An Important Consideration when Deciding on a Sawmill

When deciding on what size sawmill to purchase, an important factor that is often overlooked is what is your current and expected future log handling capacity. What size do I really need and can also handle? How do I choose the right sized mill? One factor that is rarely mentioned is discussed in this short clip.
I am handling a 24 inch diameter Douglas Fir with a Peavey, trying to get it into the right position on the mill.

[@bwillan]

I am surprised more people don't consider how they are going to load the log onto their mills. I think the reason why small bandmills are popular is their relatively low cost. The only advantage bandsaw mills have over swingblades is when it comes to making live edge slabs. Cutting dimensional lumber is where a swingblade really shines.

[@johnssawmill]

I agree with you 100% and there is another advantage, if your bringing a mill to a customer's site, and if the bandsaw mill is on a trailer it is a much quicker setup than the Lucas Mill. Thanks for your comments!

[@bwillan]

@@johnssawmill If the customer has several decent sized logs to mill, I think the setup time of the swingblade mill evens out due to not having to constantly rotate the log as it's milled.

[@johnssawmill]

Good point!