Comparing Norwood, Woodland Mills and Frontier Sawmills

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you to those of you who informed me that the Norwood LM29 does not have the option for hydraulics. I mistakenly suggested that they did in the video.

[@jonathanlemire2797]

Very helpful review. Woodlands mills has since started selling a shiplap attachment too, priced at around 500$.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Funny you mentioned that as I just got one of those attachments and installed it. Check out the sawmill playlist for my latest videos using that lap siding attachment. Thanks again for watching.

[@scottcourville1191]

I got my hm 126 last year after two major hurricanes destroyed our area in south west Louisiana Vinton La. we have millions of trees on the ground , I wished i had got a 130 with electric start though , I love my mill , i learned how to make my track flat " as you said it worked good , i watch all your new videos , woodland has good service too Brenna is really friendly and we always speak french to each other .

[@michaelbradley8508]

A lot of work went into research and development of this video - thank you. Michael from Alberta

[@sawingwithsandy]

Glad it was helpful. There’s so much info available now it’s just a matter of putting it all together.

[@blizzardsailing8020]

FYI...I did purchase a Norwood LM29v2. Shipping weight: 960lbs (Comes on one pallet ). Make sure to count and verify all boxes upon delivery. The drivers are paid to wait while this is done. Does not matter if all the parts are in the box (Norwood will replace those as needed) just that you have all the boxes. Once you sign for the shipment all bets are off. If a box is missing Norwood will NOT replace it for free. This is because insurance will cover a missing box up until you sign for it. The blade covers are attached with just rubber retention bands which are fine but not as nice as the hinged versions on other mills. The Honda engine is the most durable but the throttle system is not designed for it. I had to jury rig it to give me full throttle. I strengthened the frame by using 2 lengths of 3"x4" square iron and welded them to the small leveling feet ($400) Regarding the trailer pkg, don't get it. I purchased a 4'x4' utility trailer from Northern Tool ($300) and mounted the axle to the square iron sub-frame, that I mentioned above, and the square trailer frame and hitch to the front of the frame. The trailer also comes with lights and a certificate of origin so you can get it registered with no problem. I also purchased 6 leveling jacks ($240) and welded them to the subframe so I can level the mill in about 15min. I can now tow it to where my logs are and level it in about 30min. I suggest you get an additional dogging kit (LM29V2-DRKIT Log Dog/Log Rest Kit $300) as some smaller boards will tend to bend away from the backstops due to having only one point of contact on the dogging side. Hope this helps someone that may be looking at a Norwood or can use it to compare with other sawmills.

[@nsphonetag]

Hi Sandy, the biggest difference between the competition was not just the 30 inch log size the 130 max has a 30 inch board capacity.

[@leesherman9483]

I just purchased the HM130 Max also. I did find out from them that this mill is made in China. That may sway some people understandably. It’s incredibly well made it seems. It took me 3 full days of assembly to get it ready for milling. I’m very happy though.

[@princessdaughterofthekingj8187]

I thought it was made in Canada? We called and they said their in Canada when talking to me about my banking info

[@DK-jd8bj]

@@princessdaughterofthekingj8187 The company is based out of Canada. But like a lot of crappy companies they outsource production. That definitely changed my mind about this company. Going to go with wood mizer. USA made.

[@j.r.576]

@@princessdaughterofthekingj8187 I spoke to them a month ago and was told that the mills were designed in Canda, parts made on Canada with assembly being in China.

[@sarahjavea2303]

Thanks you so much for this detailed review, we were just about to sit down and do a comparison when we luckily found your video. Off to purchase the woodland. Thanks again for all your hard work it was really helpful. Sarah

[@johnvernon6663]

Hi Sandy, just looking at the Woodland Mills website and I see that the HM130Max is manufactured in China and imported to Canada for distribution. There are plenty of other similar Chinese mills available at similar pricing Canada wide. This for me is enough to stick with a domestically produced mill, even at a higher price point. Thanks for the great info though on your spreadsheet.

[@oldschoolworks8517]

I was leaning to a domestic mill and I typically try to steer clear of Chinese tools, for obvious reasons. However, after doing hours of research, I think the Woodland Mills Sawmill is an exception. Tons and I mean TONS of positive customer reviews, comparisons on build, service, function, etc. I chose the Woodland Mills and am very comfortable with that choice, despite my original hesitation. I ordered mine 2 weeks ago and will do a review once I get it set up.

