Mobile Saw Milling
Our Mobile Saw Mill
The saw we use is an AutoTrek, wide band, Mobile Saw Mill. It operates as a totally self-contained unit, powered by it own diesel engine and is complete with hydraulic log lifting, turning, squaring and clamping facility.
​
The mill has a maximum width of cut of 1 meter which means that we can cut boards up to 1m wide (3ft 3inches). Logs larger than 1m in diameter can still easily be milled by first removing their corners so that they can fit within our maximum width of cut.
The maximum length of timber that can be placed on the mill is 5m (16ft) and the bed of the saw is capable of holding a maximum weight of 3.5 ton (which is a very, very large log).
​
Being a 'wide-band' saw it boasts a more stable and reliable quality of cut than most other mobile band saws. Giving you less wastage of your timber and a smoother surface to your boards. (If you are planning on future planing and thicknessing of your timber then this accuracy can significantly save you time further down the line).
​
Find out how we charge
We now only use bands on our saw which are tipped with hard wearing Stellite Tips - this means that the saw stays sharper for longer, resulting in a higher level of productivity to our day.
​
The only additional item the saw will require from your site is 15 or so litres of water for its lubrication system. If water is not available on-site please let us know so that we can bring sufficient supplies with us.
What The Day Entails
A day of milling will start with us arriving at your premises towing the mill behind our Land-Rover at 8:30am unless otherwise discussed. We are quite well versed at manoeuvring the mill as best as possible but bear in mind that we have a combined length of ...long and ... wide.
​
The mill does require a relatively level site for safe, efficient operation and should be set up and ready to go within half an hour or so of being parked up.
​
In addition to the mill itself we will also be amply equipped with chainsaws, lifting slings, spare bands (blades), and other specialist equipment as well as some spare parts and a repair toolkit.
​
The process of log loading and timber off-loading is greatly improved if a forklift or tele-handler is available on site. It is not essential, but where there are large volumes to mill or particularly heavy beams to be cut, it will increase productivity significantly. With prior arraignment we can supply our tele-handler.
​
It can be advisable to have an additional pair of hands on-site to aid the moving and stacking of timber. This can be yourself or we can supply an experienced worker who is used to our machinery in the process of milling.
Once timber is removed from the mill, it will be consolidated into packs with batons (referred to as sticks) separating the boards to enable even drying. The way in which timber is stored is essential for ensuring its usability and due thought, time and space must be given to its storage if you plan on keeping it for some time.
​
Do not be surprised if there is a degree of down time within a day of milling - time will be required for log cleaning and loading, timber sorting and staking as well as blade changes and refuelling etc. In addition, during an eight hour working day we stop for a morning break of aproximately 15 minutes and a lunch break of 40 minutes.
​
When we leave the site at the end of the project it is likely you will be left with some timber to organise or stack away, a pile of saw dust and fire wood offcuts.
Upon arrangement we are happy to undertake the removal and organising of all of the above.
Our day rate for Mobile Saw Milling is £320 per 8hr working day with one operative. Where a day's hours dramatically exceed 8 hrs additional hours may be charged
Additional worker - £120 per pay. It is preferable to the operation and it is often cost effective to have a second worker on-site. We can supply at cost an experienced, operative with their own PPE, who is covered by our Employers Liability insurance.
​
Areas of Operation - For sites further than 25 miles from our base in South West Herefordshire we may need to charge an additional mileage fee - this is something we can discuss and in most instances we are more than happy to work further afield.
​
Supply of Tele-Handler Loader to be discussed - we have the option of bringing our 3 ton lifting Loader to site which can greatly improve output. Local sites can be driven to, but for sites further afield it may be necessary to deliver it with a lorry.
​
Potential Additional Costs - Within the days hire of the mill, we supply it with a newly sharpened blade (band). In the instance that we require further bands, we will charge you the cost we incure for their resharpening.
​
How We Charge
If we hit stones, mud or metal (such as nails) the band will need to be changed and sent away for resharpening at a cost of £17 per band.
In the instances where larger metal objects are hit such as gate hooks the band may be damaged and require re-tipping at a cost of £120 per band. It is our prerogative to determine when a band is blunt and if it has been damaged.