making lumber, finally $2,500/board foot.

[newbury]

preamble -
When I first discovered this board about 11 months ago I wanted to get a skidsteer for my land in Ms. ( I live in the suburbs of DC on a 1/4 acre lot) to make trails and cut wood.
Well thanks primarily to EddieWalker I got turned on to a TLB need and ended up with what's in my sig. Then from links here I found arboristsite, where I got "turned on" to Alaskan Mills, and won a John Deere CS62. (pic1) and put it in a mill (pic3)

Well I've got some trees on my lot in Va. which need to be removed and the tractor is good at moving stuff (pic2).

So after spending about $20,000 I've finally gotten two planks, net cost about $2,500/ board foot. (pic 4)

I expect cost/bf will drop rapidly

It's been a long year, with lots of trouble, but it looks like the plan is doable.

I greatly appreciate all the help and knowledge I've gained from this board.

 

[czechsonofagun]

Nice setup. I use the log mill to get boards out of the woods, since I dont have loader. Sometimes I just slab the log in two pieces and take home for final milling. Love my mill.

 

[20 20]

I have a small band mill, what a great piece of equipment, if one doesn't mind a little elbow grease. I have built many things, from decks to a 2 story house.

 

[Egon]

It's always refreshing milling your own lumber.

Makes one feel like something has been done.

 

[MotorSeven]

Ahhh, but the smell of 2stroke, and sawdust in your pockets, ears, shirt, etc.......priceless!

 

[EddieWalker]

I like the way you think!! With that much money into your first boards, I hope to see you make something special out of it. Just for grins, maybe an emplty plaque of the nicest grain. Sand it to the max, give it a nice stain and finish. Then frame it.

People will ask you about it, and you can tell them your story about what it's worth.

Eddie

 

[jmc]

$2,500/board foot? Who-da-thought that making your own lumber would be cheaper than catching your own fish?

 

[newbury]

I like the way you think!! With that much money into your first boards, I hope to see you make something special out of it. Just for grins, maybe an emplty plaque of the nicest grain. Sand it to the max, give it a nice stain and finish. Then frame it.

People will ask you about it, and you can tell them your story about what it's worth.

Eddie

Thanks Eddie, that's a great idea!
Just have to let it sit for a while.

 

[tlbuser]

So after spending about $20,000 I've finally gotten two planks, net cost about $2,500/ board foot. (pic 4)

Man, that's dirt cheap for anything that keeps you occupied and able to produce something that the wife will eventually need.
How many of the neighbors husbands are jealous? How many of the neighbors think you're a little loony?

 

[hobie]

I lost a lot more than that from my "retirement account" the past fw years. Wish I'd spent it like you did! I look forward to pics of projects!