[@snickersberet4792]

Do what you have to do ( or probably already done) but woodland mills is worth its money and I'm a hard-core patriot hoss. Woodland mills assembly alone is worth buying. About 1/3 of the assembly of others because keeping price down they can't compete so their mills comes totally unassembled while wooldmills will definitely surprise you. Still no pinic in Hawaii but it's the saw to buy. Woodland mills 126 will satisfy most people that will go from novice to pro.. then those big bad 50 thousand dollar mills might be worth it. I believe by then woodland mills will have a full hydraulic sawmill for its extremely loyal customers. Oh buy the way,,, I don't think I've ever seen a log yet that sandy couldn't have handled with a woodland mills 126 on all the vids I've watched. Not saying he has not ripped a full log that was at those 130s end points but just saying.

[@bradsouter8348]

I own an HM130 Trekker, after all the improvements and upgrades, wish I waited a while. Mine is still under warranty but there have been many changes to them for the better and the price hasn't skyrocketed like most companies. You were very correct in the statement that customer service is second to NONE. I have enjoyed my mill and continue to,,,when the weather is good,,,, and hope to for years to come. Good luck and enjoy your mill.

[@sawingwithsandy]

There are definitely some great improvements that Woodland Mills has been doing recently. That HM130Max looks like a great sawmill and if I didn't already own the HM130 I'd likely buy that one. Happy sawing!

[@bradsouter8348]

@@sawingwithsandy I too wish I was just now looking,,, but,,, I love the one I have and with my help have milled up too 1500 + bd ft in a day. And yes, we were wore out

[@sawingwithsandy]

Wow that is a good jag of wood to cut but bet it was worth it

[@Andrew_From_NB]

Hey Sandy! Thanks for this breakdown and discussion! A lot of research went into that I can tell along with getting all your discussion points in order! Appreciate you doing this and although I might not ever have an opportunity to have a mill.. but if I do, then this really helps! Thanks again Sandy! Andrew from NB :)

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Andrew. I really appreciate you checking out the videos I"ve got posted. Good to have ya along

[@billywray4524]

i have owned 8 sawmills over a 40 year period. i was one of woodmizers first customers to be built. let me say this. they all have cut great as its a engine and a blade. woodmizer is way way over priced for what they offer. norwood over charges for there price and also lots of plastic and they rob u on parts.Hands down my woodland mills are the best. no comparison and i have not heard his video yet. who ever designed woodlands mills has run manual sawmills before.Why all manufactures dont raise there bunks like woodland does so u can get the log on the mill without rolling it is beyond me. take it from me woodlands hands down

[@lectro88]

as you said... Customer service is 2nd to None at Woodland. I also bought the hm130max with 2 extensions, 20 blades and spare parts kit. No other company comes close to their great customer service. I also SEARCHED high and low for 1 thing negative about Woodland... and found nothing but good. Also I had my mill delivered to my door 7 days to the hour after payment. now that was NY to NC so just my experience.(worth noting) Incredible.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I agree with ya there. Great sawmills and service!

[@albiggers9348]

A lot of the info you were not sure about or couldn't find is available in assembly videos and operating videos. Some stuff is still hidden. Thanks for the research. I agree with your conclusion.

[@FMcanada]

i agree with you 100%. Woodland Mills makes a solid product at a reasonable price. My decision to purchase their sawmill was made way before i saw your video (pretty much when i first discovered them on KZbin 5 months ago) but your research and opinion further confirms my decision. Thanks for the extra info. At this point I'm trying to decide whether to spend the extra $1k on the HM130 rather than HM126. I'm leaning towards spending the extra dough on the bigger motor and track extensions for the HM126. i'm pretty sure i wont be cutting logs bigger than 26" on a regular bases. Thanks again for the info.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah that’s a tough decision. I don’t often require the extra width either except when I’m cutting live edge boards for tables. That’s only when I’ve got big white pines but I don’t often cut them. I’m sure whichever you decide will be great

[@snickersberet4792]

How are you working out with your choice.. I have to admit wooldmills became my (or my wife's choice, I didn't care at the time I was ready to get sawing!) After some vids and so many possitve reads. If I was going trailer, I'd go on with the 130 what the heck. If stationary, 126 14 horse.. most people don't realize how huge a 26inch log is and don't have the equipment to handle it at first anyway.. 126 sawmill, alsksa chainsaw mill. You will be amazed at yourself. Whoever is reading this that is

