Sawmills have evolved tremendously from the 3rd-century water operated a sawmill at Hierapolis, Turkey. Modern variants are reliable, easy to use and give you outstanding results. They are also cheaper and much more efficient than the circular sawmills of the mid 20th century. Here is what you can ask yourself before buying a portable sawmill.
Softwood or Hardwood:
You can cut softwood such as pine and cedar with lesser power than what is required for hardwood. Therefore most commercial sawmills specify the wood that they are suited for. Some can work on both types of wood, but such models are not typical. Hobbyists typically work with hardwood for furniture, flooring, and plywood panels, and therefore, prefer hardwood sawmills with a higher power.
Manual or Automatic:
Portable sawmills are generally manually operated – that is, you will have to turn the log, clamp it to the mill bed and guide the saw blade through the log to slice it. As petrol engines power the blades, they can cut hardwood such as Red Gum and Iron Bark with relative ease.
On the other hand, industrial sawmills work by hydraulically lifting and chopping through logs for maximum output. They are bigger, can handle a heavier load, and consume more power.
Dimensions:
Each sawmill is marked with the log dimension that it can handle and produce. For instance, you can load a 26’’ sawmill with a log of maximum 26-inch diameter. The cut width tells you how much the blade can see through with each to and fro movement. Additionally, the mill bed measures the maximum length of log you can cut through in a go. You can purchase track extension rigs for longer cuts. Consult the suppliers if you have to work with non-standard dimensions.
Reliability:
Well built sawmills are made of steel, with blades made of induction hardened steel. They should be sturdy, well balanced, and should withstand the vibrations of the sawing process without affecting the quality of the cut. Check the blade locking mechanism for its hold. Find out about the safety instructions, and ensure the machine complies with national and international safety regulations.
Further, since most portable sawmills are used outdoors, choose ones that have powder-coating and galvanised parts to protect them from weathering.
Opt for companies that test the equipment for local conditions, so you know your sawmill has longevity. Further, choose suppliers who provide good post-purchase servicing so you know your machine can work for you for a long time and has good value in the used market.
Buying a kit or fully-assembled:
Most sawmills can be assembled on-site. If you can purchase the machine in part and set it up on your own, you will save considerable expenses on shipping and assembly. Building the equipment from scratch will give you a good idea of how it works and how you can operate it efficiently.
A portable sawmill is easier to use, cheaper, less noisy, and most importantly – safer than most alternatives. While buying your first portable sawmill may seem to be a daunting task, it need not be if you pick the right supplier. Consult them regarding your expectations, work conditions, and budget so you can go for a mill that not only suits you currently but one that you can also enhance in the future.