First post: hobbyist band mill comparison

[kng]

What a great forum!  I am new to milling, but have toyed with the idea of purchasing a band mill for a while.  I own 100 acres of hardwood timberland that I use primarily for deer hunting.  I constantly have good trees fall or have to fall trees for various reasons.  I always end up sawing them up for fire wood, and I hate wasting them like that.  I live in a rural community and know several farmers that I'm sure would allow me to get a few fallen trees or those that they've cut from time to time.

The idea of being able to use this wood for other things really interests me.  The one thing I've noticed about the band saw mills is that it is very difficult to make a decision!  I just finished watching both the Wood Mizer and Timberking promotional DVDs.

Here is a comparision chart that I've made to help me make a decision:

PHOTOS MUST BE IN A FORESTRY FORUM GALLERY

The things that I don't like about the mills are as follows:

Woodmizer LZ10:  Deck seems very cheap.  Is it aluminum?  Not many upgrades available.
Woodmizer LZ15:  Not the cheapest mill on the list, and I don't think I like the hand crank.
Timberking 1220:  Not the cheapest mill on the list, hand crank.  The marketing/customer service doesn't seem as good as the Woodmizer.  Is the Franklin, GA shop still opened?
Woodland Mills HM126:  While I really like this mill, there is no local support, I haven't seen a single person who's owned one, and it's made in China.
Ez Boardwalk Junior:  Again, I worry about support being so far away.  I was impressed that Edward personally called me on Friday based on my inquiry on the webpage.
Lumber Smith:  I'm sure the quality of the wood from this mill isn't the best.  While the cheapest on the list, I wouldn't consider it best value.

Anything I missed?

thanks,
-Kyle

[customsawyer]

Can't say what you missed but can say welcome to the forum. I would advise you to lean towards one of the sponsors on the left. They help to make this place possible so I like to help them.

[ladylake]

 How about the EZboardwalk like Paul Case has, huge capacity and just a few dollars more, I like the looks of his.   Steve

[bandmiller2]

What about Cooks mills,but you'll have to go to LA [thats lower Alabama]to pick it up.Consider a little more money and get some hydraulics you will never regret it. Oh and welcome. Frank C.

[beenthere]

kng
Welcome to the forum. Look forward to you getting a mill and cutting some lumber.
If you read the vast number of posts (or even just a whack of them), I think you will find that all the mills will cut good lumber, as long as the operator does his/her job.   So look at all the things they can do for you.

In the end, you will get what you pay for, and that includes the option to buy used.

Mills are demonstrated at a lot of different sites around the country, and imagine even some in Alabama.

[mad murdock]

Welcome to the forestry forum kng. You are really putting in your leg work on this decision! I like your spreadsheet comparison. I know whichever mill you end up with you will be hopelessly infected with the " dreaded illness" lIke most of us on here.

[Bandmill Bandit]

Welcome to the forum.
Based on the acreage of timber you own, I would recommend something with hydraulics right off the bat as that is very likely where you will end up anyway.

Woodmizer has the best service network and IMHO the best quality in band mills that is out there.

There are other good mills but at the end of the day you get what you pay for. Used is a good way to start but be sure you have some look at the mill that knows mills before you by it.

Good luck in search for a mill. 

[zopi]

The handcrank on the Lt-15 is good to go...not much to go wrong, and it uses common rope to drive against...no cable or chain...had the mill pushing five years now..replaced it once. But that was when I added the trailer chassis and had to. The up down crank also has some advantage...it is graduated soyou always know exactly where the blade is without having to look at the scale...I am seriously going to miss that when I move to hydraulics. One other thing I urge you to consider...the GO chassis for the 15....being able to hook to the mill and go to the woodlot is a butt ton easier than loading and hsuling logs...plus..you can use the slabs in the woods for wildlife habitat as a msnagement bene...

Really, though, my recommendation is to find a decent deal on a bigger mill...28 or 40...
I know beans about mills which are not orange, so really have no opinion....other than what these guys say

[WDH]

I agree with Zopi.  Don't worry about the crank on the manual mill.  It works great.  If you don't want to turn the crank, you can easily just push the mill with one hand.

