Author Topic: How do you talk the wife into buying a mill? (Read 1905 times)

liftman62 · « **on:** January 13, 2012, 01:21:13 pm »

Hi everyone. Just got registered. Been looking as a guest for a couple days. Would like to buy a LT35HD but I'm not sure how to get this by the wife. I think she would see it parked in the driveway. I'm new at this milling business, but I love working with wood. Would appreciate any tips you all have. I live in Central New York.

Raider Bill · « **Reply #1 on:** January 13, 2012, 01:26:11 pm »

Welcome! Where in CNY?

Just buy it..... sometimes it's better to beg forgiveness than ask permission.

POSTONLT40HD · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2012, 01:31:40 pm »

Welcome lift man 62 to the Forestry Forum!

Like the NIKE athletic company says, "JUST DO IT !" Once word gets around you have a mill.....$$$$$$$$$$$!

Then you and your Wife will be

P.S. Tell her to expect more wood.

She'll sign the check!

Bandmill Bandit · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2012, 01:42:10 pm »

Quote from: Raider Bill on January 13, 2012, 01:26:11 pm

Welcome! Where in CNY?

Just buy it..... sometimes it's better to beg forgiveness than ask permission.

What he said!
Only I'd buy the LT40 if you have to do it that way. The difference in price is not that much but the extra throat size is worth it. If I was doing it again it be the LT40 Super.

terrifictimbersllc · « **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2012, 01:44:41 pm »

Tell her it will make a new man out of you!

If that doesn't work tell her it will make you old fast and in need of replacement.

If neither of these is good ask her if she'd like to help carry boards.

lynches lumber · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2012, 01:46:00 pm »

All ya got to do is walk right up and tell her that you wear the pants in the family and ya are going to buy a mill and if'n she dont like it thats tough. Then ya get out from in front of the mirror and go plead, beg, promise her the world, and whatever it takes. And dont forget to say "please"

customsawyer · « **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2012, 01:48:15 pm »

Welcome to the forum. Run it by her. My wife is the one that was the most excited about our first mill.

liftman62 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 13, 2012, 01:57:33 pm »

I live north of Syracuse. Is there much difference between a LT35 & a LT40?

davey duck · « **Reply #8 on:** January 13, 2012, 02:01:09 pm »

Welome Liftman I don't know the first thing youral might be building is .a dog house cwhere in central New York do you live it is a big place.is it a hobby or a wy to make a living.

Magicman · « **Reply #9 on:** January 13, 2012, 02:50:05 pm »

Welcome to the Forestry Forum liftman62.

4speed · « **Reply #10 on:** January 13, 2012, 02:59:39 pm »

You have to convince her it is her idea. Show her pictures of new houses and fine furniture and promise her the moon.

Jeff · « **Reply #11 on:** January 13, 2012, 03:01:58 pm »

Sign her up here too. We'll go to bat for you.

Tom L · « **Reply #12 on:** January 13, 2012, 03:04:33 pm »

get some official looking stationary and send yourself a letter.

in the letter congratulate yourself for winning the ultimate sawmill give away

explain that you entered the contest last year and forgot about it. have the woodmizer guys

deliver the mill to your house with a few balloons on it.

then never speak a word of your secret again.

we brought a member of our hunting gang to Arizona once with a letter very similar.
hunted elk all week and she never new the difference. thought he won the trip and it only cost him airfare

Bandmill Bandit · « **Reply #13 on:** January 13, 2012, 03:05:20 pm »

Quote from: liftman62 on January 13, 2012, 01:57:33 pm

I live north of Syracuse. Is there much difference between a LT35 & a LT40?

4 inch wider throat and a lot more add-able options down the road. I am not sure on price point but I dont think it more the about 4 K. CORRECTION. published prices as of right now the price difference is approximately $5500. By the way welcome to the forum.

Tom L · « **Reply #14 on:** January 13, 2012, 03:14:27 pm »

if she signs up here, scratch my above idea.

Roxie · « **Reply #15 on:** January 13, 2012, 03:15:02 pm »

Welcome to the forum! My suggestion is that you take your wife with you to look at some mills in action. Seeing and smelling the wood, she'll just be imagining the possibilities and she just might become your best source of encouragement.

