Need sawmill info

[Matt sawsalot]

I need to get a sawmill for under $5,000, what mills are out there for that price range? I know about the logosol but I need something I can pull behind my truck or 4wheeler not real crazy about it.  I'm torn with what type saw  to get, looking to get pro's and con's on blade type, chainsaw and band mill type.  I'm a good welder and have all the tools to build my own mill but not sure if it is worth it with all the time it would take to build it and get all the bugs worked out.  Maybe someone knows about some plans some where out there or could guide me through a build.   I need it to mill all the lumber to build a house about 800 Sqft.  I'm in NC now if that helps.  Please let me know boys if you can put me in the direction. Thanks

-Matt

[WDH]

Look at a used Wood-mizer LT15 for that money.  If you can't find one, buy a new one, build your house, then sell it for almost as much as you paid for it.  You will love it, and probably decide to keep it.  Some call it a hobby mill, but only because it is manual and not as fast as the hydraulic mills.  It will cut just as well as any mill, only slower because of the log handling and turning.  Since you are a good welder, you could fabricate a trailer to haul it on or you could buy the trailer package from Wood-mizer.

[paul case]

In my opinion, the ez boardwalk jr is probably the toughest mill you can buy in that price range and comes portable real easy. PC

[thecfarm]

matt sawalot,welcome to the forum. Ever been around a mill before? You mentioned chainsaw mill? Never seen one in action. Takes a big saw and time and a lot of work. More so than a manual band saw mill.

[terrifictimbersllc]

Hi Matt, welcome to FF.  For your proposed budget I'd  go with WDH's WM LT-15 suggestion probably because I have a WM.  You won't go wrong with them.  I would skip over the chain saw options if I had to do it again.  Only other option is to be real patient and maybe you would get lucky and find an older LT-30 or LT-40 fixer upper for a real bargain.   

[Magicman]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Matt sawsalot.  There are some very recent threads about members looking for a sawmill at that same price range.  There were also many suggestions concerning brands and possible locations and sites for finding used sawmills.   

[Chuck White]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum!

For the price range you have, look around for used.

Most often, a used sawmill is still in very good condition!

[dgdrls]

Welcome aboard Matt,

There is a wealth on knowledge here and you will get great direction.
As a suggestion, consider thoroughly what you need to saw for the house (size and material)
Based on that it will help guide you to the size saw that would best do the work. 
Of-course a little more saw is better than a little less .

My experience in that price range is you will be able to go bigger in the used market.
or smaller in the new market.  There are some fine FF supporters on the side of the page, look them through
and be honest with yourself.

Best
DGDrls