Woodland mills, TimberKing or Woodmizer

[Crookedkut]

I am thinking about get a sawmill.   I was thinking of building my own also but I have not decided.  Currently I have the Alaskan Chainsaw mill and wanted to upgrade to the sawmill.   Timberking is offering 6 months no interest, no payments.  That is tempting but they are a bit higher in price.  From your experience,with of these three brands would you recommend.  

[Southside]

What sort of features are you looking at?  What size logs do you plan to saw? What do you plan to produce?  Will you be stationary or portable?  What do you have for support equipment?  You need to look at YOUR scenario and see what is the best fit.  

[Crookedkut]

What sort of features are you looking at?  What size logs do you plan to saw? What do you plan to produce?  Will you be stationary or portable?  What do you have for support equipment?  You need to look at YOUR scenario and see what is the best fit.  

I would like to have a mobile platform but if I cannot afford it I will have to settle for a stationary one.   I don't really follow when you say what support equipment do I have.  Most trees around here are not wider than 24 inches.  There are a few but not many.  

[randy d]

I recently had the pleasure of having a conversation with Wil Johnson president of TimberKing and am sure that if you buy a TK. He will give the very best service that can be given. I own a WoodMizer and it to is a great sawmill the reason I own a WM. is because  we have a dealer less than 50 miles away. I have zero dealings with WoodLand mills so can't say either way. Good luck on your purchase. Randy

[Southside]

Support equipment being the way you are going to move logs and lumber. IE skid steer, loader, three men and a small child...

[Revival Sawmill]

Woodmizer.  

[YellowHammer]

Woodmizer gets my money.  

[Dana Stanley]

I own a Woodland Mills, and it is a fine hobby/part time machine. A quality product, but if I had the money I would have a Wood Mizer. Only It would need to be able to meet the specs of the biggest Woodland Mills. Look at width, and depth of cut, how big of a cant, and HP when you compare models! my 126 will only cut 7" depth I believe most WM will cut deeper.

[ladylake]

 The TK 1200 handles  a 33" log, 29" between the guide rollers, 16" clearance above the blade. Compare those before you buy.  Steve

[Bolson400]

I've got an old TimberKing (about 20 yrs old). I've had some problems with it but I know that once I get those worked out it will be a solid mill. Sounds like they've done nothing but get better with their mills. A brand new mill from one of the major companies is going to be a good machine no matter what. I also haven't looked at prices of the new ones, but I'm not sure the TK2000 compares to the LT40 and TK1600 to the LT35. So if TK is higher, it may be because it's not comparing apples to apples. I'm still pretty new and there are a lot of people on here with more experience. Sure is a lot of hype for the Woodmizer though. I got caught up in the older Toyota is the ONLY quality truck out there, and it turns out there are plenty of old pickups out there that are cheaper, bigger, stronger, just as reliable, get similar MPG, and go just as far as Toyota. Also, from what I hear WM has great customer service. From experience, TK has GREAT customer service.

[Pabene]

When I am looking at the three Mills I would buy ThimberKing. Why, because it is able to make cut deep in the log. Ladylake describes it better than me yesterday. If you want to cut a nice log to make furniture it is good to cut through the log, board by board, and let it all stay on the mill, then lift it off together. That way it is easy to keep track of how the boards was cut in the log. If you would like to "star saw" a log the best way, you need to be able to make the first cut some Inch below the pith. It is always better with a good distance from the blade up to the upper bladeguard, with the same width as max open blade guides.
It is more expensive to make a so good design like ThimberKings. Other mills has a beam or belt covers as prevents many usefull operations in the mill.

[Cutting Edge]

Crookedkut,

Even though you didn't have it in your list....

Have you looked at EZ Boardwalk ??  When comparing log capacity, engine hp, features, etc., might be worth giving them a look as well.

Good Luck in your search !

[thecfarm]

Thomas has a good mill too. But you are along ways from Maine. They had a wide mill for years. I almost bought one about 10 years ago. A Thomas is built tough.

