What Woodmizer?

[Mick Dempsey]

Hi fellas, new on this sub forum (giggles coquettishly)

I’ve been bringing home arb waste for years in 1.7 mètre lengths, purely because it unloads easier off the tipping trailer.

Now it wouldn’t be too difficult for me to load it lengthways at 3.5 mètres using a roll log and my Avant 760.

Also I have a half dozen decent oaks on the property as well, so iI was thinking a decent Mobile sawmill might be a solid investment and a bit of a diversion.

WMs seem ok, hold their value, I know there are others.

Bearing in mind I get some decent size stuff coming along, cedars, pines, oaks, what does the milling brethren think would be my best bet?

Also bear in mind I like having enough power and money is not my critical issue.

Pic for attention, I won’t be milling that!

 

[Johnsond]

2 hours ago, Mick Dempsey said:

Hi fellas, new on this sub forum (giggles coquettishly)

I’ve been bringing home arb waste for years in 1.7 mètre lengths, purely because it unloads easier off the tipping trailer.

Now it wouldn’t be too difficult for me to load it lengthways at 3.5 mètres using a roll log and my Avant 760.

Also I have a half dozen decent oaks on the property as well, so iI was thinking a decent Mobile sawmill might be a solid investment and a bit of a diversion.

WMs seem ok, hold their value, I know there are others.

Bearing in mind I get some decent size stuff coming along, cedars, pines, oaks, what does the milling brethren think would be my best bet?

Also bear in mind I like having enough power and money is not my critical issue.

Pic for attention, I won’t be milling that!

 

Putting our normal differences aside for a change. What you looking to tow it with Mick ?? my current set up is right on the 3500KG limit, I’ve a solution going forward but it’s gonna come at a cost. Pretty sure LT70 is a lot lighter. 
Trakmet ttp600 specced up as I wanted  will cut 6.5m long and handle 1200mm diameter “if they are poker straight “ it’s running a 30kw electric motor requiring min 50kva 3 phase, compared to my previous mill that had an IGX 800 unit, hydraulic operation on the old mill was 12v the new one is 3 phase and night and day better. Big logs you need good loading capability and need to watch yourself moving them around on the mill. 
Woodmizer LT70 wide is a good tool and cuts fast but a lot of guys seem to not be overly keen on them especially as they get older, crazy money in UK at min too. You will probably benefit from buying within EU I’d imagine as I did with first Trakmet, saying that I think woodmizer has a plant in Poland so 🤷‍♂️. If you go electric make sure you get a VFD specced on the build. My new mill was not cutting well at all on hardwoods, I fitted a VFD and reduced the blade speed by 30%, the transformation is unbelievable. 
Does it have to be mobile? You get a far bigger stronger mill for equivalent dollar so to speak if you have the ability to bring the timber to the mill. 
Alternatively if money is not an issue or in my case I won the lottery tomorrow I’d be off to see Serra ( plenty of info online or you tube ref Serra sawmill stuff) straight away 😍 beautiful machines. 
Those last 3 pics are just fantasy level machines for me unfortunately. 
Anyway I’m sure there will be advice forthcoming from those more knowledgeable and amenable than myself. 

Edited 7 hours ago by Johnsond

[Mick Dempsey]

I’ll tow it with the Ranger, so 3.5t is doable.

I’m not looking to transport it around regularly and mill for clients, too many time wasters, who want it done for the love of it.

In my mind I want a diesel 35hp ish, so the LT40 looks about the size I need.

I don’t want it static, we’re only looking to live here 3/4/5 more years so I don’t need anything permanent, I will build a shelter over it to protect it from the elements however.

Nor am I looking to establish myself as a sawmill, too many big boys round here, who would blow me out of the water if I started to go big.

I see it as a side hustle, tree work for the most part, some milling for rainy days and cos it looks fun.

Edited 7 hours ago by Mick Dempsey

[5thelement]

Have a look at a Lucas Mill.
Very versatile, easy to set up, transport and store away.

And I’ll buy it from you when you retire. 👍

[openspaceman]

23 minutes ago, 5thelement said:

Have a look at a Lucas Mill.
Very versatile, easy to set up, transport and store away.

 

Great for producing dimensioned timber, not so good for oak beams

[htb]

1 hour ago, Mick Dempsey said:

I’ll tow it with the Ranger, so 3.5t is doable.

I’m not looking to transport it around regularly and mill for clients, too many time wasters, who want it done for the love of it.

In my mind I want a diesel 35hp ish, so the LT40 looks about the size I need.

I don’t want it static, we’re only looking to live here 3/4/5 more years so I don’t need anything permanent, I will build a shelter over it to protect it from the elements however.

Nor am I looking to establish myself as a sawmill, too many big boys round here, who would blow me out of the water if I started to go big.

I see it as a side hustle, tree work for the most part, some milling for rainy days and cos it looks fun.

Mick I know a lad in Suffolk who is changing his LT40, new machine coming in spring, i can put you in touch if you wish. He has had it about 6 yrs, upgrading to 3 phase.