and made with common parts. They require little to no assembly after purchase. The 40 model mill will meet most needs easily.  My jr mill probably was fine for 95% of what  I have sawn. It cost me nothing to own and I sold it for what I had in it. I just decided to move up to hydraulics and a little bigger motor. Hence I Now have an old Timberking restored by another FF member. 

[bobnic]

Like thecfarm, I will also recommend a Thomas band sawmill.  I have had their smallest model the 2413 for seven years now and have been very pleased with it.  Before buying I visited their shop in Brooks, ME and the owner Jon Thomas gave me a tour and described how they had recently completely redesigned their saw head.  It is an extremely robust design compared to many other mills.

I am located in central NH over 3 hrs from them and Jon Thomas delivered the mill to me and spent a couple hours helping me get it setup and saw my first log.  Overall they are a great family run business.

[dansietsma]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.  I am leaning toward an LT15 w/ trailer while they are on sale.  Now to decide on if I want/need 25hp gas, or 10hp diesel.  Diesel would be $600 more than 25hp gas.  Also any recommendations on blades?  Will be cutting mostly softwood (hemlock and EWP).

[jpassardi]

I'd go 25 hp gas, I was told that single cylinder diesel shakes like a dog pooping peach pits    I doubt it will match the Tq & HP curves of the 25 gas.
I use only 7/37 blades for everything.