[timbercrack]

I cannot speak to Woodland mills (never been near one), But have worked with TK and WM. Both fine machines with excellent customer service. I personally own a 2009 TK1600 with auto log roller and love it. Reason I own it is because it came up for sale used only 10 miles away from me, and my brother used to own one so I had already had a lot of experience with this particular machine...

[crowhill]

As you read the replies you'll see it pretty much comes down to what you will be sawing, what you have for a budget, what happens to come on the market near you, what you need for mobility and how close you want to be to your dealer. I think they are all good mills, most have good service, many folks do their own maintenance, some have service provided and there's only one person the mill has to satisfy. I bought my TimberKing B20 used in 2002 because it had, at the time everything I needed. TimberKing service has been great, pretty easy to work on and has held up well. I think if you're looking for high volume sawing you will need look at your handling equipment and layout of such around your mill. Good luck!

[tule peak timber]

Make sure that the support you will be needing is there..................................

[Crookedkut]

Support equipment being the way you are going to move logs and lumber. IE skid steer, loader, three men and a small child...

I don't have any of this support equipment besides me moving the logs.     I appreciate all the advice from all of you.   I will think on all of it and decide. 

[Southside]

You really need to consider some means of moving logs as part of your decision.  It can be as simple as a log arch from Logrite - sponsor in the left column, if your logs are of a manageable size and you have a way to get them onto your mill.  You are going to need something as the mill is only one part of the equation unless you are going to only do portable sawing for others and have them supply the necessary handling equipment.  

[Magicman]

You have indicated that you could possible do some portable sawing in the future and also considering the size of your logs, I would absolutely recommend getting a hydraulic mill.  With this in mind, I would be giving a Wood-Mizer LT35 some serious consideration.

[Crookedkut]

You really need to consider some means of moving logs as part of your decision.  It can be as simple as a log arch from Logrite - sponsor in the left column, if your logs are of a manageable size and you have a way to get them onto your mill.  You are going to need something as the mill is only one part of the equation unless you are going to only do portable sawing for others and have them supply the necessary handling equipment.  

I looked at Logrite.  I like that idea.  All aluminum is a good way to go.  

[SawyerTed]

There's a lot of brand loyalty here.  It's like asking Chevy, Ford or Ram pickup truck?  All have pluses and minuses and some will say buy a Toyota or Nissan.  You have to pick what suits you.  The mills you mention all have pluses and minuses.  

Be careful about the "bigger is better" mentality.  You can buy a larger capacity sawmill and waste money on capacity you rarely use.  Sure I get offered the occasional log larger than 36" that I turn down but the majority of the logs I get are 24" or less.  I don't have a market for wide live edge slabs.  

One aspect where bigger IS better is horsepower and torque.  Those 9hp sawmills do saw lumber but slowly.  25hp or more is better.  Diesel is even better but more costly.

The key is buying a mill to fit your situation.  Pick a mill that has a "sweet spot" for the most common log size and lumber you will saw.  If the largest typical diameter of logs is 24". Then buy a mill with enough capacity to handle those logs plus a little bit more (most will have that capacity and more).  What kind of lumber do you plan to make most often?  If it's is 1x, 2x and 4x, buy a mill that will do that plus a little bit more.  If you are cutting big thick slabs for bar tops and counters etc., buy a mill to do that.  If timber framing and beams are your thing, buy a mill well suited for that.

If you are planning on doing portable sawing, hydraulics are a necessity unless you plan on dragging a skid steer or tractor to load logs.

Logs are heavy and difficult to move without equipment.  A pine log 24" diameter and 8' long is going to weigh 1,000 pounds or more depending upon species.  A white oak the same size will weigh at least 1,500 pounds.  Moving 10 or 15 of those a day by hand isn't easy.  Moving a 42" wide X 36" tall stack of green 2x8 lumber is a lot easier on the forks of a tractor, skid steer or fork lift.

