Tips from First-Hand Experience

As a passionate woodworker and owner of the Sawing with Sandy YouTube channel, I've had the privilege of working with a number of portable sawmills over the years. This guide aims to share my first-hand experiences and provide you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your own portable sawmill.

Understanding Portable Sawmills

A portable sawmill is a versatile tool that allows you to mill your own lumber directly at the location of the logs. This is particularly useful for those who want to save on lumber costs or have access to their own timber. Portable sawmills come in various types, including chainsaw mills, bandsaw mills, and swing-blade mills, each with its own set of advantages and limitations.

Types of Portable Sawmills

1. Chainsaw Mills: These are the most affordable and easiest to transport. They are ideal for small-scale projects and occasional use. However, they are slower, more difficult to operate, and less efficient compared to other types.
   
   
2. Bandsaw Mills: These are more common sawmills used as they are efficient and can handle larger logs. They are suitable for moderate to large-scale lumber production. Bandsaw mills are known for their precision and speed.
   
   
3. Swing-Blade Mills: These are less common but highly efficient for cutting large logs. They are often used for specialized applications and can produce high-quality lumber quickly.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Portable Sawmill

1. Purpose and Usage

Before purchasing a portable sawmill, it's crucial to determine your primary use for the mill. Are you planning to use it for hobby projects, or do you intend to produce lumber for sale? Your intended use will greatly influence the type of sawmill you ultimately select and purchase.

2. Budget

Portable sawmills cover a wide range of prices. Chainsaw mills are obviously the most affordable, while bandsaw and swing-blade mills can be more expensive. Again, depending on what you’re planning on using it for, will dictate what you want to allocate in terms of costs.  It's essential to balance your budget with your needs and future plans.

3. Log Size and Capacity

Consider the size of the logs you'll be milling. Ensure the sawmill you choose can handle the maximum diameter and length of the logs you plan to work with. For example, the Woodland Mills HM126 Portable Sawmill can handle logs up to 26 inches in diameter, making it suitable for larger projects.

4. Portability

If you need to move your sawmill frequently, portability is a key factor. Even though the sawmill may fall under the portable category, it doesn't always mean it’s easily portable. Some sawmills are designed to be easily transported, while others may require a great deal more effort to move. So if you need to move your sawmill on a fairly regular basis, make sure you research what’s involved in moving it, and choose a model that fits your mobility needs.

5. Ease of Use and Maintenance

Look for a sawmill that is user-friendly and requires minimal maintenance. Features like hydraulic log loaders and easy-to-adjust settings can save you time and effort. Unless you’re in your 20’s you want to consider features to help get the log into position. For some of us old-timers, these aren’t just nice to have features, they’re must have features.  

Also, check out the manufacturer's reviews with respect to service and availability of parts. This will give you some sense of what to expect when you need replacement parts or you’re having issues that would fall under the warranty period. Reviews will tell you if they take care of their customers or not.

My Experience with Portable Sawmills

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to test various portable sawmills. Here are some insights from my experiences:

When I first got started milling lumber, I used the Alaskan Chainsaw Mill long enough to realize that it was time-consuming in the setup prior to sawing, and it was also time-consuming in the actual sawing as the chainsaw cut took a while longer than a bandsaw sawmill would. The Alaskan chainsaw mill was good, however, at being highly portable but did require quite a bit of fuel for the chainsaw and bar oil, along with a special chainsaw chain for ripping along the grain of the wood instead of a normal chainsaw chain which cuts across the grain of the wood. The Alaskan chainsaw mill was cheaper to buy initially and does have its place with really wide logs, as long as you have a powerful chainsaw—92cc or greater would be ideal. I found the Alaskan Chainsaw Mill a bit challenging to set up on small diameter logs.

I've owned two portable sawmills in my life. The first one I purchased several years before I started my YouTube channel, and it was a 2017 Woodland Mills HM130 which had a single extension on it and was stationary (sitting on wooden blocks on the ground). This sawmill was my introduction to more efficient milling compared to the Alaskan Chainsaw Mill. It offered better precision and speed, although setting it up on wooden blocks had its challenges.

Here’s a selection of portable sawmills that are worth taking a look at.