[@FMcanada]

@@snickersberet4792 It has been working out fantastic. I went with the 130Max with an extra extension. I built a 20x30 sawmill shed with it so far and am on route to a barn extension come spring. I've cut a few 30" but mostly 10" to 24". At the time when I bought [March 2019] Woodland Mills was not offering the same options with the HM126 as they are now, eg; key start. I'm so glad I went bigger even though I don't cut large trees often, because when I do, well, what can I say - what a feeling. I have been praising the Woodland Mills brand from day one. Very good people to work with. My only pet peeve is there lack of blade selection. I've been buying wider and thicker blades elsewhere only because I prefer using them, and they don't carry them. All the best in your endeavors.

[@carolewarner101]

Getting ready to buy a mill in this price range ourselves so I've been doing a LOT of research. And there's another thing you don't talk about here. Keep in mind that I'm writing this comment about 2 years after this was posted, so things have obviously changed. While the Frontier OS31 can handle a 31" log, the maximum board width they list it being able to cut for you is 23"! That's only 2" wider than the Woodland Mills HM126, and a good 6" narrower than the HM130. From all the marketing and stuff on-line, it seems obvious to me that Frontier has just tried to put together a mill that looks as close as possible in specs to the HM130, but then they left out THE major reason to buy it rather than the HM130; the opportunity to get an exceptionally wide slab from a very basic mill. In addition, Frontier nickle and dimes you on things like leveling feet rather than them coming standard on the mill like the HM130. They charge extra for numerous other things that come standard on the HM130 as well; stainless bunk covers and so on. So in the end you're looking at less than $460 in savings from buying a comparable HM130 that can only give you a 23" wide log. So it's really not comparing apples to apples. But wait! That price difference doesn't include the pack of 10 blades I'd added in to the price of the HM130 package we're looking at, bringing your "savings" for this mill compared to the HM130 that can cut you a 29" slab, to under $200 after all is said and done. And they list their blades as "unavailable." Not out of stock. literally unavailable. They don't even list a price for them on the site, like one would if they were just temporarily out of stock. So does that mean they don't even have blades for their mills and you have to find them from someplace else for your brand new Frontier Mill? Not that you can't find them, they're a pretty standard size. In fact, you can get them from none other than, Woodland Mills! Just like the Norwood's mills, you have to mine their sight for an hour to really piece all of this together to discover that you're not really saving any money on their mill after all, you're just getting a copy cat mill that doesn't copy the most important capability of the HM130 IMHO. The width of the board you can cut. BTW, all the numbers for the Woodland Miles are listed up front and center, and they just put everything on their mills that you actually need to have to make the mill functional, so there's not much to add on to the mill. So unless you really don't want their leveling feet, stainless covered bunks, extra wide throat, solid block 3 way guides, extra large lubrication tank, hours meter, etc. then just get a stripped down version for quite a bit less money that can only cut a board about the same width as the HM126...that's got all of that stuff on it in their base price. So anyway...happy researching!

[@65895555]

Excellent comparison Sandy. I agree with your assessments I do like the Woodland too. My only drawback would be the standard bed length, would prefer a 12 foot. The numbers are in Canadian dollars? So me in the U S say 20 % less quotes?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Glad the video helped. The values are all in Canadian dollars and so I would assume that you could just convert those values to US dollars for a fairly close estimate. I haven't tried but you may also be able to change the country on each website to get a better idea of US prices.

[@fivepointslawn2275]

That was a great comparison Sandy , I really like the 130 max with the trailer. I’m about two hours from woodlands offices. I’m hoping to go up thr before end of winter. Going to email them and see if the do any demos . I watched their 44 min video and thought there was some great features on it . I’m hoping to get one by next fall. Appreciate your videos . Looks like u live in a nice spot . Nice acreage!! Thanks for sharing

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for checking out the video. They have a nice display of equipment down in port perry. Friendly bunch there as well. Happy sawing

[@baronallison941]

