I am looking at the Noorwood 34 because it seems able to do the job however since I have never had a mill I am looking to actually see one first.
Then to decide how to cut it up .... and on that note what is the most common width for lumber 1" 2"???
I know I would like one table top and maybe a fireplace mantel.
Jim, you're welcome to come over and play with mine. Bring your log with you, if you like-- it will handle it! I'm in southwest MO, about 20 miles south of Joplin. Otherwise, you can contact Norwood and find out who has one in your area.
As far as thickness, start with the desired finished dimension and work backwards. Figure on losing about 10% thickness in the drying,then another 1/8" (1/16" from each side) from the planer. So if you want a finished 2" thick board, start out with (2+.125) x 1.10=2.34, or about 2-3/8" thick.
If you're thinking about buying a mill, you must have the sawdust bug pretty bad. Do you have other milling projects, or are you thinking about starting a business?