Sorry, I went back and checked your other post. Some one else had a similar question and I answered his, thinking I was answering yours. My family was in the Tree Business for 4 generations. Taking wood back to the lot is a necessary evil. We hated messing with firewood because it was, hard work, had to be handled several times, and very low profit per man hour invested. We would wholesale out every thing we could. Being a four generation business, we had a very big and loyal customer base. We made a "LOT" of money in tree work. So, we didn't do lawns or landscaping, no money per man hour, compared to tree work. Times have changed and some people need extra stuff to supplement their tree work. Milling falls into that category. It's hard work, takes big machines, takes up lots of space. Finished lumber isn't worth that much till it's "Finished", cut, kiln dried, planed. If you are just cutting slabs for people to make keepsakes from the tree "Grand Pa" planted, I think you are looking at a lot of time and money spent for a low return. Now that I'm retired I'd love to have a portable band mill, but I'll work for $35 an hour doing something that I think is fun. It's all perspective. We were making $85 per man hour when I retired in 1986, the guys running the family business aren't making that much more now. The profit margin is much tighter now. Can you afford to put men to work with the returns you'll get from the mill? If you have skidders, space, and men standing around waiting to punch out, maybe it will make you a few bucks. As a business, it's all about how much money can you make. Most of the folks here are hobby sawyers. Most would be happy to make $35 per hour. But can you put a 3 man crew on the mill for an hour to cut a couple boards, for $35? Or, will your customers pay $85 per man hour for a 3 man crew to mill a few boards? Now, if you just want a mill, and feel a couple bucks now and then is fine, go for it. As a business, asking hobbiest to spend your money for you, is dangerous. What we think is good money might put you out of business. You can't mill every pine you take down, into two by fours, and compete with HD. So, you are still looking a a "niche" market. Is there enough money for you to justify the expense? Best of luck, Joe.