buying a sawmill

[zeke44]

New member. Long time stalker, 1st time post. I'm in the market for bandsaw "starter-mill". The more i research, the more i'm lost. This is going to be a hobby-mill.

1). Best mill under $11,000.
2). mill will be mostly used to build a hunting shack.
3). do these companies ( WM, Baker, NW, TK ) work with you on the price, or is the price you see, the price you pay?
4). any words of wisdom? I'm new this, willing to listen!

Thank you, Zeke     

[Ga Mtn Man]

Buy a good used one.  Plenty of them out there.

[Chuck White]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum Zeke.

My suggestion would be to go and see a variety of mills at work.

[hackberry jake]

I have seen used hydraulic mills go for around 8-9 thousand. I would probably get one of those.

[Cypressstump]

Where are you located? 

You may be able to find some members with mills close to you in various flavors / colors, of which a little observance and hands on experience would be invaluable.

given your budget, 11k could get you well into a gently used mill with some coin to spare for the other necessities.


BTW- Welcome aboard !

[Joanie]

I got mine for around $6000. The guy that owned got too crippled to run it any more. They are out there you just have to look around. Try to go see different mills in operation. And  :P never hurts either. ;D

[dboyt]

Zeke, welcome to the forum!  Your budget will give you a variety of options.  What else do you need-- drying shed, loader, chain saw, cant hooks, etc.?  If you go the used route, I recommend checking www.sawmill exchange.com.  Another good resource is Sawmill & Woodlot Management magazine (www.sawmillmag.com).  Go to web sites of manufacturers, and watch some youtube videos.  Absolutely find mills in your area that you can look at.  If you post your general area on the forum, I bet you'd get a half-dozen sawyers who would be glad to show you how their mill works.

[Delawhere Jack]

This is EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT!

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,60061.0.html

I agree with the others, look for something used. Any of the brands you mentioned make good mills.

Welcome.

[zeke44]

Thanks for all the help!!! I new to this ( internet research for 2+ yrs.) sawmills. I've looked at several models at work. (NW, WM, & homemade). They all have +/-'s. I would like to buy new, at least i'm in the ballpark and not taken for a ride! That's why i'm wondering if dealers move on the price at all...?

[Delawhere Jack]

I got mine for around $6000.

$6,000!!!!

I'm never speaking to you again.......... :'( :'(

[Thehardway]

I don't think you'll see dealers move much on price of current new models but you may find them willing to cut a deal on discontinued or demo's  Mike from Norwood has a demo Lumberlite 24 he's selling for under 2k, normal retail is 4k so some deals can be had if your willing to be flexible on what model and features you will accept. Sounds like you are wnating a little bigger saw with a few more luxury items.  You have a nice price point set to get a good setup.

The best new saw deals I could find was Linnlumbers 190A or 1900 or the  Burg Band Mill.  Both seem to be ruggedly designed and built, no frills and good value/customer service from the reviews I read.

No on would argue that the WM NW Cook and EZ are not good saws, they might just be more than a hobbyist sawyer needs to invest.  On the flip side, if you decide to sell it when you are done building, they will hold a better resale value than some of the lesser known names.

For sawing dimensional lumber12' or less for a cabin I think a swingblade mill would be the better choice.  No constant turning and re-dogging of the log, no edging. Just set it and start cutting perfectly square sided dimension lumber fast and blades will last longer.

Just my 2cents.

[beenthere]

A location for ya Zeke will help on the suggestions.

You can go to a Show or Fair to see different makes and models, plus may strike up a deal (saves hauling them home) with a demo or new model.

[drobertson]

Welcome to the FF! I agree with all the above, check out some milling operation, how the handle logs, to how long it takes to process these logs.(just to give you an idea on the timing) support equipment, and how the get rid of dust and slabs.  Sounds like you are into allot of fun in the next lil while,  Good Luck!

[Joanie]

I got mine for around $6000.

$6,000!!!!

I'm never speaking to you again.......... :'( :'(

It did need some work, rats had chewed up some of the hydro lines, wireing, and belts. the chains was rusted real bad too. But with some work and help from dad, it's a good mill now.

[Tom the Sawyer]

Welcome to the forum Zeke44.  As mentioned earlier, Sawmill Exchange is an excellent resource but just don't browse, call Brian and tell him what you are interested in.  It is great when a long-time "lurker" decides to become involved with a forum, where I live, "stalkers" get arrested.  :D :D

[Magicman]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum Zeke44.   

Wood-Mizer does have seasonal sales, but other than that, I would not expect any negotiating.  LINK.

Used sawmills should be very much an option, and they are occasionally available from the major sawmill manufacturers as well as from individuals.  They also show up on the "For Sale" board here.  LINK.

[Delawhere Jack]

$11k is a bit on the low side for a good used LT40HD (I'm still not speaking to you Joanie.... ;D). The sweet spot seems to be around $13k-$15k. I'm sure you can find one cheaper, but you'll end up spending the difference getting it back in shape.

[thecfarm]

zeke,welcome to the forum. You will be sawing more than a hunting shack.   :D

[Chuck White]

$11k is a bit on the low side for a good used LT40HD (I'm still not speaking to you Joanie.... ;D). The sweet spot seems to be around $13k-$15k. I'm sure you can find one cheaper, but you'll end up spending the difference getting it back in shape.

Right Jack, I bought my mill in '08 for 15K, when it was 13 years old and only had 487 hours on it.

My mill was all ready to saw. 

All I did was got used to the controls and 2 days later it was out on it's/my first sawjob.  ;)