Norwood LM27 vs Woodmizer LX55

[GoldcountryCA]

So what would you purchase over the other and why? They are both very similarly priced and spec'd.

Thanks for your insights.

[SawyerTed]

I like orange and would pick the Woodmizer with the larger engine.  Woodmizer has excellent quality and customer support.  I've been treated very well as a Woodmizer customer.  So I'll admit I am biased right up front.  I don't know much about that model specifically.

I have very limited experience with Norwood and can add little regarding quality and customer support.  Others have had exceptional service from Norwood machines and customer service. 

Lead times may be better from Norwood. 

[GoldcountryCA]

I like orange and would pick the Woodmizer with the larger engine.  Woodmizer has excellent quality and customer support.  I've been treated very well as a Woodmizer customer.  So I'll admit I am biased right up front.  I don't know much about that model specifically.

I have very limited experience with Norwood and can add little regarding quality and customer support.  Others have had exceptional service from Norwood machines and customer service.

Lead times may be better from Norwood.

Lead times are within a week of each other on Norwood and Woodmizer.

I got really excited when I saw the capacity of the Woodland mills 130max at the same price point, but upon calling them, it is a chinese unit. I just can't bring myself to spend any significant amount of money on anything chinese. Korean, Canadian, or otherwise I'd consider it given the price difference...

[GoldcountryCA]

Between the two, which can mill the smallest cant? In other words, how small diameter of a tree can you get a post or 1x material out of?

[beenthere]

how small diameter of a tree can you get a post

What size post?

[GoldcountryCA]

how small diameter of a tree can you get a post

What size post?

4x4 minimum; I don't mind rounded corners. I'd imagine it'd need to be a minimum of 6" on the small end..

[cutterboy]

The size cant you can get from a log depends on the log itself, not the mill.

[SawyerTed]

Both mills should saw down to 1" above the bed.  That's pretty standard across brands.  A 4x4 should be no problem for either one.

The size log on the small end does determine the biggest cant.   If a log is pencil straight the general rule of 1/3 and 2/3s works.  A 6" log will make a 4x4.  A 9" log will make a 6x6.  A 12" log will make a 8x8 and so on.  The 1/3 will either be waste in smaller logs or will produce waste and lumber from larger logs.