Cutting posts on mill pricing

[dukndog]

Hi All!!
Question......I've talked with the mill operator that will be sawing my timbers for our TF. Price quoted is $300/mbf which I understand. Would this be higher if boards were cut or the same? Maybe I'm being cheap, but seems less work and wear on his equip if only a few cuts on my logs. Can't really complain though since all frame timbers should run under $3k.
Whats the norm on getting white and red oak posts and beams cut?
Thanks
DnD

[Ianab]

I would guess that although the beams are going to take less actual saw time, the handling of the sawn beams is slower / harder work, so actual production for the day is probably similar, hence a similar charge.

Some guys charge "non-standard" jobs like that by the hour. If it is actually faster, you win, if it does take longer, you pay more.

Ian

[meddins]

Hi All!!
Question......I've talked with the mill operator that will be sawing my timbers for our TF. Price quoted is $300/mbf which I understand. Would this be higher if boards were cut or the same? Maybe I'm being cheap, but seems less work and wear on his equip if only a few cuts on my logs. Can't really complain though since all frame timbers should run under $3k.
Whats the norm on getting white and red oak posts and beams cut?
Thanks
DnD

Can't speak to the price difference regarding boards vs. timber, but I will say that 30 cents a board foot for white and red oak is a great price. I certainly wouldn't quibble with your sawyer over that price!

For comparison purposes the big sawmill near me charges $1.70 a board foot for #1 white oak posts. Now these are really nice, clear boxed heart timbers without wane. I'd be paying at least $1.00 a board foot from that mill for #2 and lower oak timbers. The smaller scale sawyers around here would charge between 50 and 70 cents a board foot for ungraded oak timbers. This is in Alabama.

[dukndog]

Thanks Meddins and Ian.

I'm cutting and hauling my own logs so thats why they are at 300/mbf. If I wasn't doing this, then I'm sure it would be higher.
I'll be posting alot more questions once the logs are cut. I'm hoping the drying time will be minimum and the anchorseal does its work!

DnD