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Milling Services
A fully portable mill is a great way to turn valuable trees on your property into dimensional lumber or timbers that you can use in a variety of applications. A fully hydraulic mill makes loading, turning and levelling the large logs we have here on the coast much faster and saves you money.
Call me... 604-989-9402
The first step is to call me and we can discuss your project. The location of the logs, the size and species and the dimensions of your desired wood in your final project are all important factors when considering cost and timing.
Move the logs (and call me 604-989-9402)
You may have just one log or many. Depending on the size of the project I may need a photograph or visit the site. If you have not cut the trees yet, now is a great time to discuss what lengths to buck them and the ideal placement of logs.
Milling Day
On milling day, I will arrive and set up and level the mill. I charge a set fee for this service (set up and take down) of one hour no matter how long it takes me. Safety and work flow are key. If you live more than 15 minutes away I charge from the time I leave my house to the end of the day. Essentially travel time is charged in only one direction. Once I get going I will then charge you by the hours worked less any time for breaks or lunch. The mill will cut a 34 inch diameter log and has a maximum cutting width of 26 inches for a six inch slab. Larger logs can be quarter sawn by chainsaw and milled in sections although this is time consuming. Since I turn the mill on and off for fuel efficiency the hourly rate is based on my time not "engine" time.
Sawdust
Milling happens fast so there is a good deal of work that goes into moving slabs, lumber, stacking and loading wood. You can save time and money by helping out and by having a cut list of wood prepared. I can cut to any dimension you like. Milling is noisy so let your neighbours know. When we are done I will leave you with a stack of wood, a stack of slabs and a pile of sawdust. If the job takes more than one day I charge you travel time from the point at which I leave my house to the end of the day at your property which, again, works out to travel being charged in one direction.
Stacking lumber
You are going to need room for all this lumber and the side cuts and slabs. Organizing the cut list and ordering and stacking and "stickering" the wood in a place it can air dry is important. We can either load your wood directly onto a trailer or truck or stack on site. Slabs can be cut into firewood and the sawdust is great for levelling lawns or gardens and compost. Keep in mind I can cut to any dimension you prefer. Milled wood is "green" and will change dimension until it has air dried, so knowing the final dimension of your wood and if it will be planed (dressed) is important. Keeping it out of the rain and direct sunlight is also key. If you don't have stickers to air dry the wood don't worry we can cut some up.
Clean Up
You can save money by dealing with the off cuts yourself or hiring labour locally. If you don't own or like using a chainsaw I can buck up the wood and in some cases remove it for for a fee. The most economical solution, however, is for me to operate the mill and leave you with the sawdust and slabs. Some people like to use the slabs for fencing or garden projects. The cost of the mill takedown is included in the minimum setup cost. I appreciate being paid in full at the end of a job or if it is a large job then partial payments as we go is appreciated.
Satisfaction Guarantee
Wood is Good! We are so lucky to have some of the finest wood on the planet let's not waste it. Milling your logs at your location is a sustainable, intelligent use of trees when they have to come down.