Logosol sawmill

[duncanswood]

Interesting thread on milling and the costs of the various kit options.

Initial purchase cost is one thing but I think one must always factor in running costs (fuel/oil/blades), and speed / availability of spare parts too, while not forgetting very carefully consider the market for milled timber.

Predicting return on investment is a tricky business, at least I am finding it so. I have been thinking about buying a mill of some description for a while but have yet to be convinced that such an investment is the right thing to do. I own a small woodland (53 acres) and there is a fair bit of millable oak, ash, beech, and other hardwoods on our land, but not really enough to justify the purchase of a £4-5k mill.

I would however love to share or co-own a portable mill with someone in the area if such a scheme is workable. I doubt I would use a wood mill much more than six or seven days a year so a cooperative approach with like minded others in the area would seem to make sense, or at least maybe it is worth investigating. It could be a great way of reducing purchase and running costs.

I have a friend who flies a light aircraft as a hobby. He owns a single engine four seater with seven other guys, all members of the same flying club. They all pay an equal share of running costs, hanger rental, maintenance, insurance, etc., and it works. No one in his syndicate could afford to buy and look after the plane individually but collectively, and by sharing the costs, they all get the benefit.

It would be nice to think that similar schemes could be workable in this business around the country. If three or four guys in one area, each with an interest in using a mill occasionally rather than every day, got together to buy a rig then collectively they could get something really rather tasty (and more productive) rather than trying to make do with something basic.

Reduce the start up and running costs by a third or a quarter and the return on investment starts to look very attractive.

If anyone in the Battle area of East Sussex is interested in exploring this idea further then please get in touch.

Best wishes,

Chris

[TheHungrySquirrel]

Does anybody have anymore thoughts on these?

Need something for running out posts, small amounts of siding and also to convert some nice lengths of timber.

 

Trying to choose between farmers and M8 but the m8 is twice the price it can't see it being twice as good.

[agrimog]

the farmers mill is the base line starter package, shorter in length, basic alloy finish, none of the bells and whistles (all of which can be added if wanted).....the M8 is a longer, annodised finish(no corrosion problems), comes with the saw carraige, loading ramps and all the bells and whistles. both are equally portable, ( my own M7 goes into the back of my swb sprinter van along with all the kit I need to mill onsite). if you start with the farmers mill, it can be taken up to the same spec as the M8 with easily obtainable add ons as you need, or want(everything but annodising). and theres no limit to how long you make it.......think cutting 45m long timber(check you tube for record breaking 4x2)!!!!!

[Chrisy B]

It's a fair way from you but this is currently on eBay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/332140347000 , not mine or anything to do with me. Also has the 660 to go with it by the looks with the narrow kerf bar fitted.

[TheHungrySquirrel]

Managed to get an m8 within 10miles of me second hand 😜 so with that luck I got it and now am awaiting chains and new bar for the 3120

[Chrisy B]

I bet you couldn't believe your luck when that came up for sale

[TheHungrySquirrel]

I bet you couldn't believe your luck when that came up for sale

 

 

I had only just emailed logosol about a demo and thought I'd have a look on eBay 😜 brand new still in the box. Guy just didn't get chance to use it so was selling.

[agrimog]

3120 is maybe on the big side for day to day milling on an M8, keep your eyes open for a 660 or a 395/7, not as gutsy on fuel and more than enough with a lo-pro 20" bar and chain

[TRADITIONAL LOGGERS]

I had a Logosol for a long time and it cut good and straight all the time. I made various branded products from Ripple Sycamore and Ash (air-dried in three months standing vertical)

 

The main issues are amount of fuel/oil used cutting large hardwoods, a real pain to manual load, the legs sink in soft ground and the ripping chain wastes so much valuable wood.

 

Should I do this again I would use the band-saw blade with electric drive instead of the 266XPG.

[agrimog]

there is a bandsaw option for the logosol, but it needs a 3 phase supply, std in scandanavian homes, but not in the good old UK