Anyone with a Belsaw/Timberking M-16

[wetdog]

Anyone out there run one of these? If so, what are the pros/cons? Do you prefer it over a bandmill?

[Possum Creek]

I run a M-14. The best advantage is usually the price. The belsaw is a good mill for farm use and can last a long time with proper log handling but so can a bandmill. Also I can saw a long time with the same bits, keeping them sharp with a small file, bandmills must have band sharpening equipment or a sharpening service to keep all those bands sharp. Bandmills are safer than a belsaw and make less dust. Belsaws use a tractor for power usually and  a lot of bandmills have smaller gas or diesel engines. They both can saw accurately but if I was wanting to custom saw or saw high value logs I would get a bandmill. If I found a M-16 at a good price and wanted to saw low grade logs or ties I would get it. Personally I like circle mills better.   Hope this helps.    PC

 

[bandmiller2]

Ole possum pretty much nailed it.A bandmill can be a backyard operation,not too noisy not a lot of mess,easy setup.A circular mill is fast, noisy, and a small industrial site.If you have the space and willingness to set a circular mill up properly they can be the fastest cheapest mill and will outlast the owner.