Wood-Mizer LT15

The Wood-Mizer LT15 is a robust and reliable bandsaw mill that has served me well for numerous projects. It offers excellent cutting precision and can handle larger logs with ease. The customer support from Wood-Mizer has been exceptional, making it a worthwhile investment for serious woodworkers.

Hud-Son HFE-21

The Hud-Son HFE-21 is a more affordable option that is perfect for smaller projects. It is easy to set up and operate, making it a great choice for beginners. However, it may not be suitable for large-scale production due to its lower capacity.

Norwood LumberPro HD36

The Norwood LumberPro HD36 is a high-end sawmill that offers impressive cutting capacity and power. It's ideal for those who need to process large volumes of lumber. The initial investment is higher, but the long-term benefits make it a valuable addition to any woodworking operation.

Woodland Mills HM130max

The Woodland Mills HM130max is a versatile sawmill that sits on the Woodland Mills Woodlander XL trailer. It features a single length extension allowing for 16' 11" board cuts. The trailer setup has significantly improved its portability and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for larger projects and frequent relocations.

Note: this is the current sawmill setup you’ll see me using in all my current videos.

Tips for First-Time Buyers

Buying a portable sawmill is a significant investment, and there are several important tips to consider for first-time buyers:

• Buy a Sawmill for Your Needs: Purchase a sawmill that will cut logs as wide and long as your budget allows. You can cut small logs on a big sawmill, but you can't cut big logs on a small sawmill.
• Engine Power: Buy the largest engine option possible, as no one ever said they had too much horsepower on a sawmill. A powerful engine allows the sawmill to cut easily through even the largest logs.
• Blade Sharpening: Decide how you will get sharp blades before you buy a sawmill. Will you buy a sharpener and sharpen your own sawmill blades, or will you send your blades to someone to sharpen them for you?
• Stock Up on Blades: Purchase at least 10 sawmill blades to start with so that you can spend more time sawing and less time sharpening initially. This also helps avoid downtime when you have to send out the blades for sharpening if you decide not to sharpen them yourself.
• See It in Action: If possible, see the sawmill you are considering buying in person. Speak with an owner and see the sawmill in operation to get a better understanding of its capabilities.
• Customer Service: All sawmills will require parts for maintenance from time to time, so check that the sawmill manufacturer you're considering buying from has good customer service.
• Log Source and Waste Management: Plan out where you will get your logs from and what you will do with the sawmill waste (slab wood, sawdust) before your sawmill arrives.
• Log Loading: Plan out how you will load your logs onto your sawmill before you order a sawmill. You might need to order log ramps to help roll a log onto your sawmill if heavy equipment like a tractor is not something you own.
• Essential Tools: Buy a cant hook along with your sawmill, as no matter the log size you'll be cutting, you'll want one to help you roll logs.

Related Videos

In my YouTube videos, I delve deeper into the practical aspects of using portable sawmills. Below are two videos that provide valuable information for anyone considering purchasing a portable sawmill.

Choosing the Right Portable Sawmill

In the video "Choosing the Right Portable Sawmill," I discuss the key factors to consider when selecting a sawmill. Highlights include:

Types of Sawmills: An overview of different types of portable sawmills and their specific advantages.

Budget Considerations: Tips on balancing your budget with your needs.

Log Capacity: How to choose a sawmill that can handle the size of logs you plan to mill.

Engine Power: The importance of selecting a sawmill with sufficient horsepower to handle large logs.

 

Setting Up and Using a Portable Sawmill

Another video, "Setting Up and Using a Portable Sawmill," provides a step-by-step guide on setting up and operating a sawmill. Key points covered in this video include:

• Initial Setup: Detailed instructions on setting up your sawmill for the first time.
• Operational Tips: Practical advice for efficient milling, including common challenges and how to overcome them.
• Maintenance: Tips on maintaining your sawmill to ensure longevity and optimal performance.

 

Conclusion

Purchasing a portable sawmill is a significant investment that can greatly enhance your woodworking capabilities. By considering your needs, budget, and the factors outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision that will serve you well for years to come. Remember, the right sawmill can open up a world of possibilities for your woodworking projects.