What You Should Know About Bandsaw Mills
Chances are you’re reading this article, you don't need a lengthy explanation of what bandsaw mills are. You've probably seen one and started wondering if you'd like to have one. First, you found out that “local” doesn’t necessarily mean close; that brilliant idea of hauling your logs to be milled is already starting to sour just in transportation costs alone. Then, the mill operator informed you of the high cost of sawing your wood since to him it is a ridiculously small job for a full-time business. Add the cost and time to transport all your boards and beams back to your place to stack them for drying, and you’re almost ready to forget it.
Portable Bandsaw Mill
What you really want is already here and waiting. The portable sawmill. Whether you have a large stand of trees to remove for pasture, a nice cherry for that furniture plan laying on the workbench, or putting together a log cabin on your five acres, the portable bandsaw mill will perform beyond your highest expectations. You don’t even need help if you’re that type of “do-it-myself” man (or woman) who enjoys working on your own.
Portable saw mills have been around for ages, but until the 1970’s, most were crude and few in number. Today’s mills are vastly improved by modern technology and are highly mobile, efficient, and low-cost. Consisting of a welded steel frame mounted on wheels and coupled with a powerful gasoline engine, the portable mill is transported to where the trees are, not vice-versa. Time, labor and fuel costs are already reduced. Four adjustable legs allow for precise leveling and stability on the site, and a low platform height of 24 inches or less makes setting the logs onto the platform manageable. The gas engine eliminates the need for electricity and allows you to saw in any location, however remote.
The Cutting Of The Logs
Once the mill is set up, it’s time to begin sawing. Logs up to 16 feet long and 24 inches in diameter can be sawn into whatever size lumber you desire. The thin-kerf bandsaw makes smooth, even cuts effortlessly, driven by the 6.5 horsepower engine. With this machine it is possible for one man to saw 250-500 board feet of hardwood material or 500-1000 board feet of softwood, once all preparations have been completed. The saw moves steadily and fluidly on the rails for smooth operation. Always remember to wear appropriate gear and clothing and operate this equipment with personal safety as the foremost requirement.
Do It In Your Own Time
With a permanent mill, you must bring all your logs in at the same time. Not so with this operation. You can saw as many or as few trees as you want in a day. No need to rush to cut down all the trees at once. There will be down time for prepping, stacking the boards for drying, taking a moment to enjoy the woods around you. Take care of business on your time, not the mill’s schedule.
Now that your drying shed or garage is full and there’s nothing left but sawdust, secure the saw, put the wheels back on the ground, hitch it up to the old truck and head back to the rental store. Don’t forget to wave to the mill owner as you pass by! Smile with the satisfaction of not only having realized your dream project, but you saved time and money and did the task yourself.
Used Portable Bandsaw Mills
Speaking of saving money, if you find that you simply cannot afford a new mill, keep in mind that used portable band sawmills are both affordable--and a worthwhile investment. Bandsaw mills, after all, can make more money than they use.
