New Sawmill Shed

[shooterdon]

I like your setup TNAndy.

My buddy is buying a mill and I found 70 good sized logs for free not 4 miles away. His tractor is too small to handle them but I can lift over 2000 lbs. He wants to stage them at my place and that is good with me!!! I love bartering.

 

[TnAndy]

I like your setup TNAndy.

My buddy is buying a mill and I found 70 good sized logs for free not 4 miles away. His tractor is too small to handle them but I can lift over 2000 lbs. He wants to stage them at my place and that is good with me!!! I love bartering.

That alone would probably pay for a mill if you have use of the lumber. Here are the results of four 12' logs out of one poplar tree that was about 24" diameter at the butt end. 106 2x4x12 plus a couple that could be cut back to something shorter.

Out the door price of a 2x4x12 at Home Depot (here, today) is $9.41 That makes that stack worth $996 (again, assuming you can use them)

I figure my cost to saw is around 5 cents/bdft. 8bdft in a 2x4x12 = 40 cents out of pocket to saw (not counting my labor) 106 x .40 = $42.4

$996-42.4= $954.60

Takes me about 4 hours to saw those 4 logs. (one man show, and I'm old ) That works out to $238 per hour of UN-TAXED income. No doubt there are some highly paid folks on here, but for most of us little guys, 238 bucks an hour ain't bad for doing something fun.

No clue as to the size of your 70 logs, but say they just average 100bdft per log.....that's 7,000 bdft of lumber to saw. That 2x4x12 at Home Depot is running $1.18/bdft Those 70 logs could be worth $8,000, and possibly a lot more, depending on size, species, use you could put them too, etc.

My mill was $13,500 in 1991 when I bought it. LT40 with a Briggs 18hp engine on it. The LT35 is the closest model today, basically the same mill, but comes with a bigger hp engine standard (was an option then) ....it runs $16,000. Those 70 logs could pay for half off a brand new mill comparable to what I have and of course, there are a whole lot of more manual mills than mine out there you could spend a lot less than $8,000 on new.

 

[fried1765]

That alone would probably pay for a mill if you have use of the lumber. Here are the results of four 12' logs out of one poplar tree that was about 24" diameter at the butt end. 106 2x4x12 plus a couple that could be cut back to something shorter.

Out the door price of a 2x4x12 at Home Depot (here, today) is $9.41 That makes that stack worth $996 (again, assuming you can use them)

I figure my cost to saw is around 5 cents/bdft. 8bdft in a 2x4x12 = 40 cents out of pocket to saw (not counting my labor) 106 x .40 = $42.4

$996-42.4= $954.60

Takes me about 4 hours to saw those 4 logs. (one man show, and I'm old ) That works out to $238 per hour of UN-TAXED income. No doubt there are some highly paid folks on here, but for most of us little guys, 238 bucks an hour ain't bad for doing something fun.

No clue as to the size of your 70 logs, but say they just average 100bdft per log.....that's 7,000 bdft of lumber to saw. That 2x4x12 at Home Depot is running $1.18/bdft Those 70 logs could be worth $8,000, and possibly a lot more, depending on size, species, use you could put them too, etc.

My mill was $13,500 in 1991 when I bought it. LT40 with a Briggs 18hp engine on it. The LT35 is the closest model today, basically the same mill, but comes with a bigger hp engine standard (was an option then) ....it runs $16,000. Those 70 logs could pay for half off a brand new mill comparable to what I have and of course, there are a whole lot of more manual mills than mine out there you could spend a lot less than $8,000 on new.

I hate that I am now too old for this!

 

[s219]

That alone would probably pay for a mill if you have use of the lumber. Here are the results of four 12' logs out of one poplar tree that was about 24" diameter at the butt end. 106 2x4x12 plus a couple that could be cut back to something shorter.