Warning: It is also quite possible that she will take over the mill.

WildDog · « **Reply #16 on:** January 13, 2012, 03:33:41 pm »

Welcome Liftman...My MIL bought our Lucas, I am very fortunate, she's a lovely lady

Quote

Just buy it..... sometimes it's better to beg forgiveness than ask permission.

Hey Bill, the only way I see that working for me is to do it a couple of times, then I wouldn't have anyone to beg forgivness from

.

Rob

steve phillips · « **Reply #17 on:** January 13, 2012, 03:35:58 pm »

welcome , i am a newbie too.
i couldnt talk mine into buying one so i having to take the other approach . building one

ladylake · « **Reply #18 on:** January 13, 2012, 03:37:36 pm »

I bought my mill when I had a good paying job with no sideline business to deduct anything, I've saved at least 1/2 the cost of the mill just in tax savings. Also it's no worse than buying a new car or pickup which lose a LOT of value fast. Steve

Norm · « **Reply #19 on:** January 13, 2012, 04:13:34 pm »

Take her with you to a member nearby to see one in action. Patty enjoys working with me cutting lumber just as much as I do.

It's great exercise for both of you too.

The Canuck · « **Reply #20 on:** January 13, 2012, 04:29:15 pm »

Liftman 62 - welcome to the forum from another newbie. This forum was the tool I used to convince my wife to let me buy one. Haven't gotten it yet but hope to in the next 12 to 24 months.

We'd looked at buying a flooring business (hardwood refinishing and some material sales) before the economy tanked but I ended up staying with my sedentary (but well-paying) finance executive job. So when I began talking about retiring from the salaried workforce I began looking for a business that would keep me physically active, bring in a modest to good income to supplement my 401k and fulfil my need to be around machinery. (You can take the boy away from the farm but you can't take the farm away from the boy)

Anyway, I began telling my wife about all the great things I've learned on this forum and the quality people that seem to be involved in sawmilling and in no time she was sold on the idea. I even went from talking about getting a small mill for personal use and a little custom work, to a TK2000 or WM40 with all the bells and whistles and she's still on board and supportive!

You can learn a LOT from reading the different boards on this forum. Use that information to convince the wifey-unit that bandsaw milling is the thing to do.

Chuck White · « **Reply #21 on:** January 13, 2012, 04:47:28 pm »

I agree with the idea of "take her to see mills in action".

Make plans to take her to the Woodsmen's Days in Tupper Lake and in Boonville this summer.
--------------

Welcome to the Forestry Forum Canuck49!
I'm one of those 49'rs too, my BD is coming up in about 2 weeks.

POSTONLT40HD · « **Reply #22 on:** January 13, 2012, 04:48:25 pm »

Quote from: Tom L on January 13, 2012, 03:04:33 pm

get some official looking stationary and send yourself a letter.

Tom L., you gonna get this Boy in trouble!

liftman62 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 13, 2012, 05:21:50 pm »

Just got home from my 9 to 5, snowblowed the driveway, and got on FF. I'm amazed at all the ideas you all come up with in a short time. I like the letter idea. Seriously taking her to see a mill in action is prolly the way to go. Being a newbie, what does one charge to saw up say a 24" 10' long oak tree? Thinking if I can explain that this mill will make some money doing personal jobs, she might come around.

dgdrls · « **Reply #24 on:** January 13, 2012, 05:23:32 pm »

http://www.nraes.org/nra_order.taf?_function=detail&pr_id=162&_UserReference=466079220732089649DFA0BF
www.naturalresources.umd.edu/Documents/.../sawmill05_07_07.xls

Welcome aboard

Use, follow these two links,
I presented a business case to my better half with conservative numbers that showed hours per month and expected revenue
The little spread sheet above is pretty good at crunching numbers.

I detailed where the $$ for the mill would come from.
I also asked her to be the other half of the business. Approved on all counts, so far so good!
I haven't pulled the trigger on a mill yet however, I know what I want after extensive research.
Once you get approval from the CFO then you can deal with the rest of making the thing go!

