woodmizer compared to timberking

Camerons custom sawmilling · December 26, 2014, 07:18:25 PM

Ive had 3 woodmizer sawmills and now ive sold my last one and looking at a timberking b20 . How do they compare ? My first two woodmizers were manual and I just sold my lt40 fully hydraulic .

POSTON WIDEHEAD · December 26, 2014, 07:28:08 PM

Best thing for you to do is find a Sawyer with a B20 and see if he will let you run it.

The mill that fits me may not fit you.

If your getting your 4th mill.....you must be about my age, 58. ;D
Thats a lot of band mills.

hunz · December 26, 2014, 07:31:50 PM

Just try to do a search on related threads. These type of topics usually breed death threats amongst loyal branded sawyers haha. Take Poston's advice and go run one; that's the best advice anyone can give.

redbeard · December 26, 2014, 08:53:31 PM

I will only weigh in a couple of things I don't like about my B-20. Head up down travel is really slow. Cord reel is a problem (several modification fixes). Maximum cut width is 24" Hope I don't raise anyone's blood pressure these posts are not my favorites.

Dave Shepard · December 26, 2014, 08:55:14 PM

Quote from: POSTONLT40HD on December 26, 2014, 07:28:08 PM
Best thing for you to do is find a Sawyer with a B20 and see if he will let you run it.

The mill that fits me may not fit you.

If your getting your 4th mill.....you must be about my age, 58. ;D
Thats a lot of band mills.

;)

Tom the Sawyer · December 26, 2014, 08:59:13 PM

Cameronscustomsawmilling,

There will biased opinions on both sides, it's just natural. It really is not something that could be answered without some additional information. My B-20 is probably a better choice than some mills, a lesser choice against others.

First thing we would need to know is; what models are you comparing it to? The B-20 hasn't been made for 5 years so you must be looking at used mills. So, in addition to the model of WM, we would also need to know what year each was built (both companies refine and improve their existing models over the years), which power source for each (HP, gas/diesel), hours and upgrades or accessories.

Please complete your profile to include your location. You may get more personalized offers. I would be glad to show you my B-20 if you are in my area but if you are looking at one from the early 90's it won't be that similar (mine is a 2007, Kohler 30 gas).

Good luck with your search, there is no perfect mill for all situations and budgets.

Tom

tom h · December 26, 2014, 09:17:25 PM

I had a b20 they are a good mill.I now have a woodmizer lt40 super stationary electric I have put 4000 hrs on. Comparing the two Ilike the woodmizer a lot better. The woodmizer cost more but was worth it Tom H.

Magicman · December 26, 2014, 10:20:27 PM

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Camerons custom sawmilling.

As mentioned, as with any "new" sawmill, you need to put your hands on it and form your own opinion.

Chuck White · December 27, 2014, 08:12:19 AM

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Camerons Custom Sawmilling!

LeeB · December 27, 2014, 08:14:49 AM

Welcome to the woodpile. Tell us why you sold your last 3 mills.

ladylake · December 27, 2014, 09:59:04 AM

Quote from: redbeard on December 26, 2014, 08:53:31 PM
I will only weigh in a couple of things I don't like about my B-20. Head up down travel is really slow. Cord reel is a problem (several modification fixes). Maximum cut width is 24" Hope I don't raise anyone's blood pressure these posts are not my favorites.

Yes the head is slow up-down, you need to get rid of the boards soon as they're sawn
A good industrial cord reel can and should be bought off Ebay from around $100 t0 $300 which make the setworks really work good
If you saw a lot of logs over 30" get a bigger mill.

On the + side are vertical log stops built heavy, a chain turner which really turn those snarly logs, stationary command post, you can use any hydraulic no matter where the head is, really reliable and easy to work on . Steve

pine · December 27, 2014, 10:37:26 AM

Welcome to the forum. There are several B20 owners some of which have already responded I am certain others will chime in. What caused you to sell the other mills? Was it just outgrowing them or something else? Just seems like 3 WM mills is a lot of different mills to go through.

Camerons custom sawmilling · December 27, 2014, 06:39:11 PM

Thanks everyone for the imput . A lot of you asked why 3 different mills already . I started with a lt15 stationary and then got a lt 30 portable neither with hydraulics . My last mill was 99 model lt40 fully hydraulic with setworks and 25 hp kohler . Someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse so now im without a mill . Ive found a used timberking 30 hp fully hydraulic and with setworks .

Magicman · December 27, 2014, 07:05:15 PM

Will the TK owner allow you to saw a log and demo it to you?

beenthere · December 27, 2014, 07:41:14 PM

CCS
You will soon be in a good position to tell about the differences between the WM's and the TK. 8)

Jjoness4 · December 29, 2014, 07:56:51 PM

CCS
Some of my friends prefer WM and some TK. In this matter, I must side with my friends.
;)
Happy New Year and Best Wishes with a new mill.

POSTON WIDEHEAD · December 29, 2014, 07:59:58 PM

Quote from: Jjoness4 on December 29, 2014, 07:56:51 PM
CCS
Some of my friends prefer WM and some TK. In this matter, I must side with my friends.
;)
Happy New Year and Best Wishes with a new mill.

Best answer yet!

lirachamo51 · December 30, 2014, 07:49:41 PM

I'm trying to make the same decision tk1600 or lt40 hydraulic, i saw the tk 1600 cut at dealer here in ny and it was pretty nice. showed me all the ins and outs, from set up to making adjustments very helpful. going to see the lt 40 run later next week and will let you know what i think of the 2 after seeing them both work. hopefully it won't confuse my decision even more.

Chuck White · December 31, 2014, 01:45:26 PM

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, lirachamo51.

Good luck on your decission, you going over to Hannibal?

Where abouts are you located?

lirachamo51 · December 31, 2014, 03:40:01 PM

i have 340 acres in thurman, ny. a few miles north of lake george, a friend is a teacher at trade school and they have lt40 so when school starts back up next week they will be running it so i get a chance to see it in action.

Chuck White · January 01, 2015, 08:52:08 AM

I think you'll be impressed!

Magicman · January 03, 2015, 02:55:44 PM

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, lirachamo51. 8)

delvis · January 04, 2015, 10:12:14 PM

Before you buy anything else, get to a products expo and watch one run. Look at the way it is made, the fit and finish of it. Ask to see owner's manuals for each machine and compare which one looks more informative with maintenance instructions as well as part numbers. Find out where the closest dealer for each machine is and whether they have a decent parts inventory on hand or if you will need to have everything shipped to you.

I've seen both and I've owned one and to me there is no comparison...

4x4American · January 06, 2015, 09:30:33 PM

:P

4x4American · January 06, 2015, 09:34:12 PM

Quote from: lirachamo51 on December 31, 2014, 03:40:01 PM
i have 340 acres in thurman, ny. a few miles north of lake george, a friend is a teacher at trade school and they have lt40 so when school starts back up next week they will be running it so i get a chance to see it in action.

I'm right down the road in Luzerne. Stop in anytime