Portable Sawmill Services
The Dusty Carpenter is based in Ngaruawahia, North Waikato. Our key pieces of equipment include a Wood-Mizer LT40 and a Granberg Alaskan mill. This allows us to mill trees and logs on-site. We can work closely with you to ensure you receive the portable sawmill service that you require and help reduce the time and hassle associated with moving the logs. This provides the most cost-effective and time-efficient option for you. We can travel wherever you require in the North Island, with our main area of operations being the Waikato.
To help our clients understand the benefits of portable sawmilling, I have written an article linked here that discusses the reasons portable sawmilling is a great option for you.
Wood-Mizer Sawmill
We operate a Wood-Mizer LT40 Sawmill. This type of sawmill produces a high yield from logs, particularly smaller diameter logs. This is excellent for ensuring that you get the most usable lumber possible.
The maximum log size that can be cut is 800mm and 6.1m in length. The widest board that can be cut is 600mm in width, and the depth can vary from 800mm to 16mm. Logs are easily and quickly loaded and turned hydraulically with loading arms and a steel claw turner, allowing for fast and efficient operations.
Due to the width restraints of the Wood-Mizer, it is not ideal for slabbing logs. Logs below 600mm can be slabbed, but anything larger often needs the edges to be trimmed. This will cut the live edge off part, or all of the slabs. For slabs, we use a Granberg Alaskan Mill, detailed below.
Granberg Alaskan Mill
The second machine that we operate is a Granberg Alaskan 60in Mill. This mill is perfect for slabbing large logs into big chunky slabs. It’s great for keeping the live edge on larger logs while being extremely portable.
The maximum log size that can be cut is 1400mm in diameter. There is no limit to the length of the cut, however, for ease of handling it is recommended that logs are no greater than 3m in length. Logs can be milled where they lay and do not require adjustment. This is a great option for areas with difficult access or logs too large to safely handle with the equipment available.
With the Granberg Alaskan Mill, the kerf of cut is approximately 10mm. This reduces the yield of the log compared to that of the Wood-Mizer. It is also a slower cut, taking between 5-10min per meter of cut (depending on the species of timber).
The Portable Sawmill Process
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Milling charges are $150/hr + GST, inclusive of labor and machinery cost. A minimum 2 hour fee of $300 plus GST applies to all jobs when traveling offsite. If you’re able to transport the logs to us, a minimum 1 hour feed of $150 plus GST applies.
We can also provide a consultation service, at a fee of $70 per hour, plus GST and a travel fee.
Additional charges that may apply. This includes mileage if travelling (based off the current IRD rate). If metal strikes occur a 50% cost of the blade will apply. If overnight stays are required a cost of $50 per night will apply. This will be waved if you’re able to provide accommodation and food.
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Enquire now to discuss what milling work you require. We can also assist with the planning and preparation of the site. We are able to provide a consultation, helping you determine what trees are best to mill, how best to set up a site and potential uses for your timber.
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Once we have an understanding of the work that is required we will draft up an estimate for the job. Once this estimate has been accepted, the milling can be scheduled.
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We will tow the mill to your job site and begin work. If you have someone available, it is recommended that you assist with the unloading and stacking of the boards, as this will allow us to focus on milling. It is also recommended to have a machine able to move the logs. While this can be done by hand or with a vehicle and winch, it is a lot faster and mor efficient when able to us something like a tractor.
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Once all the work is completed an invoice will be sent to you for payment. This will be due within 5 days of work being completed unless agreed upon otherwise.