Best
DGDrls

sprucebunny · « **Reply #25 on:** January 13, 2012, 05:35:54 pm »

I'll second the 'good exercise' approach and maybe mention how sawing goes so great with two people and the quality time together....all that good stuff

Buck · « **Reply #26 on:** January 13, 2012, 05:58:37 pm »

You could easily pay for it with only working it a couple of days a month. But...its an addiction. Once you have the bug( and you have the symptoms) there is no cure. Your wife will get the bug too and your honey-do list of wood and improvement projects will snowball.

steamsawyer · « **Reply #27 on:** January 13, 2012, 06:13:26 pm »

Welcome aboard liftman62.

I must say that my lovely wife Pam usually supports me in anything I do. Also I must say that after 26 years I have learned (sometimes the hard way) how far I can push before she will offer to saw my end of the table and nail my chair to the wall.

The last big thing, about six years ago I told her I was either going to buy a Harley Softail, or a Model T Ford.... She deciced on the Harley... I've still got time to get the Model T.

In the case of my sawmill, I already had the steam engine so I guess she figured if I had the sawmill it would keep me from chasing cars and barking at the moon.

I know a bunch of us are just joking around here but I really hope you can work something out and get yourself a mill.... There's nothing like the smell of fresh sawdust in the evening air.

Alan

tcsmpsi · « **Reply #28 on:** January 13, 2012, 06:18:18 pm »

All I know, is that after we talked over the ins and outs, ups and downs, began looking a trees more appropriately, etc., I finally came to the conclusion that it was not a good time to invest in a mill. A little time passed, and though I fought as hard as I thought reasonable, I finally gave in when she offered to pay half.

Ianab · « **Reply #29 on:** January 13, 2012, 06:18:42 pm »

Quote

Being a newbie, what does one charge to saw up say a 24" 10' long oak tree?

A log like that would scale at about 250 bd/ft, maybe recover a bit more on a thin kerf bandmill. Sawing charge might be 30c bd/ft? That comes out to around $75

Another option is buy a smaller manual mill, (LT 15 style) even a used one. This way you can justify it as "hobby" If all you ever do with it mill a few logs on Saturday afternoons then you are not out any great amount of cash, but have a great stash of boards.

If you get hooked, you can sell it again, and upgrade. By then you will have some experience milling and a better idea of how you can make a business out of it. Local demand, log sources, markets etc. Or you might find you gravitate to other interests, like making furniture from the wood you saw, and a manual mill will do the job. You may want a kiln instead of a bigger mill?

Like the others have suggested, take you wife to see a portable mill or 2 running. They are fascinating to watch, even if you aren't really interested in sawing. You might just get her interested

I will admit that the first "Date" me and Lil went on was a picnic at a local beach. But on the way we called in to look at a portable sawmill that was for sale

Lil wasn't quite sure what to make of it

But at least she knew what she was getting herself into

Ian

nomad · « **Reply #30 on:** January 13, 2012, 07:07:29 pm »

Quote from: sprucebunny on January 13, 2012, 05:35:54 pm

I'll second the 'good exercise' approach and maybe mention how sawing goes so great with two people and the quality time together....all that good stuff

If she's the outdoor type, Sprucebunny nailed it. Tell her you'll get her a Logrite Peavey! However, once she figures out how it all works she might be more interested in being the operator than the offbearer.
Going together to look at a mill, her seeing you run it a little, even under instruction, and maybe even getting her a chance to operate it (only if she wants to!) wouldn't hurt.
Asking "forgiveness" over "permission" can work, but can have unintended side effects. Like loud conversations, sleepless nights, new carpeting, a new kitchen, unexpected attorney fees...

Busy Beaver Lumber · « **Reply #31 on:** January 13, 2012, 07:11:50 pm »

liftman62

For me, what worked was to sit down with her and run her through the business plan for adding the sawmill to our existing businesses. I covered all the potential income sources I could see and all the expense I could reasonably expect. Did a lot of research and reading on this forum as well.

The numbers made sense to both of us and several weeks later we bought our first Woodmizer mill.

Once we had the mill up and running, she asked if she could cut a board and that was the last I got to run the mill that day. She went through 4 logs in no time flat. Even told me to get out of the way a few times and insisted on loading and turning the logs herself. Hence, I agree with the others. If you want to get her on board and excited about buying a mill, take her and let her operate one, but also do you homework and show her on paper that you have thought the whole thing out and know that you can make money at sawing.

