First sawmill

dansietsma · May 03, 2025, 02:15:16 PM

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 · May 03, 2025, 02:37:43 PM

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 · May 03, 2025, 03:07:45 PM

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 · May 04, 2025, 06:34:05 AM

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 · May 04, 2025, 07:19:33 AM

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 · May 04, 2025, 08:57:49 AM

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 · May 04, 2025, 10:42:46 AM

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 · May 04, 2025, 10:49:04 AM

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 · May 04, 2025, 12:16:27 PM

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

Nebraska · May 04, 2025, 03:05:14 PM

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 · May 04, 2025, 06:05:21 PM

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 · May 18, 2025, 10:39:53 AM

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 · May 18, 2025, 08:50:43 PM

I'd go 25 hp gas, I was told that single cylinder diesel shakes like a dog pooping peach pits

it won't match the Tq & HP curves of the 25 gas. I have mostly diesels but in this case the 10 HP isn't going to beat out the 25 even with the differing torque curve of the diesel. You'd have to shell out another $3500 for the 17 HP diesel.
I use only 7/37 blades for everything.

dgdrls · May 21, 2025, 04:28:15 PM

I would go and "test drive" before you make a final decision,

You may find you prefer one brand over the other.

D

NewYankeeSawmill · May 21, 2025, 11:34:34 PM

I've been mostly happy w/ my Norwood. It's not as nice as the woodmizer's I've seen, but it's capable of cutting straight if I'm doing my job. $12k with trailer package new, which is about what I would have paid for a use Woodmizer. Which is the better investment is kinda like the ford/chevy debate. There's good points on both sides.

Ianab · May 22, 2025, 03:06:00 AM

Quote from: dansietsma on May 18, 2025, 10:39:53 AMNow to decide on if I want/need 25hp gas, or 10hp diesel.

The diesel option usually cuts better (for the same HP). So a 10 hp diesel might work like a 15-20hp gas engine. It should also use less fuel and last longer. This makes it a serious option for a commercial mill.

But for a hobby mill? The 25 hp gas engine should cut better than a 10 hp diesel, it's cheaper, and it will still take MANY years to wear out with only part time use. And if you did wear it out, replacement small gas engines are sensible cost. Or at that point you decide can justify a new mill, with a ~25 hp diesel.

Warren · May 22, 2025, 08:07:29 AM

Quote from: dansietsma on May 18, 2025, 10:39:53 AMThanks 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).

I started with an LT15, diesel, on a trailer with one or two bed extensions... But be careful. It is addicting.

Two years later I purchased an LT40... The LT15 would do everything the LT40 would do. Just not as fast.

Good luck!