I would say that the decision on which mill to buy is a function of your objectives.  If you plan to custom saw for others, the manual mills will work you to death and you will have low productivity compared to the hydraulic mills.  If you are just cutting occasionally for yourself, the manual mill will be fine as long as you do not go too low on the HP.  That is where you need to spend your $.  The 25 HP engine on the LT15 and an extra bed section makes that mill as capable as any mill on the market.  It is just slower to produce than the hydraulic mills, and if slow is OK, you are good.  The real issue with the manual mills is log handling.  You have to physically turn the log on the mill each time you need to go to a new face.  That takes time, and that is where you lose productivity. 

The sponsors on the left that help make this Forum possible all have good mills.  Which one you choose is a personal choice.  Taking into account service and blade sharpening is important.  If you go manual, do not go real low on the horsepower to save money.  That is the wrong direction unless you are going to be sawing very infrequently.

[dgdrls]

KNG,

I'm in the same boat and just posted a question for any users of Timbermule mills

Take a look at their products on line  http://www.timbermule.com/

Can't hurt,

DGD

[ladylake]

Welcome to the forum.
Based on the acreage of timber you own, I would recommend something with hydraulics right off the bat as that is very likely where you will end up anyway.

Woodmizer has the best service network and IMHO the best quality in band mills that is out there.

There are other good mills but at the end of the day you get what you pay for. Used is a good way to start but be sure you have some look at the mill that knows mills before you by it.

Good luck in search for a mill.

 Best service and best quality is a matter of opinon not fact. I'll take my TK for both but will recomend the EZ boardwalk like Paul Case has for a push along mill.    Steve

[Bandmill Bandit]

Steve;

Please take notice that I did say that the statement re Wood Mizer is IMHO.(In My Humble Opinion)

[Magicman]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, kng.     Many of the sponsors on the left have used sawmills also.  Happy searching.

[paul case]

Steve;

Please take notice that I did say that the statement re Wood Mizer is IMHO.(In My Humble Opinion)

I always thought that was ''honest''?

How about the EZboardwalk like Paul Case has, huge capacity and just a few dollars more, I like the looks of his.   Steve

I have been where you are.
I wanted as much capacity for as little $ as possible.
EZ Boardwalk was it. Ed is a very real down to earth kinda guy and He will help you out with any troubles, but you won't need him much. In 3 years, 3 times is all I ever had to have something.
I guess I am going to use it to death, probably mine, since it doesn't seem to wear out.
 Now I wish for hydraulics.
PC

[zopi]

That timbermule is an interesting looking critter...never heard of them before..

[newbee]

Welcome to the forum!  I'm no longer new here so I'm going to have to change my name soon 

Anyway, I went through the same decision process as you and agonized over it for a few months before I decided to get the Woodmizer LT28 with the 18HP diesel.  I love it!  The same diesel engine in available on the LT15.  The LT15 also has a power feed option if you really don't like the crank.

My own decision process started with the LT15 and TK1220.  WM and TK are the most popular machines.  Service (at least in my area) in the end won me over to WM.

Buy as much mill as you can.  In the end I'm glad went a little larger than first planned.  Eventually I'm looking to add some hydraulics.  Seems a little easier to do with an LT28.

[redbeard]

Welcome KNG to the forestry forum some other mills to look at are Linn,  Logmaster and little Oscar . Sawmill & Woodlot mag. Had nice write ups on the manual mills at this years shoot out. The EZ Boardwalk did really good. One thing that will really help your decision is if you can get some hands on or watch it in Person. Good luck on your venture.

[limbrat]

Im a hobbyist, dont worry about logs tree services, construction sites, small towns and dying trees in peoples yards will provide more than you need. There are lots of logs thrown away, once you start asking around they will come. A two axle trailer with a winch in the front and a A frame that reaches off the back will make them a lot easier to get.
 I bought a four post head and log clamps and built my bed and log deck. Get a twenty hp. or more engine or ten hp. motor (electric) and at least 18" band wheels 20 would be even better, less metal fatigue and better band life.
 Weather you get a package or go buy part and build the rest you will benefit from getting a little more than you think you will use.
 Consider local used, its a good time buy used for a lot less if you can find it. I found some great deals after i had already bought new.
 Well i hope the wind always blows the dust away from you and that you never stick your chain saw. And a belated welcome to the forum good night.
 

[ladylake]

Steve;

Please take notice that I did say that the statement re Wood Mizer is IMHO.(In My Humble Opinion)

 
 I finally got educated on what IMHO means.     Steve

[TreeWinder]

Welcome in
Add the Bakers to your list for review.  Very satisfied with mine.

