Peterson mill?

[North State]

I have been watching this site for a couple of weeks and it is of my opinion that you people know what you are talking about I am thinking about a peterson to mill my own lumber and  sell some what do you think?

[scsmith42]

North State - welcome to the forum.

There are a tremendous number of knowledgeable folks here, with some great info.

I myself have a 10" Peterson WPF and am very pleased with it.  You will here similar opinions from owners of Lucas swing mills, Woodmizer mills, D&L, etc.

The type of mill that is best for you depends upon your application.  Take some time and search the archives for the major brand names and types, and you will get enough education to cause a brain cramp!

Good luck.  Scott

[brdmkr]

NS

Welcome to the forum!

What SC said is correct.  There are a number of really good mills out there.  I'd figure out what I thought I'd be milling and how mobile I thought I would need to be.  I'd also consider the amount of support equipment I had on-hand and what I would be willing to purchase.  Then, I would determine what type of mill best suited my needs.  Then, I'd start looking at individual manufacturers and mills.  The best places to look are just a click away on the left side of your screen 8)

Keep us posted.

BTW, I have a Lucas mill and I really like it.  I wish I would have gotten the bigger model though.

[WkndCutter]

Scott said it all.

Andy

[ronwood]

North State  welcome to the forum.  Scott said it well.  Myself I have a Woodmizer but there  are times that swingmill would be a better choice. For myself the band mill works best overall since I don't have large trees.

Ron

[Captain]

I'm gonna stay right out of this one 

Let me know if I can help!!

Captain

[North State]

Thank's for the info.Captain do you know of any used mills?brdmkr how much difference between your Lucas and peterson?

[brdmkr]

There are some pretty obvious differences between the Lucas mill and Peterson WPF and ASM models.  The differences are less obvious between the Lucas and the ATS.  The ATS adjusts rail height from the same end the Lucas adjusts from opposite ends.  There are benefits of each approach.  I have never double cut with the ATS, but I am told that it is easier to do on the ATS than with the Lucas.  This has never been a problem for me, as I seldom double cut.   I suppose it really is a matter of personal preference.  I must say that service has been excellent with the Lucas; Bailey's is a great company.  Based on the posts that I've seen here Peterson really stands behind their mill also.  Check them both out.  Mill shopping is fun 8)

[jack]

Ok......
Lucas verses Peterson,  it all depends on how you load your logs?  I run a 825 Lucas,  the tracks are off the ground and when i roll large, 50" logs under the carriage its nice not to have to worry about running over the rails.  or with the case of forklifts or loaders getting on top of the rails that are burried in sawdust.

Cost factor is another issue.  Whats your ROI?  how much support equipment do you have (or need to purchase).  I have had great success with the Good Folks at Baileys,  and 4 or 5 yrs ago when i purchased my mill,  i got no response from the folks at peterson.  That was the deciding point.  

I'm sure that there are drawbacks with each unit and pros for each unit.  Customer service and numbers of units on the market plus cost made my decision.

As for durability,  i have bumped my unit several,,,,many times with loaders , logs etc.... and it still cuts true and the adjustments on the blade and tracking system are easy to do.

Go to someone that has both and watch them work......then make your decision.

Have fun and when you get your unit......PUT some sawdust around it..... you will learn much more that way.......

JAck

[North State]

Thank' Jack

[Captain]

There's always one or two around.  Just check the website and send a contact message.

www.swingmills.com

Captain

[Troy]

Come on up to Va. and have a go at it with my ATS, you will love it!  Getting ready to mill a 22in black walnut next week..

[North State]

I may have to take you up on that! thank's

[getoverit]

Welcome to the forum North State!

First of all, I make a living with my mills. I have both a Peterson 10" ATS swingmill AND a hydraulic bandmill. There are times when there is no other mill that will do except the Swingmill, and other times when using the bandmill is a LOT easier... at least for me.  It all depends on what size and type of logs you expect to be milling, and if you are planning on going from site to site milling logs.

The swingmills are GREAT for logs around 24" and bigger and the Peterson mill produces boards that almost look like they have been through a planer. When I am milling large logs, this is my preference mill.  When milling a lot of logs less than 24" in diameter, I prefer the bandmill, especially if I am doing it off site. Of course, the customer has to have them piled up in one place and waiting on me when I get there. I prefer large logs and the Peterson mill if I have a choice, but I dont always have a choice.

North Carolina has some awesome hardwoods, and if you are lucky enough to get some of those that are large ones, the swingmill is the way to go. The folks at Peterson have treated me like one of their own and have gone overboard to help me with even the most minor of problems I have incountered. You wont find me saying anything but good things about them and it isnt because I work for them,  because I dont... I just bought one of their mills and I know the mill and the company. I have milled at least 20,000bf of lumber with mine in just a few months, and so far it has give excellent service.

I bought the bandmill because I keep getting job offers to mill smaller logs, loads of small pine, and power poles. For those applications, the bandmill is much easier for me to work with. If you consider a bandmill and plan on going off-site with it, dont even consider one that isnt fully hydraulic.

Both types of mill require some support equipment. The type of logs and where you are milling them makes the difference on how much support equipment you are going to need. If you are just considering the swingmill, those same things will determine which type of swingmill you purchase also.

Hope all of this doesnt confuse you...

[North State]

Thank's getoverit I think I'll go with a peterson now I'll have to find the money!

[jpgreen]

I have been watching this site for a couple of weeks and it is of my opinion that you people know what you are talking about ...

............. ;D

Welcome to the sawdust zone NS..  8)

[North State]

Thank you jpgreen

[BigTrev]

Heya NS, good to hear your looking at a couple of really nice saws  ;D

If you have any questions of the Peterson variety then feel free to give me a call on our US freephone or shoot me an Email.