Out the door price of a 2x4x12 at Home Depot (here, today) is $9.41 That makes that stack worth $996 (again, assuming you can use them)

I figure my cost to saw is around 5 cents/bdft. 8bdft in a 2x4x12 = 40 cents out of pocket to saw (not counting my labor) 106 x .40 = $42.4

$996-42.4= $954.60

Takes me about 4 hours to saw those 4 logs. (one man show, and I'm old ) That works out to $238 per hour of UN-TAXED income. No doubt there are some highly paid folks on here, but for most of us little guys, 238 bucks an hour ain't bad for doing something fun.

No clue as to the size of your 70 logs, but say they just average 100bdft per log.....that's 7,000 bdft of lumber to saw. That 2x4x12 at Home Depot is running $1.18/bdft Those 70 logs could be worth $8,000, and possibly a lot more, depending on size, species, use you could put them too, etc.

My mill was $13,500 in 1991 when I bought it. LT40 with a Briggs 18hp engine on it. The LT35 is the closest model today, basically the same mill, but comes with a bigger hp engine standard (was an option then) ....it runs $16,000. Those 70 logs could pay for half off a brand new mill comparable to what I have and of course, there are a whole lot of more manual mills than mine out there you could spend a lot less than $8,000 on new.

I love seeing that stack of lumber. I imagine at some point I'll get into sawing boards for furniture projects, but for now I am having a good time making 2x4 and 2x6 framing lumber and 6x6 posts and beams. Like you, I perceive the value immensely, since I am used to buying them from the store and the prices are crazy recently. I also think a home sawmill is ideal for framing lumber because it doesn't have to be pretty but it comes out looking so nice that it's a source of pride. Being new to this I am getting the hang of what I can produce out of a log and even a small log can yield a good amount of 2x4 or 2x6 sticks (I normally cut my logs to 8'6", 12'6", or 16'6").

The only time I had a real strikeout was this log that was curved and I didn't realize it until I put it on the mill. I only got one good 2x6, one marginal 2x6 (needs to be cut shorter), and then the rest of the marginal 2x6 pieces went back on the mill and were sliced down to 2x4's. I'll probably avoid those curved logs in the future, too much trouble. Highly tapered logs seem to be a pain too, but I am learning how to work with them and not make too much waste.

 

[plastikosmd]

Just checking (as my sawmill operates a bit differently)

The point of these sheds is:
1) mill protection ?
2) operator protection in inclement weather?
3) wood storage?
4) all of above?

I need to figure out #3 at least for bug/weather protection as my mill is kept in heated/dry storage between uses and I don稚 cut in the rain/snow

 

[Rustyiron]

I love seeing that stack of lumber. I am learning how to work with them and not make too much waste.

I'm learning too. It's amazing the amount (or ratio) of boards/slab that I produce. Hopefully this will improve with experience. I'm with ya on the satisfaction of cutting your own lumber, an unexpected bonus that's darn near priceless.
Your shed is great and I'll be building one in the spring, winter's here make the groundwork just not worth it. I've scrounged 11 38' bar joists for the roof system. Hopefully there will be room for some firewood processing also.

:thumbsup: on your other post of the tulip bark shingles and house. Beautiful

 

[czechsonofagun]

That's a really good price for two of them. Here, they cost $210 each. Shop 1-3/4x11-7/8"-24''' LVL at McCoy'''s

Your building is very similar to what I want to do for hay storage. I want a 24 foot opening and the best price I've seen is for a glulam at $270 Shop 3-1/8x14-24''' Glulam at McCoy'''s

I'm looking forward to seeing how you do the roof. My plan for my hay shed is to run 2x10 rafters from the back wall, out over the from glulam beam and extend it another 4 feet for a little extra protection from the rain.

I bought mine at local Home Depot, actually the one closest does not carry it but the one in Manassas does. Based on the pieces they have, it seems you can have it cut to size, too. It was only about hundred bucks, I was really surprised.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/11-7-8-...ine-Laminated-Veneer-Lumber-2100150/205301927

 

[czechsonofagun]

Just checking (as my sawmill operates a bit differently)

The point of these sheds is:
1) mill protection ?
2) operator protection in inclement weather?
3) wood storage?
4) all of above?

