To build a sawmill on your own, with or without a guide, takes proper planning calculations, and most importantly depends on the materials and tools used. The good thing about this guide is that you can also make it a mobile portable sawmill because it’s metal and there is a spot in the build that can accommodate two wheels. This is the last DIY on a sawmill and it’s a cheap DIY project.
Learning how to build a bandsaw mill can be quite the undertaking. Read on for some free bandsaw mill plans you can do yourself! As you can probably tell, learning how to build a bandsaw mill won’t be right for everyone.
A homemade sawmill will provide you with the ability to cut logs into lumber cheaply and efficiently. Take a sawmill along with you so the cut logs can be milled on-site to reduce the number of times the logs have to be moved. The sawmill is not too big, yet it is powerful enough to cut hardwood logs into lumber.
The only calculations I made were for figuring out pulley sizes to get the right blade speed and determine how far apart the wheels should be for a certain blade length. I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t even order a blade until the saw was almost done. Because the first blade I bought was too narrow, there was no hope for the blade guides to do their job.
how to build a homemade bandsaw sawmill Related Question:
How much does it cost to build your own sawmill?
The cost of a portable mill is about $1,500 for the base mill, plus an optional $500+ for a mechanical jack-hoist to get the logs up on the bed. A stationary mill, with all components but the engine bought new, would cost $5,000 or $6,000, and about half that used — and you still have to install it.
How long should pine dry before milling?
Depending on the thickness of the lumber and where you live, weather and time of the year, it will take anywhere from 6 weeks to 4 months. Most lumber is in the 1” to 2” thickness and the time above applies to thicknesses. Drying cants, timbers, posts will take considerably longer.
Do sawmills make money?
A portable sawmill can be worth the investment. It can provide a source of wood for your own projects and give you a side business. For a source of lumber, as well as a profitable business, a portable sawmill can be a key piece of equipment on your farm.
Can you make money selling rough cut lumber?
When you first get a sawmill, the primary ways to make money are selling lumber or cutting for people. However, cutting for people is kind of tricky, because you’ll want to have some experience before you start doing that. If you’re cutting by the board foot and you take your time it doesn’t really matter too much.