I've wanted a mill for years and sold a piece of property last year, making just enough profit to order Woodmizer's bottom of the line model. I ordered it on March 25, it finally came in on October 25, and I had so much going on then that I didn't have time to set it up before winter. Years ago I subscribed to Sawmill Magazine and still have the back issues someplace. They had some really good ideas, including a big writeup on solar vs conventional kilns.Really glad to see this thread started.
I just ordered the solar fans for my kiln and they will arrive this week. (was waiting for the price to drop some) . The kiln will hopefully be built this summer . I will be ordering a woodland mills HM130 Max with extension in 2-3 months. I figure that's when I will have all my pennies saved up for the purchase . I hate charging stuff on credit so we have been saving for a while for this one. The local building inspector said we could build our shop/garage with our own sawn lumber so that will be a huge savings. Pics when purchased.
My neighbor bought a Woodland Mill last year. He didn't wait anywhere near as long as I did and his came assembled. They had a minor issue with it, but contacted the factory which sent a replacement part immediately, no questions asked. The mills are made in China but made to company specs, which is based in the USA. (I believe that it's owned by an ex-Marine, who gives preference to veterans when hiring.)
I would like to see a sawmill forum here and had been holding off on starting this thread, but so far it hasn't materialized.