I need to figure out #3 at least for bug/weather protection as my mill is kept in heated/dry storage between uses and I don稚 cut in the rain/snow

1 and 2 for me only, but thats plenty of reason. Covering with tarp gets old fast.

 

[czechsonofagun]

The LVL beams are interesting. Spanning 19 feet is something I need for a project I知 thinking about.

I do have to include snow loads into account for a span that far though.

If I had the overhead room, i would build a truss from 2x4s but the existing structure was my limit. We got some snow in VA, but never too bad or lasting too long.

 

[Ken45101]

The front beam was originally going to be rough sawn pine, 6x14 by 25' long, to go the full 24' span between the front posts. I went as far as cruising my timber and picking the tree I would fell to make the beam, plan the skid route, etc. Then I did some math and realized that the beam would weigh almost 800 pounds when fresh cut. I didn't like the idea of lifting something that heavy and long with my front loader and I figured it might be impossible to horse it into final position

I have an old barn here (hand hewn, mortise and tenon posts and beams) with one beam 12"x16"x 36 feet that supports a section of the loft. I can't imagine how much effort it took to get that fitted and in place!

Ken

 

[Ken45101]

I'm learning too. It's amazing the amount (or ratio) of boards/slab that I produce. Hopefully this will improve with experience.

The slabs, especially from the tapered logs, make great firewood, which is a major need here.

Ken

 

[shooterdon]

That alone would probably pay for a mill if you have use of the lumber. Here are the results of four 12' logs out of one poplar tree that was about 24" diameter at the butt end. 106 2x4x12 plus a couple that could be cut back to something shorter.

Out the door price of a 2x4x12 at Home Depot (here, today) is $9.41 That makes that stack worth $996 (again, assuming you can use them)

I figure my cost to saw is around 5 cents/bdft. 8bdft in a 2x4x12 = 40 cents out of pocket to saw (not counting my labor) 106 x .40 = $42.4

$996-42.4= $954.60

Takes me about 4 hours to saw those 4 logs. (one man show, and I'm old ) That works out to $238 per hour of UN-TAXED income. No doubt there are some highly paid folks on here, but for most of us little guys, 238 bucks an hour ain't bad for doing something fun.

No clue as to the size of your 70 logs, but say they just average 100bdft per log.....that's 7,000 bdft of lumber to saw. That 2x4x12 at Home Depot is running $1.18/bdft Those 70 logs could be worth $8,000, and possibly a lot more, depending on size, species, use you could put them too, etc.

My mill was $13,500 in 1991 when I bought it. LT40 with a Briggs 18hp engine on it. The LT35 is the closest model today, basically the same mill, but comes with a bigger hp engine standard (was an option then) ....it runs $16,000. Those 70 logs could pay for half off a brand new mill comparable to what I have and of course, there are a whole lot of more manual mills than mine out there you could spend a lot less than $8,000 on new.

Thanks for sharing those numbers,

I am old too (70) but my buddy is 55. between us it should be fun to make some lumber but I know I need to contribute more $$ and time to his brawn.

He is looking at a much cheaper mill (less than $6000) with less capacity than you have. I doubt it will cut as fast, but even "making" $100/hr tax free for two guys is good money IMO. Heck I would mill if I could net $25/hr after amortizing the cost of the mill.

Those free logs I can get are pine but we are looking at milling hardwoods too.

 

[Ken45101]

I am old too (70) but my buddy is 55. between us it should be fun to make some lumber but I know I need to contribute more $$ and time to his brawn.

He is looking at a much cheaper mill (less than $6000)

FWIW, I'm 73 and definitely age is taking it's toll. I bought the Harbor Freight mill ($2000). It's a lot of hard, slow work but I'm getting some beautiful boards and doing some smaller projects that would be very expensive to buy lumber for. A 8' x 12" x6/4 oak board is heavy! Bui it would be a lot easier in a two person operation.

Ken

 

[TnAndy]

Thanks for sharing those numbers,

I am old too (70) but my buddy is 55.

