What Sawmill to buy?

[saintdeanop07]

Looking at buying a mobile sawmill in 2015. Any suggestions on what are best for mobility and access as I'd like to mill stuff on a variety of different sites. Got an Alaskan already so looking for something a bit faster. Band or Circular saw? Thanks in advance.

[Big J]

Something American. Don't automatically go for a Woodmizer, and if you do, get one from the States. They are better built (I am told) and about half the price. Woodmizer UK have a somewhat questionable reputation.

 

I have a Logmaster LM2 mobile (though not really in this country) band sawmill and it's truly excellent. I've had nearly a year and a half of trouble free operation out of it, cutting about 300 tonnes in that time. Easy, simple and had I kept my Woodmizer, I'd have paid out about £3500 in maintenance in that time (had it continued breaking parts at the rate it did).

 

Many good American mills to choose from - what is your budget?

[difflock]

I had;

(i) Kinda decided on a Cooks bandsawmill, though they are not as keen to export as some other brands.

Basically cos they provide engineered/crowned bandwheels on their larger offerings.

(ii)When a knowledable engineer I know, and asked an open question of, about what Yankee mills were worth importing, straight up said "Cooks".

Hmmm!

Anyway I has bought this 2nd hand Baker mill, reasonabally locally, which is still under canvass, until I (a) get a roof over it, and (b) source a 3Ph power supply.

The "Forestryforum" website is a good source of info for Yankee built mills, they seem to be a very genuine helpful bunch too.

see link

http://www.forestryforum.com/board/

 

cheers

marcus

Edited December 30, 2014 by difflock

[amersham sawmill]

italy make the best saws at the mo

[amersham sawmill]

Primultini

[saints64]

Something American. Don't automatically go for a Woodmizer, and if you do, get one from the States. They are better built (I am told) and about half the price. Woodmizer UK have a somewhat questionable reputation.

 

I have a Logmaster LM2 mobile (though not really in this country) band sawmill and it's truly excellent. I've had nearly a year and a half of trouble free operation out of it, cutting about 300 tonnes in that time. Easy, simple and had I kept my Woodmizer, I'd have paid out about £3500 in maintenance in that time (had it continued breaking parts at the rate it did).

 

Many good American mills to choose from - what is your budget?

 

big J,

You really should point out to others that you purchased a second hand LT40. Had you purchased a new machine maybe you would have had more luck. I know many Wood-Mizer owners who swear by them!

Dealings I have had with Wood-Mizer UK have been very positive.

 

as for bringing a mill in from the states, import duty, shipping, CE certification? All these things cost money, Which you dont pay on top of price if purchased in UK.

 

When I upgrade to a bigger mill I will certainly be buying another Wood-Mizer!