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Sawing Full Time

Started by Deese, April 14, 2019, 01:00:58 AM

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ScottCC

If your price was right you would make a living working 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year and have two weeks modest vacation money. No big improvements no big failings business wise.  Raise your price to where that works.  Then work all the extra you want to grow money wise, but if you are not reading and studying an hour a day business wise you will find yourself in trouble one day when your not so capable.  Get smarter!  Someone will figure out you are under charginging all other things being equal and will exploit it.  All while telling you how great you are doing.  Let's say I know someone who is in the midst of financial ruin who did this.
Necessity is the mother of invention.  Poverty is its big brother.  WM mp100, WM eg100, WM sp4000 chip extractor,  WM 260 molder on order ,WM electric  lt15 wide with extra track, 71 Oliver allterrain forklift, 26' flat bed trailer, road legal log arch, homemade kiln, AutoCAD lt15

Deese

Yes! I agree on all accounts. I had a customer a few weeks back that had a portable guy scheduled to saw his logs. Well, he had some excuse for not showing. Then the customer found me and I did a killer job. The other sawyer was going to charge him an INSANE amount. Nothing against whoever it was...I just couldn't believe it. I won't even say how much it was but it was more than I would sell my air dried pine lumber for. However, I made out well and guess what, I made a new contact and gained his trust. I think that is what is most important over everything else. New business has sprouted because of how I treated the customer. Lots to learn and learning quickly. I feel that when I do make the big move, I will have a strong customer base whose trust I've earned backing me from day #1 of the next phase of this adventure. Thank goodness for the Forestry Forum and the great folks who participate, simply wanting to see someone succeed. That's what it's all about. 
2004 LT40 Super 51hp w/6' bed extension
Cooks AE4P Edger
Cat Claw sharpener/Dual Tooth Setter
Kubota svl75-2 skidsteer w/grapple, forks, brushcutter
1977 Log Hog Knuckleboom loader/truck

Southside

Quote from: ScottCC on August 01, 2019, 06:52:34 PMIf your price was right you would make a living working 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year and have two weeks modest vacation money. No big improvements no big failings business wise.  Raise your price to where that works.


That makes sense on the surface until you try to capitalize without taking on debt, which is really the only safe way to grow a business like this.  Capital is essential in order to diversify so that more value can be captured from each customer.  Some of that is passive value, as in a kiln - obviously requires some work but mine is making money as I type this - and some is active value as in a moulder / planer, but there is more value to be captured as a % of the work you do, the further you take a raw product to a finished good.   
Franklin buncher and skidder
JD Processor
Woodmizer LT Super 70 and LT35 sawmill, KD250 kiln, BMS 250 sharpener and setter
Riehl Edger
Woodmaster 725 and 4000 planner and moulder
Enough cows to ensure there is no spare time.
White Oak Meadows

hacknchop

When you get your rates figured out so that both you and your customers are happy and you maintain that relationship then you  will do well now and your customers will automatically think of you when they need sawmill services worked for me and continues to work.
Often wrong never indoubt

Deese

I read and studied all about this wonderful occupation for roughly 7 years while at my previous job, and sawing on the weekends. The reading helped. It helped me quite a bit. However, for me, there was nothing that could've adequately prepared me for the reality of actually, physically doing it every day and the pressure of making that ever so essential income requirement by the end of each month. It may be much easier for others that aren't as hard headed as I am. For some reason, generally speaking, I've still had to try many things my way, and I've discovered that some of "my ways" worked better for my situation. When that actually happens, I've learned to take joy out of that experience. I've also failed and wasted lots of energy and time trying to do certain things my own way. But you know what? What I have learned, I mean really learned...it was all through experience. That of which simply cannot be replaced...hands own experience through trial and error. The most experienced sawyers will tell you...well, the ones that are passionate about their work...that they are still learning, and always open to new suggestions and ideas. But I admit that I still do a poor job at stopping, taking a step back, and viewing my efforts from a broader perspective. In other words, I need to improve my critical thinking skills and be more open to change. I believe that's my next best move before doing anything different. ((For those of you that are cavemen (sorry Caveman), that last line was supposed to be funny.))
2004 LT40 Super 51hp w/6' bed extension
Cooks AE4P Edger
Cat Claw sharpener/Dual Tooth Setter
Kubota svl75-2 skidsteer w/grapple, forks, brushcutter
1977 Log Hog Knuckleboom loader/truck

Southside

"It's so easy even @caveman can do it"  :D  :D  :D sorry Kyle, first thing that came to mind after reading Deeses post. You can get me back next year when we do the"Danny walk"  ;D
Franklin buncher and skidder
JD Processor
Woodmizer LT Super 70 and LT35 sawmill, KD250 kiln, BMS 250 sharpener and setter
Riehl Edger
Woodmaster 725 and 4000 planner and moulder
Enough cows to ensure there is no spare time.
White Oak Meadows