As a side note, our very first sale of lumber more than exceeded what we paid for our LT-10 sawmill. Once that happened and she saw the income we could make, she got even more excited and now even goes with me to buy logs

UpInATree · « **Reply #32 on:** January 13, 2012, 07:14:23 pm »

Welcome to the Forum! In my first marriage I would have just ordered it. After it was in the driveway, I would have said something brilliant like, " I'm paying for it so I will buy whatever I want." That was a terrible marriage for 15 years. Never did order a mill then.

In my present marriage, although my wife did not originally agree with the timing she did back off her when I explained the whole economics of it. Now its fun to hear her telling people about my mill. So...I say, it depends upon your relationship with your wife, and does she offer to share your dreams - or is she only interested in her own?

Show her the Forum and the many people who have improved their lives, and the lives of their families. Better to have her on your side

....then if she says no.....do it anyways

Peter Drouin · « **Reply #33 on:** January 13, 2012, 07:31:48 pm »

wellcome liftman62 just remember its a lot of fun cutting logs into lumber, but its a lot of work too

good luck

beenthere · « **Reply #34 on:** January 13, 2012, 07:51:18 pm »

Buy her a quilting machine and 2-3 sewing machines and then ya get whatever ya want.

isawlogs · « **Reply #35 on:** January 13, 2012, 08:43:57 pm »

A good sit down and a thorough explanation might be the way to go

I used the look what the dog dragged home way

Not quite the responce I thought I was going to get, swelling came down after a few days but all is good

Just kidding , we talked it through and I got a new lt40hd back in 93. I had access to a lot of wood on the farm and sure was glad to have that to learn how to run the mill, I did has forestry experience and knew about trees, sawing part was kinda new, well the sawyer part of it.
Look at the used market for a first mill , there are a few around and most are well kept machines.
Its a big investment to make, one that can bring you a return but don't go thinking you're going to get rich sawin' wood. Some might be putting out large numbers to look at, but they are far between. Get a plan going and put some numbers down keep them reasonable and you will find work for the mill. They are magnets, tow it to the store and have a coffee sitting on the fender and see....

Meadows Miller · « **Reply #36 on:** January 13, 2012, 08:48:36 pm »

Gday

And Welcome to The Forum Liftman62

Theres been alot off good advice given

With talking your wife into a mill I reckon that you can never realy talk them into it they either will be be onboard or not

Im very Lucky with My Wife To Be that Jesi is all for Being in the Timber Industry and enjoys listening to me dribble on about it constantly even to the point off telling me what mill she thinks We should be buying as We also went to Magics chikin crispin and did a Lucas Demo there and we also went over to WM Mississippi to have alook at most off their mills in one hit there

I think Im pretty lucky to have found her

Not too many woman support their fellas fully in what they Need to do

relationships are built on Faith,Trust and Understanding Plus the fact that Both Jesi & Mexi her 8yo daughter both want Me to teach them both how to become Sawyers Things are looking bloody good For Me

Might have to buy three mills Yet

We (I mean I am

)still in a toss up with afew different options to get the ball rolling once I get home to Alabama in about 4 weeks that range from getting an M7 logosol just to get My fix and tracking down an old Meadows or Frick Circ and doing it up out of our own capital through to getting Another Lucas 10-30 or a Lt 35-40HD or SH going into alittle dept and having something Portable and Ready to Run

As alot of people have already said Payments are not too hard to find something like a Lucas 10-30 or Lt40 if you pick it up quick or are an experienced Sawyer should only take about a good days or less worth off custom sawing to make the monthly payment

Difference between the lt35 & 40 are pretty different apart from the Deck/Trailer The 35 has the smaller head with 32" dia capacity and cant realy be added to too much asfar as extras go as far as I know But it is a Bloody good Little hyd mill for the price ;)the 40 you can keep bolting most options onto as you go But if your just looking to get started you could start with the 35 then trade up to a 40 or even a 70 down the track It takes alot off sawing to get a mill to the point of trading up and alot of mills are under utilized IMHO Mine Included

But the fact Is you can still make a great Living doing it if you dont mind alittle hard yakka

Regards Chris

WDH · « **Reply #37 on:** January 13, 2012, 08:53:02 pm »

Promise here some nice furniture that you will build from the nice wood that you will saw with your nice mill.

