Wanted : Seasoned millers/sawyers advice

[Saki]

Greetings! I took the plunge. Am in process of buying a woodmizer LT40 sawmill. Is a 1995 model with the 18 hp I/C briggs. Does not have hydraulic log handlers. Only has 400 ish hours. I have a lot of questions and would appreciate any advice I can get on several " getting started " topics.

I have run this mill with the current owner for about 6 hours one day. He bought it just to saw his house and pole barn materials. He is the second owner and bought it from a guy who sawed his house and used it to cut lumber for his craft/furniture business as needed. That is why the low hours, even though 10 years old. my question: Has anybody attended the woodmizer operators class? Was it time well spent? I am only an hour or so from Indy, so it would be really close if it was a good class.

I am also exploring trying to insure this thing. I will be milling my own lumber, and hope to do a day or two per month custom sawing ( once I am experienced - I don't mind screwing up my stuff, but I want to KNOW what I am doing before I tackle anybody else's stuff ) so would want to have it insured againts fire, theft, vandalism, etc. State Farm is having a real problem chasing down where/how/if to insure it. What is everybody else's experience with insurance? A good farmer friend recommended the local farm burea agent since they insure a lot of farm equipment, they may be more familiar with something like this. Any suggestions?

If you were starting out again, what are some of the most important things you have discovered about the operation of a mill? Especially early on?

Anything else you care to share with a new owner?

[Bibbyman]

It's been 10 years since I've had the WM training but I was real impressed then.

I think now they offer the training to a new owner of a used mill when they also get one of their maintenance service plans.

Wood-Mizer Service Info.

I think this would be an excellent opportunity to not only get training on how to use the mill but more importantly – how to service and maintain the mill.  When I picked up our fist mill 10 years ago,  the technician went through every adjustment on it with me and showed me the service areas.  

A ten year old mill with 400 hours on it should be in great condition but it'd sure be nice to have it checked over and twinked back in to top shape.

Being just an hour away,   I'd do it.

Most important things?

I think someone just wrote an excellent list of his first year's experience and others added to it.

I could add,  if you have plans and projects of your own,  don't let anyone know you have a mill until you have your projects done.!

Enjoy your new (used) Wood-Mizer.  Won't be long until your name will be on the wall of Million Borad Foot members!

Welcome to the Wood-Mizer Family!   ;)

[Brad_S.]

Saki,
Now that you are a full member, you have access to the business forum, which contains a lot of useful information when you're ready to custom saw.
If you can find the thread Bibbyman mentions, that should be interesting. I've been a member here for 4 months, and I'm still working my way through the past threads with something new and educational uncovered every time I go exploring! you'll probably see threads you've already read but view them in a new light now that you have a mill.
Congrats on the mill and happy sawing.

[Tom]

Saki,
Don't stop studying.
Don't get hung up on the fact that you can cut thin stuff.  You need to cut 2x's if you want to build things.
Spend time solving sawing problems.  Don't let them get away without an answer.
Study wood's, species, identification, peculiarities, grains, knots, fasteners, building techniques, etc.  Your customers will assume that you are an expert right off of the bat.  Don't ever blow smoke.  They will see through it and it will hurt your reputation permanently.
Don't ever lose your temper.  If things start breaking, go have a cup of coffee and fix them one at a time.
Always treat your customer as if he is the only one you have and brag on him every chance you get.
Carry a ball with you to keep young kids busy when they start getting in the way.  It looks better if you entertain them rather than shooing them away.
Put quality over quantity.  Sawing 2,000 feet in a day isn't any good if the boards aren't any good.
Try to allocate time in your week to go back and visit or help your customers.  The older ones especially appreciate attention.
Reputation is Everything.

[isawlogs]

 I also had the training when I bought my mill back in 93 ,would certainly take it again was very informative and they show you all the maintenence to do , they will also show you how to fold the blade ....  
 seriously... if you have the opportunity to take it I say go for it it is time very well spent ....Sawing  its great , it wont take long that youll have sawdust fever ....congrats to you on your purchase...

[Percy]

Heya Saki

Im not as seasoned as these other guys (Tom/Bibby/Isawlogs)grits seasoning  ;D ;D ;Dbut all the info including what Brad says is right on the mark in my opinion. You can never know enough. The training WM offers would be worth every penny it cost you(I dont know if they charge for used mills).

You are gonna love this stuff, good luck.
Percy

[sawyerkirk]

When we had the axle on our mill, it was insured as a trailer by Farm Bureau. The training course at woodmizer will help you get the basics, but putting blade to wood is what helps you learn to saw logs.

[Kirk_Allen]

Best advice I can give is keep reading things on the Forestry Forum.  

I couldnt begin to tell you how valuable this site has been for my operation.   Its a never ending education here and with people that you could trust.

Im about 80 miles southwest of you.  If you ever get down this way or want to spend a day sawing give me a shout.    

[woodmills1]

I am with Farm Family Insurance now and they insure the mill as well as me from liability during the operation, that is if someone gets injured (not an employee) or if the mill damages something during use.  I think you need at least 10 acres to get in with them and they only insure in so many states.

Before farm family I had an inland marine policy that covered the mill during transportation and against hazards fire, theft, etc.

It won't be long before you will be cutting any and every thing you fine or is brought to you.

I don't know if 95 models have updated track rollers.  Take a look at all of the track rollers for two things.  If there is a groove in the wearing surface or if the front cover is gone and you can see the ball bearings, get some replacements.  The new ones are much better.

Mine is a 93 so again I am not sure, but there was also an upgrade to the blade brake.  The new one works much better and requires less adjustment.

[Saki]

Thanks to everybody for their helpful replies. Lots of good info there. While in INDY today, took the time to run by the woodmizer headquarters. Nice folks there. Told 'em I had purchased a used mill, got a nice tour around, some back issues of their magazine, and had a real nice visit. Really looking forward to running some of my first logs through. Thanks again, Saki.

[Faron]

Saki, the training course is worth your time.  I've learned the difference between quality lumber and junk is attention to blades and proper adjustment of the mill.  Proper adjustment takes a little time, but doesn't have to be done all that often, at least on my mill.  Often when I check mine, I only have to make small ajdjustments, or none at all.