Good starting sawmill

Duramax3500 · August 06, 2017, 10:40:10 PM

Hi all ,so I would like some input on a good starting sawmill? I've been leaning towards a woodland mill,the cost seems right and has good reviews, I'm going to the Great Lakes expo next month in Michigan and hope to get info,but any feedback would be great,thanks

Downstream · August 07, 2017, 12:34:54 AM

What will you be sawing; dim lumber or live edge slabs. If the answer is live edge then pay attention to actual max cut width and not max log diameter when spec'ing machine. Most advertise max log dia which is more important if you are doing dim lumber.

fishfighter · August 07, 2017, 06:54:19 AM

As asked, what are you looking at for a finished product?

I own a 126. Very happy on what it produces. Yes, there is a learning curve to sawing. BUT, there are people here that has help me and others to learn to saw. ;D

Also, running a manual mill is tough. A lot of board handling. Having support equipment for me was a must to move, load and flip logs.

Candlex · August 07, 2017, 04:05:17 PM

I am looking at the woodland as well. It looks like the 126 is what ill be getting. Fish do you use woodlands blades?

btulloh · August 07, 2017, 07:31:53 PM

I have the HM126. I use Kasco blades now. Mostly 7 degree, although I need some 4's for some hard stuff. I bought a box of the Lennox 10 degree when I ordered the mill. They are ok, but the some the welds were not aligned quite right, and the 10 degree blades are not good for oak or dry logs. I find the 7's work better in the SYP and EWP too.

drobertson · August 07, 2017, 08:18:32 PM

The way I figure it,, and I have not looked so I'm speaking out of turn again as usual,, but one with a Honda would be the choice for me, for many reasons,, regardless of the make,, you will no doubt saw out stock, and at some point want and or need to make some changes, but the engine is one you really don't want to have to fiddle with. Honda will leave you with a reliable starting and performance.
The other components on most mills are fixable. Be ready for some changes regardless of the make, just try to get a Honda. Folks will chime in,, I'm a bad guy,,for saying, but proof is in the pudding,,

4x4American · August 07, 2017, 08:23:58 PM

Location would help too. if you're in the north east I would look into thomas bandsawmills or Hud-Son

Bruno of NH · August 07, 2017, 08:33:05 PM

The Thomas bandsaw mills are honda powered
I think the EZ boardwalk mills are honda powered also
I like Hondas

fishfighter · August 07, 2017, 08:45:38 PM

Quote from: Candlex on August 07, 2017, 04:05:17 PM
I am looking at the woodland as well. It looks like the 126 is what ill be getting. Fish do you use woodlands blades?

7 degree Kasco blades and they are cheaper too! I use them in hardwood and softwood logs.

goose63 · August 07, 2017, 08:58:19 PM

I've had the 126 for four years now and for what I do it's a grate mill like fish I like the Kasco 7 degree blades
I realy like the free Woodmizer blades I wone at the pigroast this year

Duramax3500 · August 08, 2017, 01:48:13 PM

I'm in northern wis. and will be sawing mostly dim.lumber,I agree Honda motors are good,Ill keep kasco blades in mind, don't want to spend a lot and woodland seem right in my price range,thanks for all the info

DanMc · August 08, 2017, 06:24:10 PM

I also have the HM126. For 3 grand I don't think there's anything better. If you have 8 grand, get something with a rigid frame on wheels. The Kohler engine runs great. Usually starts on the first pull. This spring, after sitting all winter, it started on the first pull. I do wish that my 126 had cooks roller guides. I'll be adding them soon so I can dial in a bit of down pressure on the blade.

btulloh · August 08, 2017, 10:25:02 PM

Honda engines are good. There's just no argument about that. It looks to me like the Honda reputation forced everybody else to improve their engines. Kohler, b&s, etc. Have definitely gotten a lot better. They may not be in the Honda league, but they do start and run now.

I've had the same experience as DanMc with the Kohler on my hm126, so if the hm126 suits you and your budget, go for it. After two years with 126 I have no regrets.

Slingshot · August 08, 2017, 10:36:04 PM

I have had this Woodmizer LT10 for about 2 years. Sold an LT30 because at
my age I was ready to downsize and go a little smaller. I have had nothing
but a satisfactory experience with it. Always runs and saws great. No problems
with alignment or blades. No calls to Woodmizer with a problem. Just a great
little mill. I have had some 26 inch logs on it.

_______________________________
Charles in KY.....

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