Deese

BOOM! My attempt at humor was a success.
2004 LT40 Super 51hp w/6' bed extension
Cooks AE4P Edger
Cat Claw sharpener/Dual Tooth Setter
Kubota svl75-2 skidsteer w/grapple, forks, brushcutter
1977 Log Hog Knuckleboom loader/truck

Deese

Kyle will know he was the one I was referring to. Kyle, by the way--lets go fishing soon. Hang on and let me ask my boss when I can take off...Okay, he said it was up to me to decide. He's a pretty cool dude.
2004 LT40 Super 51hp w/6' bed extension
Cooks AE4P Edger
Cat Claw sharpener/Dual Tooth Setter
Kubota svl75-2 skidsteer w/grapple, forks, brushcutter
1977 Log Hog Knuckleboom loader/truck

caveman

Deese, I would love to take you fishing but my boat has not been in the water since August 3, last year.  Yesterday I was thinking I may have to start working in a few hours a week to do some close to home, freshwater fishing.  Lately, the only thing on the menu has been a steady supply of little pieces of elephant.  Your work ethic and passion for what you are doing are inspiring.

It is easy to go too long or too hard when you are good at what you do and enjoy what you do.  Only you know when it will be time to draw back a bit before you hit the wall but those who are close to you and whose analysis/observations you respect should be carefully factored in.  For me, it was my Daddy who would let me know when it was time to back off a tad.

John is here so I guess it is time to go get some more of that elephant.  I appreciate the caveman reference.  
Caveman

Deese

Please tell John I said hey! Kyle, you're lucky to have such a great guy as your work partner. That dude keeps my laughing
2004 LT40 Super 51hp w/6' bed extension
Cooks AE4P Edger
Cat Claw sharpener/Dual Tooth Setter
Kubota svl75-2 skidsteer w/grapple, forks, brushcutter
1977 Log Hog Knuckleboom loader/truck

Deese

Still alive and well here. Still sawing. There have been many ups and downs thus far but I'm still chugging along and finally getting a little sense of direction business wise. Bought me an old knuckleboom truck a while back so now I buy my logs and have them delivered. I'm trying to stay away from portable jobs if possible, but still go for the big ones. Been sawing a lot of bald cypress and pine lately. I've recently relocated into vacant commercial chicken house a few miles down the road. Next on the list is a kiln. Most likely the L200 or something similar. My old lab is still with us, and my boy is growing like a weed. I love them both. 

 

 

 
2004 LT40 Super 51hp w/6' bed extension
Cooks AE4P Edger
Cat Claw sharpener/Dual Tooth Setter
Kubota svl75-2 skidsteer w/grapple, forks, brushcutter
1977 Log Hog Knuckleboom loader/truck

Southside

Good to hear from you Deese.  I did a portable job on Sunday and was wondering how you were making out, sounds like it's going well. 
Franklin buncher and skidder
JD Processor
Woodmizer LT Super 70 and LT35 sawmill, KD250 kiln, BMS 250 sharpener and setter
Riehl Edger
Woodmaster 725 and 4000 planner and moulder
Enough cows to ensure there is no spare time.
White Oak Meadows

Deese

Southside, I'm having the time of my life. I'm broke but happy! Haha! But I am excited. Sky is the limit! We're going to find out just how broke one can get  :D
2004 LT40 Super 51hp w/6' bed extension
Cooks AE4P Edger
Cat Claw sharpener/Dual Tooth Setter
Kubota svl75-2 skidsteer w/grapple, forks, brushcutter
1977 Log Hog Knuckleboom loader/truck

caveman

Deese,
I am glad you took the time to give us who don't do Facebook an update.  I am thankful that you are enjoying living the life.  I suspect you are staying busy as a bee.  Post some pictures from time to time and keep us old curmudgeons inspired by your progress.  Have a good Thanks Giving.  Have you kept track of how many engine hours you have put on the lt-40 since you brought it home?
 
Caveman

Southside

Quote from: Deese on November 27, 2019, 02:22:09 AMWe're going to find out just how broke one can get


So you are going to start farming too?  :D
Franklin buncher and skidder
JD Processor
Woodmizer LT Super 70 and LT35 sawmill, KD250 kiln, BMS 250 sharpener and setter
Riehl Edger
Woodmaster 725 and 4000 planner and moulder
Enough cows to ensure there is no spare time.
White Oak Meadows

Magicman

It's so good of you come back to the FF and give us an update on your sawing activities Frank.  It's been too long.

I agree, sawing Cypress is a pure dream.  8)
98 Wood-Mizer LT40 SuperHydraulic    WM Million BF Club

Two: First Place Wood-Mizer Personal Best Awards
The First: Wood-Mizer People's Choice Award

It's Weird being the same age as Old People

Never allow your Need to make money
To exceed your Desire to provide Quality Service

Deese

It's really good to become active here on the FF once again. I don't intentionally disappear, life has a way of getting a tight grip on you and boom you look up and months have passed like it was just yesterday. Man, life is so short. 