[york]

TW,your right-Baker is a forum sponsor also..link to one of there small mills.

http://www.baker-online.com/

[thecfarm]

kng,welcome to the forum. You will need to get the trees out of the woods to your sawmill. Need support equipment. I have no idea on how quick you need this mill. Usually there are fairs and some logging shows to see the mills in motion.Ever been around a sawmill before?

[kng]

Wow!  Thanks for the warm welcome and everyone sharing their thoughts and ideas!

I really didn't plan on getting a hyrdraulic mill, as I don't plan on milling that much lumber.  My plan was to use a dual axle trailer to haul the logs off of my land to a place where the mill is set up.  My land is about 3 miles off the grid up a "mountain".  It is about 1,000 feet higher than the bottom land.   The first two miles of the road is basically a gravel road changing to a dirt road on top.  They are actually logging 140 acres that joins me now.  Should I ask the land owner if I can have the saw mills "culls".  I know normally they leave logs that are below a certain diameter, but I'm sure they leave some that they know won't grade well.

I agree with the suggestion that my next step is to get around some mills.  I have never been around a band saw mill.  Does anyone know of any forestry shows in the South East in the next few months?  If I can't do that, I'd like to get over to the Georgia Wood Mizer distributor.  They had a demo this last Saturday, but I was unable to go.

I beleive for now, my top two choices are the Wood Mizer LZ15 and the Ez Boardwalk Junior.  While I really like the Timberking 1220, I can't see paying the same price for the LZ15 with the local customer support that WM offers.

Thanks for all of the help!
-Kyle

[AvT]

Steve;

Please take notice that I did say that the statement re Wood Mizer is IMHO.(In My Humble Opinion)

 
 I finally got educated on what IMHO means.     Steve

Sorry I should stay out of this but IMHO here in the forum sparks and mooney give the best quality of service and that is proof positive of ,,,,,,,somthing IMHO

[Magicman]

kng, Many (most) times, the logger/timber buyer is only interested in the log up to the first large limb.  There could be a smaller or knotty log above it that is uneconomical for them, but usable to you.  After the loggers finish, talking to the landowner might produce some usable short logs.   If the landowner sees you getting "value" you may have to pay him something.  I have paid $50Mbf Doyle for such. (Mbf=per thousand board feet)

Sometimes taking logs above limbs can be dangerous due to limb stress, etc.  Be careful.

[paul case]

Those are great practice logs.
My house is framed from logs that were left behind by a logger. Well the studs all came from them anyway.
I would be glad to demonstrate the EZ Boardwalk 40 for ya, but chances are there is one closer to you. PC

[DeepWoods]

I will chime in for Norwood. I have a LM 2000 and am very satisfied with it.  It comes knocked down, so assembly is required, but it can be shipped to you on a single pallet anywhere you are.  I am pleased with their customer support as well.  I would suggest that you get as many horsepower that your budget will allow.  What ever your choice is, remember that with a manual mill log handling becomes an issue.  And the one thing that is common to all logs is that they are very heavy.  Make sure you have proper equipment to handle them. 

[pineywoods]

KNG, you need to hook up with some other forum members. Your profile says north alabama, where? There are 2 forum members listed between Huntsville and Scottsboro, they might be close. Click on the members map tag on the home page.. Most of us haves pins showing our location. Getting some hands on before you buy will pay big dividends down the road...

[POSTONLT40HD]

I went through the same thing. I watched videos, requested info through snail mail and online.

I finally went with the Woodmizer LT40 with hydraulics and all the other bells and whistles.

I'm glad I did and have never looked back.

[kng]

pineywoods,

Great idea!  I am in New Market, AL (I updated my profile).

I found a member with an LT15 in New Market!  I tried to PM him, but I think my post count isn't high enough.  When I click on his name it says I am "not allowed to access this section".

How many posts before I can send PMs?

thanks,
-Kyle

[kng]

Nevermind...I was able to send him a PM.

thanks,
-Kyle

[Magicman]

Yup, YellowHammer has a nice looking LT15, and has made several mods and log handling improvements.  I love to see a plan come together.   

[forestry mick]

I have a EZ Boardwalk jr. It is a wonderfrul mill, so far I have cut aprox 40000 bdtf and not a single problem just a little sore from time to time! I am in northern pa and I was amazed how little it cost to ship it up to me! Ed is great to talk with and will help with any question you would ever have!
Just my 2 cents

[zopi]

Yellowhammer is in the same town? perfect.

