CountryByNet.com Forums :: Re: portable saw mill question

$6,000 for a sawmill is not at all unreasonable.

If you don't need precision due to your intended use of the wood. Like maybe building a barn and not measureing with a micrometer then consider this...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97445

Here is the manual in PDF:

http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals/97000-97999/97445.pdf

This unit is $1800 USD plus shipping. As supplied it cuts 6 ft but extra track can be bolted on to extend that.

Compared to the $6,000, $15,000 $30,000 and up saws I keep getting flyers on it is clearly not as substantial. It will not cut as fast and log handling will not have hydraulic convenience but if you aren't going commercial and can go at a slower pace it may well be worth eighteen hundred plus shipping.

It used Wood Mizer brand blades (good ones) and recommends Wood Mizer sharpening service (good one.)

If your use is not intended to last for decades or require high speed production and automatic log handling hydraulics then this might be a useful tool.

It has my interest. I think I could build a stable track of sufficient length for my needs. Just how much lumber would I have to cut at the labor rates I would charge myself to pay for it? Not much at todays prices.

Given the wide kerf of a chainsaw I'd be inclined to go with this band mill over a chainsaw slliding down a guide board (I have one of those.)

Pat

"I'm not from your planet, monkey boy!"

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