Magicman · « **Reply #38 on:** January 13, 2012, 09:00:32 pm »

My wife, PatD, asked only one question. How do you expect to pay for it? I have just completed my 10th year of sawing. The sawmill paid for itself the first year, and then I built up a maintenance fund before any profit was taken from the business.

She and I were headed to a restaurant this morning for her Birthday lunch and she turned and asked me "what we were going to do when I am no longer able to saw?" That question about says it all.

WDH · « **Reply #39 on:** January 13, 2012, 09:10:07 pm »

You become a Consultant

.

Meadows Miller · « **Reply #40 on:** January 13, 2012, 09:11:24 pm »

Jeezz Your giving him some more work there Danny

I got a new Post and Beam Carport 16x40' plus , Pool cover/entertaiment area with furniture , Workshop with Loft and a Cubby House for Mexi which will look more like a small cabin with Me

Plenty to keep Me occupied for a while as I am coming home in 4 weeks for a couple off months

Meadows Miller · « **Reply #41 on:** January 13, 2012, 09:13:09 pm »

Quote from: WDH on January 13, 2012, 09:10:07 pm

You become a Consultant .

Alot off us here are already

POSTONLT40HD · « **Reply #42 on:** January 13, 2012, 09:15:56 pm »

You could be a Forestry Forum Administrator.

Ms Meadows Miller · « **Reply #43 on:** January 13, 2012, 09:31:26 pm »

Still have to put your "Chris" stamp on it

redbeard · « **Reply #44 on:** January 13, 2012, 09:45:46 pm »

Welcome Liftman, Your life will change after the sawmill bug bites you make sure your both ready.

Dave VH · « **Reply #45 on:** January 13, 2012, 09:56:41 pm »

I'm my own logger. I started piling up logs in the driveway, then we both agreed that weve got to do something about all those logs. By the end of the conversasion it was all her idea to find a mill. (even though she had never heard of a portable mill before then, funny how that happens).

Truth is I've started slow. I have a small affordable mill. When that shows a profit, (which will be in the next few weeks), I hope to upgrade....lt40 please

Welcome to the forum, I'm new myself and have learned a boatload from these good people here.

SAWMILL BUDDY · « **Reply #46 on:** January 14, 2012, 07:25:33 am »

Or you could do like I do and bring it home on her birthday

thecfarm · « **Reply #47 on:** January 14, 2012, 08:07:34 am »

Welcome to the forum liftman 62. Ever been around a sawmill before? There is alot to it, Not just trying to make money with it,but making a good product with it too. If you have the money for a big one,BUY IT. Enjoy it while you are young. Don't wait until you are 65 and than buy one. Like suggested maybe a smaller one will suit you. I have a manual mill due to money and it's for my own use. No way I would spend $30-40 on a new mill,but might spend that on a skidder.

Where are your logs coming from? It can be hard to sell the finish product. Yes,you can saw alot,but does no good just sitting there waiting for a buyer.

liftman62 · « **Reply #48 on:** January 14, 2012, 11:36:19 am »

WOW. I think my head is going to explode. You guys all have great ideas. My mind is spinning. I have about 3 years until I can retire, with full benifits. Some very good points were brought up. I have no idea where I can get logs from. I threw an ad on Craigslist. I like the idea of the portable mill and being able to do 'side jobs'. But maybe all I `need' for now is like a lt15. Its going to be more of a hobby for now, but when I retire it would be nice to be mobile and be able to make a little extra cash. If I get a 35 or 40 while I'm still working, it would be paid for when I retire. So much to think about. Are these mills easily towed? Do you need to register them and get plates on them? Do you need air brakes on them? Are blades expensive? What about hitting metal in the log. Does that ruin the blade? Should I get a power feed or manual feed? I want to enjoy this. I don't want this to be like a job and hate doing it.

John Mc · « **Reply #49 on:** January 14, 2012, 11:57:25 am »

Liftman62 -

I had a friend that wanted to do some upgrades on his Cessna 206 (6 place aircraft). He did the works: new paint, redid the interior, new radios and navigation equipment.

