Is Buying a Sawmill a Huge Waste of Money?
With all of the excitement surrounding the urban wood and lumber industry, it’s a perfect time to discuss some of the pros and cons of owning your own bandsaw mill, the cost of owning your own bandsaw mill, and what actually goes into owning one.
Keep in mind as you read through this article that sawmills vary wildly in terms of cost, and the type and cost of your sawmill will affect how long it takes to get your money back in the savings that you earn from milling your own lumber.
While you are shopping for your sawmill, keep in mind that the method you use to transport it will depend on your make and model. Some varieties are considered portable and are very easy to transport, whereas others may require you to build or purchase an additional trailer in order to transport it. Sawmills can be very cost effective, but always try to keep the hidden costs that may be needed to use it effectively.
Why Get a Sawmill?
Easily the best thing about owning your own sawmill is that you can use any log you could possibly want as long as you are willing to haul it in the back of your truck. Having access to a sawmill at your home or workshop gives you the ability to get a lot of free lumber and mill it whenever you’re ready to.
This is a vital aspect to keep in mind when you are in the early stages of developing your business, as the cost of lumber can often be a hurdle for many aspiring Woodpreneurs. Being able to acquire lumber consistently and effectively is key to creating products and is a necessary part of running a successful wood business.
Many of the disadvantages of sawmills can be overcome with proper planning, and awareness of your own needs and limitations. For example, sawmills can be either automated or manual in their use, which greatly affects the amount of physical labor involved. Keep in mind that even the most automated sawmill still requires you to load and offload the slabs. Whether you do that with a tractor, truck, or even by hand, it adds to the overall workload that you need to keep in mind when considering purchasing your own mill.
Blades and Maintenance
One of the costs that many people buying a sawmill only recognize when they step into a store is the need to sharpen and replace the blades on your sawmill periodically. Depending on the amount of lumber you are cutting regularly as well as the brand of sawmill you decide to go with, your costs in this area can differ dramatically.
If you are considering purchasing a sawmill, take the time to really consider what types of wood you will be working with primarily. Not only will different varieties of wood dull your blades at different rates, but there are many different types of blades available, usually differentiated by the degree of the angle. Certain angles will be more effective at handling softwoods, hardwoods, and many are designed to be all-purpose and work similarly across a wide variety of woods.
As with any other kind of machinery, you will need to grease the necessary fittings as well as maintain the equipment overall. Sawmills are expensive machines, so if you want yours to last, it is vital that you learn how to take care of it effectively.
The Bottom Line
There is no cut-and-dried answer to whether you should get a sawmill, they are not for everyone, and not for every wood business. However, if you find yourself with a lot of logs that you need to mill, you’re in a financial position to handle the initial cost, and you are willing to handle the physical labor involved, buying a sawmill may be the right move for you.
When shopping around, take the time to discuss the specifics of your business, your lumber, and the other elements of your business with the salespeople. The more time you take to research your specific needs, the better result you will have with your new sawmill.