Awesome video, really good head-to-head comparison --- especially calling out the add-ons and hidden costs. I've been shopping sawmills for about 6 months, and when my tax refund comes in I'm going with the HM130Max. Norwood was the first brand I looked at, and it seems like a decent product, but I can't find a sawyer with a Norwood on line who isn't sponsored by them in some way. Where are the independents? On the other hand, I see lots of Woodland Mills guys and so far haven't found one who's in their pocket (including you Sandy). That to me says a lot.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for checking out the video Baron. I think all three brands likely are good products but I’ve just had a good experience with woodland mills and their product seems like good value. I’m not sponsored or anything but any of these guys. Though I wouldn’t turn down a free sawmill from any of them haha

[@heyyoubuddy6749]

Hey buddy how ya doing? Thank you so much for putting all that data in one place. I’m gonna go with the woodland mills sawmill. I’m waiting to see if they raise the height on the saw head and re-class to a 36 inch saw mill. So by summer I should have a mill, I’m hoping cuzz I’m jonesing hard for the mill! Thanks again buddy for another great video. I went to the home improvement store here in malolos, bulican the Philippines and looked at a chain saw was about 488 bucks US for a Chinese copy of a Stil 62 cc 10 inch bar saw. They would sell it to me then hold it in tell my chainsaw permit arrived. 6 to 8 months later. Just crazy

[@sawingwithsandy]

Wow that’s crazy. I never knew such permits were needed but I guess different places have different rules. I’m with you about the 36” sawmill. Wonder if we’ll see that down the road

[@heyyoubuddy6749]

Sawing with Sandy Hey buddy! So I talked to a guy in tech support told him how I would increase the height of the The carriage he said it would void the warranty he said be patient we’re working on it so it sounds as if they are going to increase the height of the carriage lengthen the Acme screw thread rod and increase the length of the cables that way it could be a 36 inch mill I’m just hoping I heard him right. Then again a 16 foot 36 inch long will weigh 4200 lbs. that’s very heavy hard to turn and roll up the ramps.

[@bootyloowho]

Only the HD36 model from Norwood can be upgraded to full hydraulic. That unit with full hydraulics will set you back fully accessorized roughly 25000 Canadian

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for pointing that out Darryl. I likely got mixed up on the details as I was searching around. Thanks for checking out the video .

[@kenvilleneuveforesterie]

Hi Sandy! Very good review. I just order a woodland hm122. with the 9.5 hp engine.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Great to hear that Ken. You’ll really like it

[@joseucoelho1]

Wow! thanks for this review, ironically i just made a spreed sheet for myself too. If you are getting the Trailer and require a 12' and up trailer you really need to add vallee sawmills to the mix from quebec. This is a great saw too but does creep up in price to nearly 9k with tax (has the Honda electric start which is awesome). I'm in ontario as well so delivery needs to be considered. I'm not sure the lumbermate 29 can have hydraulics added to it? I think it's just the 36" unit....and the LM29 is more limited in upgrades. I like the Norwood models but the electric start options are not to my liking. I think the Koler Commander Electric start is good and the 30" board width is a huge plus.....so i'm leaning towards the 130MAX. I actually reached out to norwood to see if i could add the electric start GX390 honda and it was a flat out NO..... too bad or i would buy it. Hopefully the comments can shed a little more light on engine selection.....thanks for you video!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Glad you checked out the video. I’m not too familiar with valley sawmills but I’ll have to check them out. That gx390 engine sure would be a move engine to have. That thing would out live me. Love Honda engines but my Koehler has been great as well so no complaints. Well as long as we all get a chance to make dust, any mill is a great one. Take care

[@contrafax]

Hi!!! I traveled here from 2022 :) kind of weird to see you in a house!!!!

[@duaneadams3786]

Thank you for your effort I was and now more so learning to woodland mills I also have one of there woodchippers and I'm very happy with it

[@sawingwithsandy]

Anytime. I also have the wood chipper and find that to be a great tool as well. Next for me is to try out their stump grinder at some point

[@aaronmiller203]

@@sawingwithsandy you'll love the stump grinder. I bought one about a year ago and its a workhorse. It blew away all expectations I had. It'll chew through soft wood like nothing. Some of the hardwood makes it work a little harder but it still performs great, you just have to take smaller passes.

[@aaronbibby1714]

Thank you! that was a great breakdown. A lot of info to digest.

[@davidhostetler9315]

Very helpful. Can you make the spreadsheet downloadable?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks David. The spreadsheet should be downloadable if you click the link in the description.

