arboriculturist

Ask Big J

Did you buy a new Woodmizer just for oversize timber, if you don't mind me asking?

Apologies, rush read your post - I though you were planning to dry quantity. Without a Kiln fastest way to dry your timber is outside on pallets, orientate pallets to allow prevailing wind to blow between rows of logs, stacked single rows, gap between rows and cover with Corrugated iron.

Yes, but I'm still looking forward to some good advice on which mill others recommend to produce specific sawn timber that there is :thumbup1:always demand for.

It's a non starter for several of the above reasons. Drying timber usually requires a hefty investment or a lot of prior knowledge about force drying and the ability to source the correct used equipment at low cost / knowledge to design an efficient system.

We have the saw for Alaskan, but it seems that moving straight to a bandsaw setup would be the fast-track route to what we really need.

Thanks, that's sound advice. Always seems criminal to turn decent timber over 300mm into Firewood. I'm still exploring the economics of investing in a bandsaw, however that would be a steep learning curve. Keen to avoid the pitfalls.

Agreed, the setup time has to be considered. I did PM you about Bandsaws etc a few days ago - expect u r very busy like us.

Can anyone give my some idea of 'generally' what they consider is the smallest diameter roundwood worth milling ? We have stacks of 2.4 x 500mm downwards - Oak, Chestnut, Ash, Sycamore Alder etc. Any replies appreciated.

Bargain:thumbup1:

Ah yes and some decent cages if I recall - a real naturalist

The very basics: Cost a full load of timber. Cost the overheads to process the load. Multiply by no of loads over 12 months. Cost your business overheads over 12 months. Decide the margin you wish to make per m3. = retail price / m3

I can't remember if you kiln dry? Oh and thanks for the info

Ah those figures are well thought out - thanks. All depends on the roundwood quality as to wether you make a good margin with those figures. No RHI on our drying though - missed those high tariff days.

Quite recently I have been approached to supply 10" mixed Hardwood processed logs wholesale collected, we just have to load their transport this end. We have all the equipment to process efficiently and pay the same as everyone for roundwood. Anyone got any approximate figures on a sensible price I should charge per M3 for Green, part-seasoned and seasoned per m3? Thanks

The growth characteristics / form looks unusual - has this tree been reduced in height previously? The fork does not particularly hazzardous, however difficult to see unless you post another image at right angles to the fork:001_smile:

Hey Adam I don't know you but it seems from your posts over the years that you are made made to exist in the tree world. Forget the Consultancy - Good: Inspecting 2 or 3 nice trees for Dr Jones. Bad: BS surveys with 87 trees surrounded by 20 years of human debris followed by hours of data processing sat at a Laptop. It take the fun out of working with trees and that is why I started on day 1. I met a Tree Surgeon a few years back on Mentor training when I was doing my chipper assessment. He has gone on to run one of the most successful Arb. Training companies in the UK. Running my own Training centre was the road I was going down before Consultancy. Just need to be good at promoting the business and getting the phone ringing. 95% of the time on training courses there was a great atmosphere - likeminded people have a good time. Easy work, sensible hours, well paid, good working conditions - ooh I have got suitable Woodland, construct a nice timber training centre, perhaps there's still time for me I think your made for that career at this stage in your life. You are well known, have massive respect in the industry and in the with all that top drawer experience you would be onto a winner:thumbup1: Just watch the posts of support for you that follow this post (if the're not all in bed now). Best of luck to you, but in your case luck will not be a requirement.

Ah - i've spent a couple of years educating the public to buy by the m3 !

When a 2m3 order comes in - tip straight on the delivery vehicle, Perfect !

Frank Haighton has some business there - he must have worked his fingers to the bone to get where he is today ! - I'm jealous

Now that is a keen man I'll take a look - thanks.

Potato boxes and wooden Log boxes generally hold 1.7 - 1.75 m3. Anyone modified them successfully to hold 2m3 - life would be so much easier?

From the moment I joined the forum, I respected your business knowledge/ sense - say no more. I am not sure it is something you can easily learn. Does this unit qualify for RHI? Is the price sensible if you don't mind me asking?

IBC's are great if finances are limited to use in a Kiln until you can afford decent stillages with fork boxes. Spud boxes are great for storing dry timber, better if able to hold 2m3.

Things are improving for sure - thanks. It's been a VERY long hard road, like the rest of the serious contenders! Built ours with a 3rd arm at the side, but as R5 said it can be a pain. Next year depending on containers we use may alter to a top bar like the spud boys. Needs to do 2m spud boxes and IBC I expect.