The sawmill is only one piece of the equation, support equipment and supporting tools also add up - like blades for the sawmill, chainsaw, leaf blower, cant hooks (yes you will likely need more than one) chain for moving logs, safety gear, tape measures, hammer, hatchet/axe and other tools.  You may already have most of the tools.  I found if I didn't dedicate tools to the sawmill, I had to go looking for my ______. 

We don't mean to discourage you, we've been in your shoes and have dealt with the realities of handling logs, lumber and waste slabs.  It is easy to lose interest when material handling is unnecessarily hard.  It is also discouraging to start sawing only to realize you don't have support tools handy.

[Crookedkut]

There's a lot of brand loyalty here.  It's like asking Chevy, Ford or Ram pickup truck?  All have pluses and minuses and some will say buy a Toyota or Nissan.  You have to pick what suits you.  The mills you mention all have pluses and minuses.  

Be careful about the "bigger is better" mentality.  You can buy a larger capacity sawmill and waste money on capacity you rarely use.  Sure I get offered the occasional log larger than 36" that I turn down but the majority of the logs I get are 24" or less.  I don't have a market for wide live edge slabs.  

One aspect where bigger IS better is horsepower and torque.  Those 9hp sawmills do saw lumber but slowly.  25hp or more is better.  Diesel is even better but more costly.

The key is buying a mill to fit your situation.  Pick a mill that has a "sweet spot" for the most common log size and lumber you will saw.  If the largest typical diameter of logs is 24". Then buy a mill with enough capacity to handle those logs plus a little bit more (most will have that capacity and more).  What kind of lumber do you plan to make most often?  If it's is 1x, 2x and 4x, buy a mill that will do that plus a little bit more.  If you are cutting big thick slabs for bar tops and counters etc., buy a mill to do that.  If timber framing and beams are your thing, buy a mill well suited for that.

If you are planning on doing portable sawing, hydraulics are a necessity unless you plan on dragging a skid steer or tractor to load logs.

Logs are heavy and difficult to move without equipment.  A pine log 24" diameter and 8' long is going to weigh 1,000 pounds or more depending upon species.  A white oak the same size will weigh at least 1,500 pounds.  Moving 10 or 15 of those a day by hand isn't easy.  Moving a 42" wide X 36" tall stack of green 2x8 lumber is a lot easier on the forks of a tractor, skid steer or fork lift.

The sawmill is only one piece of the equation, support equipment and supporting tools also add up - like blades for the sawmill, chainsaw, leaf blower, cant hooks (yes you will likely need more than one) chain for moving logs, safety gear, tape measures, hammer, hatchet/axe and other tools.  You may already have most of the tools.  I found if I didn't dedicate tools to the sawmill, I had to go looking for my ______.

We don't mean to discourage you, we've been in your shoes and have dealt with the realities of handling logs, lumber and waste slabs.  It is easy to lose interest when material handling is unnecessarily hard.  It is also discouraging to start sawing only to realize you don't have support tools handy.


Thanks for the advice.  It is not discouraging.  This is what I need to know.   While I am not new to building wood projects I am new to saw milling and am eager to learn.  I do not live in an area that is dense with timber.   South Texas has its 24 inch logs but not very much bigger.  Usually mesquite, oak or ash.  I may have access to some cedar but it is limited.   I wish I could say I have the money and am going to buy cash but I may have to finance it.   I am just hesitant on the financing idea.   I want to expand to do more wood projects and eventually get away from our t-shirt business.  

[Crookedkut]

I just saw a video of the Wood Mizer LT15GO.  It looks like a model I would be interested in.  I can cut some wide diameter logs and it is portable.   The price is not too bad.   Gonna ponder on it a while and later decide.   I like the Timber King models but they a bit higher in price.   I am not saying they are not worth the price.  I just cannot see myself affording a mill at that price right now.  

[ladylake]

  If you are going to be cutting bigger logs get one with more capacity.   Way too many logs are over 28".  Steve

[Southside]

It would be time well spent to go and spend a day with a sawyer who has s mill similar to what you are interested in. I would highly suggest finding one with and one without hydraulics so you have first hand knowledge of just what the difference is. 