[@josephperillo7992]

have an older hm126 and wish they have an adjustable blade guide option design made to add on it.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah that would be a nice feature eh

[@jamesdesylva9723]

what's the prices diferences between the diferente models

[@carloshoracioquijadamendiv4620]

Estoy por comprar uno y esta informacion es realmente valiosa para mi, yo ocupo aserrar troncos de no mas de 18. A. 20" de duametro y unos 14 pies de largo. En base a tu amplia experiencia misma que apreciamos la compartas podrias ayudarme a cual maquina me recomendarias comprar en cuanto a precio y calidad. Aprecio mucho tu trabajo. Mucho te sgradeceria tu opinion. Muchas gracias y dios te bendiga.

[@patrickryan1952]

Hey Sandy, relatively new to the channel really enjoy all your video's. I have a bush lot not far from me here in eastern Ontario and think it's time to get me a mill. This comparison video was very helpful, thanks for doing it. Do you think WM would benefit from offering a larger engine size? I have some nice maple and oak, along with white pine, hemlock and various other species on my lot, just wondering if the 14 hp motor would be sufficient for the oak and maple? Keep the video's coming, great channel.

[@shinyribs2178]

Hey bud, all I cut is oak ( red, white and chestnut) and I've got a 14hp in my mill. The engine never seems to work hard. If I'm cutting a slab more than 12" wide, you notice the engine starts to work a bit, but there still seems to be plenty of power. If you're just cutting lumber I'd say 14hp is plenty. If you're going to be cutting a lot of really wide slabs you might want more, but the 14hp has been a brute for me so far.

[@chux72vette]

Great comparison and video and I personally thank you for doing it but as another viewer said, My Mind is Already Made Up!!! Also a side note, I have the info for that Frontier stuff and thats Norwoods "OFFSHORE" Chinesium answer for a lower price point to the market. They even state that in their brochure. Sad if you ask me. I've also looked at WoodMizer, Timber King and Cooks. Great job~

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Chuck I appreciate that. I figured I’d be able to get more answers if I contacted frontier and Norwood directly but I didn’t want to lead them on like I was going to be buying one of their mills. I’m sure the best bet for any of these mills is to see them in person. It’d be great if there was a portable sawmill expo near me to see them all in action. Thanks for watching and happy sawing.

[@lr22same47]

Great job on the review and spreadsheet. Thanks for the review!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EronIler]

Thank you. 6 month shipping delay on woodland mills.

[@chowman007]

Now, that's a bummer.

[@j.r.576]

It's 3 months now, I just ordered a HM122.

[@MRnounoursSQ]

I Sandy did you know there a new player in sawmill call Range Road and there price are lower then Norwood, Woodland and Frontier?? Just found them and the price for a 32"(log diameter) and 10' 4"(log length) and two choice of engine 22hp Predator engine and 14hp Kohler engine for only 4680$$!! I'm thinking of buying this brand what do you think??

[@sawingwithsandy]

That’s one heck of a deal. Now you got me thinking, I’m going to check them out. Thanks for the info. Happy sawing

[@morganmosher3479]

Did you check out the range road mills? I've been checking into them some but cant seem to find much for reviews

[@MRnounoursSQ]

@@morganmosher3479 they have good review from what i saw

[@MRnounoursSQ]

@@sawingwithsandy Hi ,so I decided to make mi saw mill it's almost finish ,will be able to cut 42~43 inches diameter and 26.6 inches long.total cost 3500$.

[@theTeslaFalcon]

My parents' land is mostly black locust trees. They don't get very big around, just really tall. The OS23 would be plenty big enough for 90% of their forest. Since you had the HF 20" model, why did u not compare similarly sized models?

[@wnruffing]

Thank you Sandy for this really great review and comparison of the different sawmills. I’ve been in touch with Frontier to understand their OS offerings better. I found it interesting that each of their new OS offerings (which seem to be designed after Woodland Mills) have an inch greater width of cut and log dimension; I don’t think that’s by mistake. Also they went ahead and patented some of the very technology that Woodland Mills already had on their sawmills. And when Frontier sent me a comparison chart between their OS models versus Woodland Mills, they use the term “patented” and put a checkmark next to theirs and an X next to Woodland Mills; as if Woodland Mills doesn’t have a laminated saw head design just because WM chose not to patent that laminated design. I think that’s misleading. It seems that Norwood was against offshore portable sawmills and then eventually caved because they were losing marketshare to Woodland Mills. Now they’re trying to play catch-up after Woodland Mills secured solid market share with their cost effective products and strong customer service. Anyway, I’m enjoying your content with your various instructional videos and projects. Thx much!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Glad you like the video William. Welcome to the channel

[@linzierogers5024]

To me all of the mills qualify but my choice if I buy, has to be because of good service. I like Norwood best but I keep getting poor reports on its service. Pascal metals would be my second choice but I want an electric motor on my mill and I don't believe they make one. So that leaves Woodmizer. It will be more expensive but their service seems to be to my liking. Hope Norwood improves its service.