[kng]

Yellowhammer is in the same town? perfect.

What are the chances?

[zopi]

That mill of his is brilliant...wm ought to hire him....

[bushhog920]

what part of bama are you I'm near montgomery. I have a norwood and they are a good light duty mill happy with mine. like said earlyer check into cooks they near dothan and will show you a demo, they make a good sharpener you should look into getting one when you get a mill, you will dull at least 2 blades a day and at $7 per sharp plus 3week turn around it adds up quick.

[YellowHammer]

Kng,
Welcome and I sent you a PM.  Come on over anytime! New Market ain't that big, and if you are on Coal Mine Mountain you can probably see my house lights at night.
Hard to believe, but the reason I've been off the web last couple days was that I just sold my Lt15 to a guy in Birmingham and also took delivery of a new Lt40 Hydraulic with the 35 hp Diesel.  Been reading manuals and trying not to run the head into the end of the log for the last couple days, not always successfully.
Exciting times.  So far, I"ve already discovered two things, first is that my cows can't hear the difference between a Diesel sawmill and Diesel tractor, so when I crank up the mill they come running. Second is that for the first time ever, I actually got cold at the sawmill because it was doing all the hard work, I never got cold with my Lt15 or my old chainsaw mill. Wasn't expecting that I needed to buy a heater as an option.
Anyway, I looked at lots of mills, much like yourself, and basically came to the same conclusion as lots of folks, all mills have their pros and cons, but if you buy name brand, you will do fine.

Also, the folks on this Forum are top notch and know their stuff.  If they tell you a rooster can pull a freight train, better just hook it up and hop on. 

YellowHammer

[thecfarm]

Congrats on the mill. Change your signature line too. That LT15 is gone. Oh,I forgot,you're having so much fun learning and playing you have no time to do that.

[Magicman]

Congrats on the new LT40, and the beginning of a new friendship.    

[pineywoods]

Uh Oh, KNG been looking at entry level manual mills and now you show him a new LT40 with all the bells and whistles. Hello mr banker 

[WDH]

DanG Yellowhammer!  That was fast!

[zopi]

Lol...what are the odds.

[kng]

YellowHammer,

I just replied to your PM. Thanks for your offer to watch your mill in operation!

thanks,
-Kyle

[nas]

for the first time ever, I actually got cold at the sawmill because it was doing all the hard work, I never got cold with my Lt15 or my old chainsaw mill. Wasn't expecting that I needed to buy a heater as an option.

YellowHammer

That was my biggest problem when I went hydraulic too

Nick

[zopi]

Somehow, I think I could stand being cold at the mill...I have Carrhartts

[customsawyer]

The cold gets worse when you have a edger and hired help. My hired man came out of his coat at 7:30 this morning and I had to wait till about 9:00.

[Norm]

Your lucky, I have to wait until April or May. 

[Magicman]

Coat.....what's a coat 

[thecfarm]

Coat goes along with burying water pipes 4 feet under ground. I know Magicman,why does water pipes have to buried 4 feet.    Probaly never heard of plugging in the tractor either. 

[WDH]

I know Magicman,why does water pipes have to buried 4 feet.   

So you don't have to eat grits  .  That relationship has been established.

[thecfarm]

And than some.   

[Magicman]

Some folks live right and the others freeze.    

[Mooney]

FYI - New upgraded bed on the LT10 as of December 1st. Zinc plated, 50% more steel (doesn't require 4"X6" foundation anymore), has new diagonal bed reinforcements, and comes with an upgraded log clamp.

I figured that since this had just changed, it was important to bring up. Also significant is that until 1/31/12, you can still get it at the same price as before. After that the price rises to reflect the upgrades. It also comes with a free one-year warranty extension (2 year becomes 3 years), and automatic 5% blades and 10% parts discounts for as long as you own it.

Ok, ok, I'll stop now. But since these things are brand new, and not very many have heard about them yet, figured I'd bring them up.

[Bandmill Bandit]

Coat goes along with burying water pipes 4 feet under ground. I know Magicman,why does water pipes have to buried 4 feet.    Probaly never heard of plugging in the tractor either. 

Coat? 4 foot bury?

Try a down Winter Parka good for at least -40 F and minimum 8 foot bury for water lines.

FIL says best way to describe this country is 9 months "vinter" time and 3 months poor sledding.
 

[thecfarm]

I have noticed the cold keeps the riff raff population down some too.