I just turned 70. Another 10-15 years or so, and I'll probably consider selling my mill.

 

[fried1765]

I just turned 70. Another 10-15 years or so, and I'll probably consider selling my mill.

I should have bought a mill at 65, when I began building my Summer cottage in Nova Scotia.
Too late now!
I am 80, and the Summer cottage was sold 2 years ago.
I did buy all of my framing lumber (hemlock) from a local mill there though.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

A friend of mine is upgrading his mill from an old LT 25 to a new LT 35 hyd. I hope to be able to buy the LT 25 when his new one comes in 5 months from now. Yes, that is right 5 month lead time on WM mills right now. This LT 25 has been rode hard and put up wet but its still a solid mill, might just need a little love and a shed to live in for the rest of it's days. I honestly think there will be LOTS of used mills hit the market in the next 5 years as everyone buying them because of high lumber prices sells them once lumber drops again or they come to the realization milling is not for them. I have been wanting a mill for a long time. And at 46 yo, sounds like the perfect time to buy one. Anyway back on topic, I like TN Andy's idea about a ground level log bunk. I have the PERFECT spot for in on an unused slope adjacent to a larger area that would be great for a woodlot. My Branson will lift a decent sized log but you're always gonna run into those too big logs.

 

[fried1765]

A friend of mine is upgrading his mill from an old LT 25 to a new LT 35 hyd. I hope to be able to buy the LT 25 when his new one comes in 5 months from now. Yes, that is right 5 month lead time on WM mills right now. This LT 25 has been rode hard and put up wet but its still a solid mill, might just need a little love and a shed to live in for the rest of it's days. I honestly think there will be LOTS of used mills hit the market in the next 5 years as everyone buying them because of high lumber prices sells them once lumber drops again or they come to the realization milling is not for them. I have been wanting a mill for a long time. And at 46 yo, sounds like the perfect time to buy one. Anyway back on topic, I like TN Andy's idea about a ground level log bunk. I have the PERFECT spot for in on an unused slope adjacent to a larger area that would be great for a woodlot. My Branson will lift a decent sized log but you're always gonna run into those too big logs.

At 46, you definitely need to go for it.
I am 34 years ahead of you, so for me, any ideas of a mill are just that....ideas!

 

[TnAndy]

A friend of mine is upgrading his mill from an old LT 25 to a new LT 35 hyd. I hope to be able to buy the LT 25 when his new one comes in 5 months from now. Yes, that is right 5 month lead time on WM mills right now. This LT 25 has been rode hard and put up wet but its still a solid mill, might just need a little love and a shed to live in for the rest of it's days. I honestly think there will be LOTS of used mills hit the market in the next 5 years as everyone buying them because of high lumber prices sells them once lumber drops again or they come to the realization milling is not for them. I have been wanting a mill for a long time. And at 46 yo, sounds like the perfect time to buy one. Anyway back on topic, I like TN Andy's idea about a ground level log bunk. I have the PERFECT spot for in on an unused slope adjacent to a larger area that would be great for a woodlot. My Branson will lift a decent sized log but you're always gonna run into those too big logs.

Yep...I was 40 when I bought mine, and that's been more than a million bdft ago

I'm hoping to get back on my new mill shed this spring, life has gotten in the way for the last couple years.

 

[s219]

Nothing happened yesterday while we got pounded by a Nor'Easter, but I was back out early this morning getting the rafters up. The tail end of the storm was rain that froze overnight, so everything had a thin glaze of ice but it burned off by about 10am.



Got a real nice precision fit on all the birdsmouth cuts, although since this is green lumber I bet they won't look that nice for long.



This fresh sawn SYP lumber is very nice, most has very tight grain and is nice to work with. That's a 2x4 in the photo below. Smells great too. Only problem is sap everywhere. Will need to figure out how to wash it off my clothes at some point.



Tomorrow will be the roof purlins, fly rafters, fascia, and drip edge, then I'll be ready to start putting up the metal.

 

[czechsonofagun]

Are you using MasterRib?