newbie here

sfdems313 · September 24, 2014, 09:03:15 AM

I am new to this site and would love any input on which sawmill to get? I have been looking for about 5 years at many different companies and models and still have not bit the bullet. I live in Maine and have 2 pieces of land with many beautiful trees that i want to mill and build a garage and make some furniture with. What do you have for a mill and would you buy it again? I would like to mill on the side for extra cash as well. Thank you, Jason

mad murdock · September 24, 2014, 09:13:42 AM

Welcome to the FF sfdems313! Check for local FF members, maybe you can see a few mill operations in "live action". Many good mills out there. I started on the low budget/low production end with a CSM. I still have as CSM. I mill for myself and the support of the treefarm and home improvement projects. I need the versatility and portability of a CSM. If I had a mill "wish" I would have some sort of circle mill, either a handset circle mill or a swing mill.

Sixacresand · September 24, 2014, 09:19:52 AM

Welcome to the Forum, sfdems313.

sfdems313 · September 24, 2014, 09:20:58 AM

great idea, thank you very much Mad Murdock

yukon cornelius · September 24, 2014, 10:33:30 AM

welcome! I bought am EZ Boardwalk Jr. I bought it to build my house and have since started making furniture. I mill every so often for others but its rare. mine is a manual mill. I love it and have had zero problems with it just a few operator errors. I would certainly buy it again. mine cost around $6000 with trailer package, 11 blades, shingle and lap siding attachment and delivery. I bought it new. it has paid itself off over and over.

mad murdock · September 24, 2014, 12:20:26 PM

Another tip sfdems313, update your profile with location. Other members will be able to see if you are close by.

JohnM · September 24, 2014, 03:37:14 PM

Welcome to the forum from a fellow Mainah, Jason. ;D You're welcome to come see my Lucas (swing mill), not sure where you're at but I'm out in Clifton. As for recommending a mill....NO WAY! ;) :D Too many good mills out there, mine is perfect for me others may find they don't like it.

Good luck with your search.

samandothers · September 24, 2014, 07:27:08 PM

Happy Birthday John M!

I bought mine to build items on the property we have and make use of nature downed trees. My LT 35 does all I need. I like the Accuset when milling common thicknesses from a cant. The power head is nice for a lazy guy :D. I do have a manual log deck but that is ok since tractor does most of the grunt work.

thecfarm · September 24, 2014, 07:32:03 PM

sfdems313,welcome to the forum.Have you looked at Thomas Bandsaw,in Brooks,ME? They have a real nice item for cutting clap boards. Just a lever that tilts the head. No jig,no reason to cut a cant, and then take it off. Just saw away!!
I have a Thomas. A very simple mill. I brought the 6020,removeable bunks,no flex track.
In May,at Bangor,ME there is a woods expo. This will be about mid May. There will be a bunch of mills there in motion to look at. It's a great place to decide on what you like. Stay tune,more about the show as it gets closer. I went both days. ;D

dgdrls · September 24, 2014, 07:50:31 PM

sfdems313 welcome aboard.

Lots of great mills to choose from, I suggest you test drive as many as you can.
When you hit "the one" you'll know.

Best
DGDrls

bandmiller2 · September 24, 2014, 08:22:42 PM

Cfarm gives some good advice that show in Bangor is worth waiting for, winter is about to slam shut anyways. I would look around, a lot of mills in Maine, help out different guys for a day or so and you will have a good idea what you want. If you have the room and ambition there are old circular mills around. Myself I built a bandmill many years ago and I'am well pleased with it, also setup a circular mill and enjoy both. Frank C.

manoverboard · September 25, 2014, 05:55:00 AM

Welcome to the Forum

sfdems313 · September 25, 2014, 07:35:27 AM

Thank you everyone for all the responses and welcomes.

FarmingSawyer · September 26, 2014, 07:27:37 AM

Quote from: bandmiller2 on September 24, 2014, 08:22:42 PM
winter is about to slam shut anyways.

Easy, now Frank....this might be Maine...but no need to jump the gun...... ;D Plenty of sawing and woods fun to be had in Winter......

sfdems313 Welcome to FF! I live up in the Midcoast in Union. I have a Thomas Mill.....just visited with the owner a bit at the Common Ground Fair last weekend. Their local, and a good mill. You're welcome to see mine if you're in the neighborhood sometime...... I know it's a bit of a jaunt from down there but take the gal out for a lobster in Rockland and swing by...I'm 15 min away......

dboyt · September 29, 2014, 08:25:51 AM

Jason, welcome to the forum! Check out the manufacturers that sponsor this forum, for starters. There is no substitute for seeing sawmills in action. Consider the size of the logs you plan to work with, and the projects you plan to build. There is no question that I would get another Norwood, if I had it to do over. Good solid machine with hydraulic options you can add later.

Solomon · October 06, 2014, 09:20:54 PM

Quote from: sfdems313 on September 24, 2014, 09:03:15 AM
eewwI am new to this site and would love any input on which sawmill to get? I have been looking for about 5 years at many different companies and models and still have not bit the bullet. I live in Maine and have 2 pieces of land with many beautiful trees that i want to mill and build a garage and make some furniture with. What do you have for a mill and would you buy it again? I would like to mill on the side for extra cash as well. Thank you, Jason

Jason, what part of Maine do you live in ? I was born in Houlton up in Aroostik county.

Magicman · October 07, 2014, 10:56:03 PM

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, sfdems313. There is no substitute for actually seeing and getting your hands on a sawmill. Hydraulics are available for higher production, but that may be more than you need. Only you can determine that. Contact the sponsors on the banner to your left. They can probably put you in contact with a nearby sawyer.