I overheard the following conversation:
"How much did all that work cost you?"
"About twice as much as it should have."
"Why is that?"
"For every dollar I spent on the plane, my wife spent a dollar on remodeling the house."

Worked for him, I guess. I did something similar when I bought my tractor.
________________

BTW... my wife grew up in Pulaski, NY

POSTONLT40HD · « **Reply #50 on:** January 14, 2012, 11:59:54 am »

Liftman62....lots of questions, I know. You sound like me when I was wanting to get started.

Go to the WOODMIZER web site and read everything they have. This will answer a lot of questions.

Then use the search box at the top of the FORESTRY FORUM and type in things you have questions about. Both of these suggestions will give you TONS AND TONS of information on your questions.

Then if ya can't find what your looking for.....somebody can help.

Good-Luck!

JV · « **Reply #51 on:** January 14, 2012, 12:35:30 pm »

Get your wife involved and go to a show. Some of the shows are early in the year and have at least one or two mills depending on the area. My wife and I went to a home builders show where I saw my first mill. We talked about the projects we could use it on and shortly I owned a mill. Unfortunately, I didn't take the time to research all the mills available or I would have gone with a different mill. When I generated some business, she took a friendlier look at it. She watched me struggle with some large logs and was sympathetic with upgrading to a full hydraulic mill. I kept her involved while looking at different mills. We were sitting at Wood-mizer and acting casually, I said I wasn't sure about spending the money. She said I think that's the mill you want and she liked their reputation. I told the salesman the lady has spoken. I left owning an Lt40 hydraulic pretty much loaded. It helps if they feel they had a say in the purchase. I have kept her involved in buying all my ~~toys~~, make that necessary tools.

WH_Conley · « **Reply #52 on:** January 14, 2012, 01:47:46 pm »

When we moved back to the country my wife would skid logs for me. I was raising heck about what I was getting out of those logs. After a couple of days she asked me when I was going to buy a mill. I think what gave it away was when the WM catalog came in the mail.

Magicman · « **Reply #53 on:** January 14, 2012, 02:17:09 pm »

liftman62,

Are these mills easily towed? About like a boat. Mine weighs about 4K lb.

Do you need to register them and get plates on them? Depends upon the state. I do not.

Do you need air brakes on them? Mine has electric brakes and a controller such as is used with camper trailers

Are blades expensive? Round figures, $20 each.

What about hitting metal in the log. Does that ruin the blade? Sometimes, depending upon what was hit. Most of the time they can just be resharpened. I charge the customer a flat $25 when I hit metal.

Should I get a power feed or manual feed? If you are ever going to offer a portable sawing service, then get an LT40 hydraulic with as many options as possible. Think used, I did and have never regretted it.

dlabrie · « **Reply #54 on:** January 14, 2012, 05:35:48 pm »

liftman62,
I am so happy you asked this question. I am in the same boat. I'm just getting started in all of the research and trying to figure out how to get my wife to go along with the idea.

Thanks everyone for the great responses. I live in central NH and WM is going to be at the NH woodsman show in Manchester on 2/3-2/4. I think I will take my wife down to the show and see what happens

.

WM has their upcoming events listed here-
http://www.woodmizer.com/us/ResourceCenter/UpcomingEvents.aspx

Peter Drouin · « **Reply #55 on:** January 14, 2012, 06:11:56 pm »

Hi Liftman62 Ya that will be Ross Claire at the expo, im going too, If you want to see an lt40 super run Im just off exit 23 on 93 north, send me an e- mail Pete

Klicker · « **Reply #56 on:** January 14, 2012, 07:08:20 pm »

Wen i was thinking about buying a mill I went to a show and saw three different mills doing saw ing demos two did not have hydraulics and on was a wood-mizer Supper. I came home and told my wife we where not getting a mill as I couldn't see getting one with out hydraulics. The diferences that it made was amazing. But being CHEEP I had a hard time forking out the money for hydraulics she told me we hould think about it and if that is what it takes to do what we want to go for it. WE now have a LT40 with hydraulics . Rod

customsawyer · « **Reply #57 on:** January 14, 2012, 07:29:08 pm »

Most of us don't give our ladies enough credit. I guarantee I would not be where I am with out the support of my wife. She has been beside me all the way. I say just show her how you think it would work and I bet she will do all she can to help you.

paul case · « **Reply #58 on:** January 14, 2012, 08:57:17 pm »

The way I did it is:
I had plans to build a big(25x58) addition on to a house we had moved. The framing lumber would cost more than the bandmill that I wanted. I didn't borrow money to buy the mill or build the house. That was more than 3 years ago and the mill has made me a steady living ever since I finished the house.
The second mill I am still trying to justify. I upgraded to an older lt40 hydraulic, because log turning and such was wearing me out. I believe that this mill will pay for itself in less pain meds.

