Hydraulics
Hydraulics make sawing easier and faster. That's a simple fact.
But they can add thousands of dollars to the cost of a sawmill. To some people, hydraulics are absolutely necessary because they minimize log handling time which increases production and they also take the back-breaking work out of sawing. Hydraulics can reduce manual labor, the need for extra equipment, and maybe even money.
It comes down to buying a mill with hydraulic loading arms as compared to running a front-end loader; employing hydraulic turners vs. using cant hooks; Running hydraulic or motorized feed-works vs. manually pushing the saw. The degree of mechanization is a major issue when sizing up a mill.
Accessories
Most portable sawmills come with some accessories. However, you will be tempted with the trailer package, with extra bands or bits and shanks, with sharpening systems, with a sawyer's seat - you get the picture. These accessories can add major costs to the sawmill. Many times they are necessary but some times they are not, depending on your type of operation.
An automatic sharpener/setter system for band blades normally costs a couple of thousand dollars. Some sawyers find that sharpening their own blades is the most cost effective way to operate; some send their blades to a sharpening service (roughly $6.00-$8.00 per blade including shipping costs); some people simply dispose of their blades after 4 or 5 hours of usage. Your production requirements will determine which of the three options is the best for you.
Buying a Band Mill
Band mills are very popular and lead in portable mill sales. Here is what Sawmill Exchange suggests are the choices and price ranges on popular band mills:
- Manual: The least expensive. They have no labor-saving hydraulic features which increases the amount of work you must do. New models with a trailer package generally cost between $4,000.00 and $9,000.00 (see Log Miser )
- Power Feed: The blade is mechanically powered into the cut, but you must load and turn the logs manually. New models with a trailer package generally cost between $9,000.00 to $14,000.00
- Fully Hydraulic: This category of portable sawmills features the most labor-saving devices that minimize the workload and maximize production. The more expensive models normally have larger power units and other accessories designed for higher daily production. New models with a trailer package generally cost between $16,000.00 and $32,000.00. (see Wood-Mizer )
- High Production: These mills are designed for professionals and normally require a higher level of expertise. They offer specialized features designed for higher production sawing, such as high-powered engines, wider bands, and more productive log and lumber handling equipment. New models with a trailer package generally cost between $35,000.00 to over $100,000.00.
Thanks to Sawmill Exchange for much of the information provided in this feature. Linking to any commercial site should not be considered an endorsement.