A 4 minute video just does not give you a realistic view of what sawing for 4,6 or 8 hours is really like. 

[Will_Johnson]

I hope I'm not violating the letter or spirit of the forum by quickly jumping in. If I am I'm sure someone will let me know. :D

But I simply want to say that if a TimberKing mill is of interest, please allow us to quote a 1220 with a transport package. That way you will have everything in black and white of what's included and all of the costs.

Typically we find that once everything's down on paper and accounted for our mills are very price-competitive.

[doc henderson]

I have had my timber king b 2000 for about 6 years.  Matt is my contact at TK and they go out of there way to help out.  i am 4 hours from the office and that played a role as i was able to visit.  lots of video and depends a bit on what you plan to do, and volume, hobby vs business ect.

[SawyerTed]

+1 on what Southside said on spending time with a couple of sawyers.  Even if you have to travel, spend a night in a hotel etc. it is money well spent. 

[Crookedkut]

I might just travel some place where there is a sawmill and see them in action.   Thanks for the advice. 

[Crookedkut]

One more question.  In your opinions, if pricing equal or close to equal.   Would you get a sawmill with a slightly larger cutting area with a slightly smaller Horsepower engine or get a sawmill with a slightly larger Horsepower engine and a slightly smaller cutting area? 

[doc henderson]

most of the companies develop a relationship with the owners, and can tell you if there is someone near you who would be a good contact to see how the mill runs.  One problem you are running into is that people tend to love the mill they are using.  Most are good.  the answer to you last question depends on you. to be smart, I would say you want both, bigger is better.  hp lets you go faster and wider lets you cut bigger.  when you cutting wider you also need more hp.  some times starting out, it might be good to look for used and TK does take trades and refurbs a bit.  My mill has gone up 12 k since I bought it and so I will prob get out of it used as much or more than I paid.  depends on you finances and if this is going to be a money maker or a hobby.

[Ianab]

What size log do you plan on cutting?  Some areas seldom have logs over ~24", so a smaller sized mill is going to do the job, and the larger engine will cut them faster.  But if you have larger logs  then the smaller sized mill will be frustrating, no matter how much power it has. At least the larger capacity mill, even with less power, will get the job done. 

So the answer is "it depends", on exactly what YOU need to do. 

The ideal solution is the larger capacity AND bigger engine. But then you need to adjust the budget.

[ladylake]

  More capacity, you can put a bigger engine on later if needed.  Steve

[doc henderson]

hey crooked, did you already answer questions about you goals and plans for the mill.  what kinda trees in south texas?  what town are you near.  If you call timberking and ask for Matt, he can tell you about mills nearby.  Or PM the owner Will who chimed in a post or 2 back.  If you are passing by Wichita you can stop by, or in KC you can tour the office and see a mill in person.  A deposit can lock in the price and they throw in some blades ect. as part of the deal.  If you care to fill out your profile we can direct our questions/answers more to your situation.  and why is everyone else up so late?  I am working!!!  @ladylake    @Ianab   @Crookedkut 

[Ianab]

I'm in New Zealand. It's only only 9pm (on a Saturday) here. 

[Crookedkut]

hey crooked, did you already answer questions about you goals and plans for the mill.  what kinda trees in south texas?  what town are you near.  If you call timberking and ask for Matt, he can tell you about mills nearby.  Or PM the owner Will who chimed in a post or 2 back.  If you are passing by Wichita you can stop by, or in KC you can tour the office and see a mill in person.  A deposit can lock in the price and they throw in some blades ect. as part of the deal.  If you care to fill out your profile we can direct our questions/answers more to your situation.  and why is everyone else up so late?  I am working!!!  @ladylake    @Ianab   @Crookedkut

Same here.  I am working too.   Currently doing the night shift.  

[doc henderson]

Well good morning and evening to all!!  04:20 am here, but I will have a beer when I get off at 07:00 am :D :D 8)

[ladylake]

 I'm up early.   Steve