My wife is very supportive of my sawmilling operation, but has lat me know on no uncertian terms, she doesn't want to work at the sawmill. PC

shelbycharger400 · « **Reply #59 on:** January 14, 2012, 11:45:11 pm »

Quote

i couldnt talk mine into buying one so i having to take the other approach . building one

the wife looking at my puter...says...was that you...

(the wife DID let me buy my belsaw tho) (i sold my snapon tool box to buy it) but im building/ correcting issues on a slabber that i made

you can build them cheaper than what it costs to buy, but it will cost you something if you dont do it rite the first time and have to redo it.

Meadows Miller · « **Reply #60 on:** January 15, 2012, 06:09:43 am »

Quote from: customsawyer on January 14, 2012, 07:29:08 pm

Most of us don't give our ladies enough credit. I guarantee I would not be where I am with out the support of my wife. She has been beside me all the way. I say just show her how you think it would work and I bet she will do all she can to help you.

Thats dead on Jake

A great woman can Make you feel like you own the world

Chuck White · « **Reply #61 on:** January 15, 2012, 10:06:25 am »

Quote from: liftman62 on January 14, 2012, 11:36:19 am

If I get a 35 or 40 while I'm still working, it would be paid for when I retire.
I have no idea where I can get logs from.
I like the idea of the portable mill and being able to do 'side jobs'. But maybe all I `need' for now is like a lt15. Its going to be more of a hobby for now, but when I retire it would be nice to be mobile and be able to make a little extra cash.
Are these mills easily towed?
Do you need air brakes on them?
Do you need to register them and get plates on them?
Are blades expensive?
What about hitting metal in the log. Does that ruin the blade?
Should I get a power feed or manual feed?
I want to enjoy this. I don't want this to be like a job and hate doing it.

Figuring your mill would be paid for in 3 years of course depends on what mill you end up with.
Sometimes you can go to do a portable sawjob and do it on shares. That way, you'll end up with logs for yourself.
If you want to go from hobby to business, it would be a lot easier if you had a 40 hyd instead of the 15. Although some do very well with their 15's.
The LT40 tows just like a trailer! Mine is a regular Hydraulic model and it weighs around 3,000 pounds.
The 40's come with breaks.
The only registration you need to do is Register with Wood-Mizer, that way they can keep up with what's going on with your mill, parts, service, etc.
You are not required to put plates on it in New York.
Blades run just a little over $20.00 each.
Hitting metal can ruin a blade, but most times, the blade can be resharpened.
LT40 has power feed.
I feel that you'll enjoy sawing, especially with an LT40 hydraulic mill.

Chris Burchfield · « **Reply #62 on:** January 15, 2012, 11:16:17 am »

I ordered an LT40 Super, loaded, then told wife. She asked me if I was crazy. I told her it wasn't a bass boat or a Harley, for that mater it doesn't even have a seat. That was summer of 2005. I still have the mill and the same wife. She and I've been at it for 34 years now. Finally got a used 16' deep V with a Mercury 35. Had to have my priorities in order.

POSTONLT40HD · « **Reply #63 on:** January 15, 2012, 11:25:49 am »

With that said Chris.....if times get hard and moneys tight, you could always put the MURCURY 35 on the sawmill!

DR_Buck · « **Reply #64 on:** January 15, 2012, 11:40:48 am »

After doing some sawmill research online (mostly here on the FF) I took my wife to a show witrh me to "look" at sawmills. It was VERY COLD that day. After watching a few demos she asked me if I was going to buy one. Then she said if I was, hurry up and get it done because she was cold and wanted to go home.

That was 8 years ago.

liftman62 · « **Reply #65 on:** January 15, 2012, 05:12:54 pm »

Already got the boat. She was pretty *pithed when I got that. I don't think I want to do that again.

