Homestead mailing list

[Clansgian AT wmconnect.com]

Rob writes:

> People have built their own band mills for a lot less than you can buy one.
> Try this site for ideas & such http://www.diybandmill.com/
> If I had a spare $4-5K I'd go buy a Norwood 
> http://www.norwoodindustries.com/ or look for a used mill at 
> http://www.sawmill-exchange.com/
> 

Good sites and thanks.  If I had the $5K I was inclinded to invest in my own 
enterprises, I'd do that too.  And may some day.  Looking for the cheaper way 
right now.



> FWIW I met a guy (in MN) who bought a Woodmizer ( http://www.woodmizer.com/ 
> ), he spent $20k+ on it. He was a school teacher and said he paid for it 
> that first summer.
> 

Yes, but I bet he earned it.  That whole thing appeals to my version of the 
homestead pastoral economy, let the tool you need for your own use pay for 
itself by the work you can do with it.  But I'm imagining one would earn that 
$20K 
in a summer.

While I need some sheeting and framing planks, my long term need is for 
staves less than two quarters thick, four to six inches wide and less than 
30" 
long.  What are other alternatives for milling or resawing such staves.  I've 
tried the stationary bandsaw (an old Toledo meat saw converted) and it did OK 
but 
was not ideal by any means.  I've resawn by hand using  a framing saw and it 
works fine but you wouldn't want to make a career of it.

James