[@KevinFlynn501]

This is an awesome breakdown thank you,

[@sawingwithsandy]

Glad I could help Kevin

[@ffaubert1]

It looks like there is a lap attachment for the Woodland at around $500 CDN.

[@sawingwithsandy]

You’re right. I just got a hold of one and made a video on it. Great addition for sure

[@WolfgangR75]

So i end up with a Frontier OS 31. I built a streetlegal trailer with breaks for Germany. 900kg total. At all, i do some hacks, like a magnet hight setter tape in different mm distances. (sry english is not my first language, and shool is 25 years behind) like 20/25/30/40/60mm and so on.. After 20 hours of cutting, i must say a really good maschine. With the trailer i can go 80 km/h. To set up the maschine it take max. 15 min. The Auto lupe system, i`ll add it soon. So Fazit. The OS 31 is really good one, i like the balde guides and the elektric starter, but the next one is bigger. xD i am thinking about the HD 36.

[@sawingwithsandy]

That frontier does sound like its working well for you. I’ve not been fortunate enough to try one out yet so it’s nice to hear from someone with firsthand experiences with it. What kind of wood do you normally cut with it?

[@WolfgangR75]

@@sawingwithsandy It cut very well. the Design is Norwood. i tryed the lm 29 wich i awesome. But to expensive for me. So i bought the OS 31. I cut Oak, Esch, pine... I am really happy with it, but the service in germany is not gerat. i made a video about it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIXNgoV5qrd5gNE

[@galanjones8123]

Sandy I wood not buy a frontier 027 or 029 because on a 16" log 8 foot you have to stop and clean it out every log to keep going !

[@sawingwithsandy]

Is that right eh? I’ve not tried one myself. They seem like a replica of the woodland mills but maybe not.

[@als8518]

clean what the wheels, the gaurds?

[@MNhockeydude35]

That is interesting, I had not heard that as a common issue among these machines... I am leaning toward a Frontier right now. Have you called Norwood about it?

[@amerritt261]

What I buy will be determined ultimately by the finance options, but I do like the woodland mills. My biggest log will be about 26 so I don’t need a huge one.

[@davideccles6325]

Thanks love the reaserch. Being a newbie.. Its unfortunately really hard to read. Could you send me the document?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah no problem David. Shoot me an email and I"ll send you one. [e-mail]

[@RDAIbright]

I will 2nd this. You had me at spreadsheet and I’ve already shared the video out twice. THANK YOU for this.

[@galanjones8123]

Sandy the Fontier mill is like woodland and saws faster but they have something wrong with the discharge of the saw dust they can not get out .

[@sawingwithsandy]

Is that right eh, good to know. Thanks for passing on your experiences with the frontier

[@delprice3007]

They fixed that with a port...

[@henryrodgers3409]

Excellent video . Was looking at the Norwood site and their site says the diameter max is 29 inches and the board width is 22 inches . One would think that the max board width be very close to the max diameter width . Woodland Mills site says that max diameter board width is the same as the log diameter width . Would you know why the big difference with the Norwood mill ?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah I thought the same thing. The log diameter measurements I listed for all three brands basically would be the maximum log size that you could cut into a single live-edge board. The 22" dimension that Norwood gives is the squared-off log dimensions or "cant" that you could cut. I didn't include that measurement as I couldn't find the measurement from all three manufacturers.

