customcutter
ArboristSite Operative
Hey guys, recently retired a few months ago, 63 now and wanted to build a log home since I was about 30. We presently live on 1/4 acre 2100 sq ft home and pay about $2500 yr in property taxes, and have to pull a permit to put up a shed or a fence.
My in-laws live in Alabama on 700 acres, bigger home, more buildings, structures, etc and pay $700/yr in taxes and live in an un-restricted county.
I'm thinking of buying 75-100 acres wooded or partially wooded (wooded is cheaper). Pouring a 30x50 or 40x50 slab and using a portable bandsaw mill to build a shop (temporary home), while I build my 2-3000 sq ft log home.
Portable Sawmills I'm looking at either a used WoodMizer LT40 or 50 if the price is right or a Cooks HD 3238. I really like some of the features on the Cooks and think it's a better value just looking at video's. (haven't seen one yet)
Most of the re-planted trees in Ga and Al are long leaf pine, a fast growing variety. Is this suitable for lumber for the shop framing and siding or are they only used for pulp wood? I know in north Ga last week we saw some nice spruce type trees, but we will probably be down near Dothan-Eufala area. I think these trees could be harvested and sawn wet with out issues, or would warping be a problem?
I'm also planning on using the same trees for logs in the cabin. My plan was to "ring" the trees when we get the property, let them die and start drying out, and harvest them 6months or a year later. They will be lighter and easier to handle and peel. I plan on using 12-16" log about 20' long. I've heard that harvesting dead or diseased trees is also an option. Any ideas on cost of contracting someone to do that? I know the wood isn't worth much commercially supposedly???
Thoughts, comments, opinions are welcome. Trying to form a plan.
thanks in advance,
Ken
My in-laws live in Alabama on 700 acres, bigger home, more buildings, structures, etc and pay $700/yr in taxes and live in an un-restricted county.
I'm thinking of buying 75-100 acres wooded or partially wooded (wooded is cheaper). Pouring a 30x50 or 40x50 slab and using a portable bandsaw mill to build a shop (temporary home), while I build my 2-3000 sq ft log home.
Portable Sawmills I'm looking at either a used WoodMizer LT40 or 50 if the price is right or a Cooks HD 3238. I really like some of the features on the Cooks and think it's a better value just looking at video's. (haven't seen one yet)
Most of the re-planted trees in Ga and Al are long leaf pine, a fast growing variety. Is this suitable for lumber for the shop framing and siding or are they only used for pulp wood? I know in north Ga last week we saw some nice spruce type trees, but we will probably be down near Dothan-Eufala area. I think these trees could be harvested and sawn wet with out issues, or would warping be a problem?
I'm also planning on using the same trees for logs in the cabin. My plan was to "ring" the trees when we get the property, let them die and start drying out, and harvest them 6months or a year later. They will be lighter and easier to handle and peel. I plan on using 12-16" log about 20' long. I've heard that harvesting dead or diseased trees is also an option. Any ideas on cost of contracting someone to do that? I know the wood isn't worth much commercially supposedly???
Thoughts, comments, opinions are welcome. Trying to form a plan.
thanks in advance,
Ken