Peter Drouin · « **Reply #66 on:** January 15, 2012, 07:04:39 pm »

Ya Liftman62 sorry I got you and dlabrie in the wrong post, my memory was off

but dlabrie you;er wellcome to come to look too

just call Im in the phone book

Tree Feller · « **Reply #67 on:** January 15, 2012, 08:08:08 pm »

For me it all started with a lathe. Now, after a complete woodworking shop full of machines, a house full of custom furniture, some pretty nice pieces of turned art (if I do say so myself) and always the perfect Christmas gift ( something in wood) for those who have everything, I don't have to beg very hard.

If the taxman is not too hard on me this spring, a new Norwood ML-26 has already been approved.

Magicman · « **Reply #68 on:** January 15, 2012, 08:59:32 pm »

You are a very wise man Tree Feller.

captain_crunch · « **Reply #69 on:** January 18, 2012, 10:00:01 pm »

The comment I would proably get is <If you want anything else for that Blasted Sawmill better figure New Wife in price>
Bev don't seem to have sawdust in her blood

or much use for greasy things

Ozarkian · « **Reply #70 on:** January 18, 2012, 10:52:41 pm »

You can try all of the prior tactics, when and if they don't work... This may... It all starts with a fancy dinner

, several (tall) margarita's

, a whole lot of compliments and flattering, then wait for it... wait... NOW! - slip her the finance application

have her sign! (you can print it off here http://www.woodmizer.com/us/Portals/1/pdf/CreditApplication.pdf)

!!! Then of course, more margarita's and change the subject when she starts asking what was signed

(more compliments). Then a good night's rest is due shortly after.
Now, to make this work right... You'll need to wake up early as soon as your closest Woodmizer dealer opens

. Turn in the application and get home with the new sawmill, make sure to stop by a florist to pick up some flowers

and a thank you card. Place flowers in vase on kitchen table along with the card (and some ibuprofen)...
Now here's where you go outside and start your BRAND NEW Woodmizer Sawmill to wake her up! She'll soon discover the flowers, thank you card, ibuprofen (for the headache

from drinking too much last night), and you outside cutting lumber.
Of course, she is going to be a bit upset

... and hopefully you have a good poker face... But remind

her how it was ALL HER IDEA

, and you tried talking her out of it. But she insisted, and being the very LOVING and CARING and GENEROUS husband that you are, you finally agreed to let her buy YOU a Sawmill. You know, because she insisted!

Good Luck!

captain_crunch · « **Reply #71 on:** January 18, 2012, 11:06:16 pm »

MY friend you have a vivid Imination(new word I just invented) and might belive in tooth fairy

. I would likely get the flowers but afraid they would be a wreath with box in background $:-\$ $:-\$ $:-\$

Ozarkian · « **Reply #72 on:** January 19, 2012, 12:28:21 am »

No way, the tooth fairy isn't real... Santa Clause told me so!

swampbuggy · « **Reply #73 on:** January 19, 2012, 12:38:22 am »

I have decided that the easiest way to talk the wifey into a sawmill is to not have a wifey. That way what ever I want is up to me. Oh, I sleep alone alot too. Thank goodness for the electric blanket.

paul case · « **Reply #74 on:** January 19, 2012, 08:21:30 am »

I looked at the title of this thread again and I have to say.....

She wouldn't so I had to!

PC

Magicman · « **Reply #75 on:** January 19, 2012, 08:38:28 am »

This is a business decision that needs to be entered into jointly with your wife and with both eyes (as in 4 eyes) open. It also has a much greater potential of bringing in an income than a "bass boat".

Proceed deliberately but with caution. The right sawmill is out there and at the right price. Remember, the higher end models with more bells and whistles offer the greatest long term investment value.

Raider Bill · « **Reply #76 on:** January 21, 2012, 06:21:48 pm »

I'm at Barrett Jackson in Scottsdale taking classes. One of the Collectors today in the Estate planning classes said something that cracked me up and reminded me of this thread
He said " when I die I hope my Wife doesn't sell my toys for what I told her I paid for them"

News:

Author Topic: How do you talk the wife into buying a mill? (Read 1905 times)