Looking at getting a new sawmill

[damato333]

I like timberking a lot. But I saw this picture on their website and turned me off a little. This is the 1600. For what it costs I think it should be cleaner and more put together.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I have a Norwood Lumbermate... The band runs on a belt that drives the wheels... I bought it in 2003 and it's still on it's original belt and still cuts straight, flat lumber...

I milled beech logs today, here's a couple wide boards off one of the logs,

I can't find anything wrong with the way Norwood runs their bands and the wheels still look like new. SO, I have no idea what other mfg's are doing or why they run their wheels the way they do.

SR

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

The lt35 has a yanmar 24 hp diesel option for $4,200. Is it worth it? I know diesels have more torque. But will I notice a difference between a 25 hp gas. If the diesel was over 30 hp then I would definitely think it's worth it. For $4,200 more I hope I could tell a difference between the 2.

If you want "no crap" thoughts about it, shoot me your # and I can have my buddy call you when he has a chance.


I can't speak on how it will handle on the mill, but I debated it when I bought my firewood processor. (similar engine size) I chose to go with the diesel. I have a Kubota, but the Yanmar is darn near the same engine.

The Yanmar is a fuel miser vs a "big block" 2 cylinder will use more fuel. You can run off road diesel, so cheaper too. (Here right now it's about .70 a gal cheaper than gas)

The other thing to consider is longevity. The little Yanmar will likely do 10,000 hrs before needing a rebuild. I'd be surprised to see 1/4 of that on the gas engine.

And power. I'm running 3 pumps on my setup, the "books" say I should need about 15 more hp to be able to run them. I've had no trouble.

I suppose it will come down to how much are you going to use it. If it's just 100hrs a year, the engine will probably go forever.
The older processor we have has a 30hp Yanmar, it's got about 9000hrs on it, still running fine, starts fine at -30*. It should have died years ago really. It's been run out of oil twice (crank seal leaked), overheated, etc (don't hire idiots to run your stuff BTW!)

 

[damato333]

I have a Norwood Lumbermate... The band runs on a belt that drives the wheels... I bought it in 2003 and it's still on it's original belt and still cuts straight, flat lumber...

I milled beech logs today, here's a couple wide boards off one of the logs,

I can't find anything wrong with the way Norwood runs their bands and the wheels still look like new. SO, I have no idea what other mfg's are doing or why they run their wheels the way they do.

SR

I had a Norwood mx34.

 

[damato333]

If you want "no crap" thoughts about it, shoot me your # and I can have my buddy call you when he has a chance.


I can't speak on how it will handle on the mill, but I debated it when I bought my firewood processor. (similar engine size) I chose to go with the diesel. I have a Kubota, but the Yanmar is darn near the same engine.

The Yanmar is a fuel miser vs a "big block" 2 cylinder will use more fuel. You can run off road diesel, so cheaper too. (Here right now it's about .70 a gal cheaper than gas)

The other thing to consider is longevity. The little Yanmar will likely do 10,000 hrs before needing a rebuild. I'd be surprised to see 1/4 of that on the gas engine.

And power. I'm running 3 pumps on my setup, the "books" say I should need about 15 more hp to be able to run them. I've had no trouble.

I suppose it will come down to how much are you going to use it. If it's just 100hrs a year, the engine will probably go forever.
The older processor we have has a 30hp Yanmar, it's got about 9000hrs on it, still running fine, starts fine at -30*. It should have died years ago really. It's been run out of oil twice (crank seal leaked), overheated, etc (don't hire idiots to run your stuff BTW!)

I think you convinced me to get the diesel. It comes down to money.

 

[customcutter]

I've milled a many of these machines... And, I like many of the Woodmizer products BUT!

I keep reading that the last several years woodmizer mills have really went down hill, POOR quality control ect... (since the big sale)

I really don't think they are NOW the mill they use to be...and i'm not going to buy a product that's living on their reputation.

Plenty of good mills to choose from, you may want to look at a few more...

SR

SR, when was the "big sale", that you mentioned. I'm looking at some used Woodmizer's. Maybe they were made before the turnover.

I'm also interested in purchasing a portable mill. I've been looking for about a month now, and have narrowed it down to either a WM LT40 or the Cooks HD 3238. Personally I think I prefer the Cooks from what I've been able to see on the video's.

Is there anything like the Paul Bunyon event in the Southeast? I know WM had an event last weekend in Perry, Fl, and another one this weekend in north GA. But, I'd like to see more than one saw if possible. I guess I'll stop in and see the Cooks saw near Dothan when we visit the In-laws in a couple of weeks.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I don't know when the sale was, all I know is I'm seeing a LOT of complaints of "lower quality" of late...

The Paul Bunyan show was in southern Ohio, isn't THAT close to south east?? lol Last show in the southern states I know about was the Georgia show...

There were ton's of sawmills at the Paul Bunyan show!

SR

 

[customcutter]

SR thanks for the quick reply. Do you know what the show in Georgia is called, where it is held, or when possibly. thanks again.

Ken

I just did a quick google search and there was a show in Moultree, Ga that the Norwood Dealers were at so that was probably it on October 17th. I was in Warner Robins the week after visiting my brother in law. Just missed it.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Moultree was it... I've never went, but my friends tell me it's a big show like the Bunyan show... I'd like to see it some time!

SR