Band saw owners

[Bill Wilson]

Sawing trees into useful boards isn't a job for a woodworking bandsaw. I've heard of folks using small bandsaws (14" - 17") occasionally to resaw some small firewood logs into turning blanks or maybe some short boards, but if you have several that are worth making lumber out of, look up a local sawyer with a portable mill like a Woodmizer or something similar. They will come right to the lot and saw the boards on site. Stack & sticker them properly, let them air dry for a year or more, then you have some worthwhile lumber.

[wood-n-things]

I have to agree the typical bandsaw most of us have and can afford aren't really suited for a commercial use which is about what you will be asking of it. The motor isn't that large and as already pointed out you'll need expensive blades etc.

Free wood is great but at what expense? Now I'm confused...again.

[workin for wood]

16" Laguna..that's what you need..buy the saw once for your entire life. It will do a 12.5 resaw without a riser block. Comes with the 1.5 hp baldor motor. I know they are looking for business right now, offering big discounts to all kinds of people. You contact people there, they will give you a deal just to keep things moving so they don't have to close their doors like RBI. I really like the timberwolf blades. The 16" laguna does not use a standard blade you'd find on a shelf somewhere. It has to be custom made. That's no big deal, it doesn't cost more, it's just that you can't run to the store and get one right now. Fortunately the timberwolf quality is such that blades rarely break.

[minowevie]

Originally Posted by Bruce P

Grizzley G055 + riser block + resaw fence + Timberwolf blades =
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Bruce P.

ditto Bruce. your friend Evie

[scrollpup]

Hey everyone,I just got back in from cutting a monster hickory tree (a little over 3 feet at base). It wasn't much fun even with a 20" Husqie.Thanks for all the suggestions and info.


Utbra, I found a few chainsaw mills on the net for $150- to $250.Its tempting...

Bill, It's my friends parents property and I just met them the other day.I'd be afraid that they would think I was cutting the lumber to resale.I really appreciate them letting me cut on their property and do not want them to think I'm taking advantage of them( I know, thats a lot of "thems" for one sentence but its been a long day).

Jeff, Bruce, and last but not least Evie, thanks for your input and everyone else's also. I don't know a thing about band saws (could ya guess??) and now I know what to look for.

Mike, I'm of the belief that one can never have too many tools .But seriously,one cord of wood around here costs $150.00 average.Out of pocket expenses for cutting the wood myself is about $25.00 per cord plus an aching back.I just hate having to buy plywood when I could have "real" wood to work with.The equipment would eventually almost pay for itself (counting the resale value).

Jerry C

[wood-n-things]

The equipment would eventually almost pay for itself (counting the resale value).

Honest honey it will pay for itself in no time......rofl Bill young has this as his signature line on his forum I laugh everytime I see it...

I agree we can never have enough tools. Go for it buddy!

[Ramjet]

Not much help here . I bought a Gil-Bilt kit in the 1970's . It contained all the metal pieces . The frame was built out of 3/4" plywood . I used it for just sbout everything .The above advice is good . How deep are your pockets is usually the determing factor .
Roger

[Rolf]

There are people around that have the saws on trailers and will come to you and cut up the wood for a fee. Might be worth the investment
We have the Wood mizzer guys do a demo for us at our annual club show.