Norwood? or TimberKing?

[difflock]

If a Timberking it needs to be a 1220 model, since the 1400 is getting too expensive.(for my limited needs)

Norwood, either LM29 or HD36, and prefer the HD36 (cos better specced) even though only got smaller Conifers to mill (for now)

I will probably take a scoot to Scotland and view both in Jan.

Then toss a coin?

Any pointers for a complete beginner?

My only identified "USP" for either bandsaw, is that the Norwood has the option of the retro-fit "log-house" moulder, from the Logosol stable.

Regardless of brand, the Mill would probably/almost certainly be set up static at the yard.

Marcus

[Big J]

I've seen both (albeit the Lumbermate 2000) personally and they are quite different mills. The 1220 is the smallest of a range of larger saws, the HD36 the largest of a range of small sawmills.

 

I like how solid the track is on the 1220 and that would probably swing it for me. Best to see both in person seeing as they aren't far apart here to visit.

 

Alternatively, trawl the interweb and look at all the myriad of mills on offer in the states. I bet it wouldn't cost that much to get a single mill back. There are over 80 manufacturers of bandsaw mills in North America and the research is quite good fun.

 

Jonathan

[Mike Dempsey]

Have a look at the Linn Lumber mill Portable sawmill

 

You get quite a lot of 'bang for your buck' as they say particularly if you want a static mill. Might be quite complicated building a trailer to put it on if you want it mobile but it is still doable. This is the one I fancy unless I win the lottery and then it would be a couple of the big Serras

[difflock]

Thanks Mike,

I will take a look.

I am not a serious enough customer to justify contacting firms selling Stateside, when I dont even know the questions to ask.

Regards,

Marcus

[Copford sawmill sussex]

What about secondhand mills? eBay does throw up a fee here and there

[difflock]

I missed the one on donedeal recently, but otherwise, since most are on the Mainland, and as above, when I dont even know the questions to ask, or what to watch out for.

I feel at some disavantage compared to more knowledgable, more accessible, Mainland bidders.

cheers

m

[difflock]

Was taking a looky-see, and found this site;

 

Top Portable Sawmills

 

Interestingly it features most of the mills I was already aware of.

Baker was the only "new-to-me" manufacturer i found.

And ignoring Jonsered cos its a Chainsaw mill.

Only leaves 4 rated manufacturers, or do they just advertise more?

Anyone want to offer %ages for import duties? (only 1 of 14,000 classifications apparently)

My eyes started to glaze over when I searched for this/that information.

But understood, import duty based on CIF value, which is to say

Cost+Insurance+Freight (to delivery addresss or UK docks)

Used to calculate import duty at a fixed set percentage.

Then VAT on the whole lot.

Cheers

Marcus

Edited December 28, 2013 by difflock

[difflock]

I want to save this link where I will find it again

http://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/newsitefiles/2009/0109/Sawmills%20product%20review.pdf

[Big J]

Cook saw are another to consider - good solid mills.

 

Your cheapest entry into hydraulic sawmill is Turner Mills. Their hydraulic model with clamp and turner comes in at £10,000 plus import costs and vat. I very seriously considered them for a while, but they were unable to construct one heavy enough for the big lumps I put on my mill. Nice folk though.

 

The import rate is 2.7%, a container is about £2500 to bring a sawmill across including insurance. Customs clearance costs and delivery is about £5-600, so all in on a £10k sawmill, you'd be talking just under £14k plus VAT.

 

Jonathan

[difflock]

Thanks Jonothan,

I was aware you would be "au fait", I am pleasently suprised at the low duty rate btw.

Regards,

Marcus