Anyways, I started getting that dreaded washboard bumpy surface on my lumber last night. I was in a big hurry finishing a cypress order that I delivered this morning. When I noticed the issue, I eliminated it by increasing my feed rate. 

I tried a couple different sawblades with same result. I noticed the bandwheel on the idle side has a very, very small amount of"play" in it. But I mean it's not much. I've decided to go ahead and replace the bearing to be safe. Don't have one in stock so I'll order one Monday. 

I then went ahead and replaced the bandwheel belts. My blade guides are still firm as well. My adjustable blade guide arm was loose, so that's most likely what's causing the problem. 

So I arm dialing it al back in as we speak. Then I'll try another log. But the idle bandwheel having alittle play in it still sits in the back of my mind. In not talking much at all, and maybe it's been this way for a long while without me noticing but I've never changed it (or noticed it) in the 1000+ hours I've put on this mill. Playing it safe and at least ordering the bearing for extra parts next week
2004 LT40 Super 51hp w/6' bed extension
Cooks AE4P Edger
Cat Claw sharpener/Dual Tooth Setter
Kubota svl75-2 skidsteer w/grapple, forks, brushcutter
1977 Log Hog Knuckleboom loader/truck

Deese

Problem solved and back running. Everything on outside blade control assembly was out of whack. Inside roller guide was tilted horizontally in wrong direction and horizontal tilt on the adjustable arm was off. Had me scratching my head for a minute 
2004 LT40 Super 51hp w/6' bed extension
Cooks AE4P Edger
Cat Claw sharpener/Dual Tooth Setter
Kubota svl75-2 skidsteer w/grapple, forks, brushcutter
1977 Log Hog Knuckleboom loader/truck

Peter Drouin

Good to see you, Are you going into the wholesale market?? 
A&P saw Mill LLC.
45' of Wood Mizer, cutting since 1987.
License NH softwood grader.

YellowHammer

It's good to hear you are still going full bore, just in a different direction.  Good job.  
YellowHammerisms:

Take steps to save steps.

If it won't roll, its not a log; it's still a tree.  Sawmills cut logs, not trees.

Kiln drying wood: When the cookies are burned, they're burned, and you can't fix them.

Sawing is fun for the first couple million boards.

Be smarter than the sawdust

Andries

I was thinking about you the other week, and wanted to say, thanks for the FF update.
It's good to hear that you're livin' the dream, and now there's a "chicken ranch" in your business life.
Chickens seem to be a secret ingredient to the sawmilling business in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. In the kiln or under the mill; whatever it takes, you'll figure it out.
Keep on truckin' !
LT40G25
Ford 545D loader
Stihl chainsaws

WDH

With the chickens, now you are set to dry some white oak and pecan ( smiley_devil). 
Woodmizer LT40HDD35, John Deere 2155, Kubota M5-111, Kubota L2501, Nyle L53 Dehumidification Kiln, and a passion for all things with leafs, twigs, and bark.  hamsleyhardwood.com

Deese

Quote from: Peter Drouin on November 28, 2019, 06:52:35 AM
Good to see you, Are you going into the wholesale market??
Hey Peter,  
I am not currently. However I recently spoke with someone about it and that's definitely still on the table. 
2004 LT40 Super 51hp w/6' bed extension
Cooks AE4P Edger
Cat Claw sharpener/Dual Tooth Setter
Kubota svl75-2 skidsteer w/grapple, forks, brushcutter
1977 Log Hog Knuckleboom loader/truck

Deese

Andries and WDH, 
I just now realized what you guys were talking about with the chickens  :D smiley_mad_crazy
2004 LT40 Super 51hp w/6' bed extension
Cooks AE4P Edger
Cat Claw sharpener/Dual Tooth Setter
Kubota svl75-2 skidsteer w/grapple, forks, brushcutter
1977 Log Hog Knuckleboom loader/truck

Deese

Quote from: caveman on November 27, 2019, 08:52:05 AM
Deese,
I am glad you took the time to give us who don't do Facebook an update.  I am thankful that you are enjoying living the life.  I suspect you are staying busy as a bee.  Post some pictures from time to time and keep us old curmudgeons inspired by your progress.  Have a good Thanks Giving.  Have you kept track of how many engine hours you have put on the lt-40 since you brought it home?

Hey my friend! Roughly around 1000hrs. I've got so many cool pics on my phone that I wouldn't really know where to start. I'l see if I careen find a couple good ones
2004 LT40 Super 51hp w/6' bed extension
Cooks AE4P Edger
Cat Claw sharpener/Dual Tooth Setter
Kubota svl75-2 skidsteer w/grapple, forks, brushcutter
1977 Log Hog Knuckleboom loader/truck

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