[@kenlangille9050]

Thank you for lots of good information

[@sawingwithsandy]

Glad you liked the video Ken

[@everettarthur6525]

Should included the Hudsons Oscar line of portable mills. In the same ballpark

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think I may do another video and look at some other brands. I don’t have access to Hudson’s near me but they seem like they are worth looking into regardless

[@snickersberet4792]

Woodland mills is the Chevy/Ford of the sawmills. Not a peterbuilt, Kenworth or autocar but man they get the job done.. assembly is something to look at also.. I think I'm my opinion the woodland mills assembly is a lot easier. Just saying cause it seems they company assembles alot more than other. THE WOODLAND MILLS 126 WITH A 14 HORSE is a hoss.. you gonna work and lift but woodland mills has done their best 👌. I don't like that handle water control. It's either wide open or off.. my only complaint..

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for checking out my video

[@DavenH]

One criticism: Woodland Mills belt tensioner mechanism is poorly designed. To change the tension, there's no easy way to do this. It's really not obvious how you should even approach it. No tools fit back there, it's way too hard to do by hand. It should just be a bolt you can screw from somewhere accessible. That way you can torque it to some specification, not a vague 'push it and see if it moves 1/4" ' guideline.

[@galanjones8123]

I have made up my mind 2months a go I am getting the hm130 Max 😁

[@sawingwithsandy]

If I could convince my logical side of my brain to buy another sawmill, I'd buy the HM130max to go with my HM130. Don't think my logical brain is giving in this time.

[@paywahun1802]

Hmm. I'm a newbie in every aspect of the business, deliberating on what to buy. Few days ago, I purchased a Stihl MS880 with optional chains, bars for a total of $3K - to fall my favorite tree in SierraLeone, West Africa. I'm constantly in the US, (every 3-4 months) and service after sales remains my topmost concern. There are a couple of competition locations near me in Sierra Leone but quality and longevity are on my mind. What and which of these machines to buy still baffles me. I'm here until COVID-19 gives way for JFK to resume flights. Also, being a newbie, I would like to have an operational crash course. .

[@oldcountry220]

Question are these all Canadian dollar figures or is the Norwood in US?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for checking out the video. Norwood has a sale on currently from what I can tell and so the prices I’ve shown are in Canadian dollars

[@firebreathinggarage2117]

@@sawingwithsandy , so if the hm130 was $4699 how much is that compared to United States dollar?

[@hillbilly4christ638]

I just reviewed the frontier sawmill. a big thing for me was the blades and blade maintenance. they want $120 per blade and you would be looking at 1500-2000 for the maintenance tools. do the math and ask yourself just how much lumber are you realistically going to process? they are gouging you on the consumables.

[@sawingwithsandy]

That's too bad. I'm not too familiar with the frontier aside from their stats I've got in this video but can imagine that cost you mentioned would surely add up quick

[@JesseKlaus]

Seems the prices have gone up..

[@crazycoyote1738]

Good job!!

[@patriktikka5774]

Hi, im not an owner of a sawmill yet but has anybody bought 1. a "crank" machine and 2. a sharpening machine for those sawmills? 3. In sweden one brand also have a kind of "milling device" that goes infront of the saw band so dirt and grease is removed before cutting. This guide will be at help although we dont have all those brands in Sweden.

[@johnos4892]

Does anyone know of a add on hydraulic or wench log lift system for getting log onto the mill? I have a Woodland 126.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I’ve not heard of one. I know some people use a boat which with legs. These can be purchased but not sure on hydraulics

[@craigbielsky115]

@@sawingwithsandy ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IT ONLY TAKES $$$$$$

[@Freetheworldnow]

Top notch Sandy!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Pierre

[@billathighwoods4289]

Sold!

[@sawingwithsandy]

right on Bill

[@sirwallygator565]

What you failed to tell people is your Woodland Mills, Frontier, Harbor Freight, Wood Max and many other brands are all sawmills bought from the same factory in China.. All those mills you assemble come from China. It even tells you on the boxes. All of those are the same mill so it doesn't really matter who you buy it from. Now Woodland Mills and Norwood who import Frontier as their cheap line.. These two companies have great customer service... If you want Saw Mills made in North America you don't to look far as their are many manufactures.. They don't advertise much but they are out there. Here is a few names for you all.. Woodmizer, Champion, EZ Boardwalk, Turner, Hudson, Cooks, Pascal, TimberKing and many many more... Just because they advertise they are a manufacture doesn't they make them.. Ask where the factory that there made at is.. Not where the warehouse is. So many people on KZbin now comparing different company brands like here but they are the same saw with different name and color on them...

[@rheagriffiths3838]

Sir Wally Gator I have a Pascal, yes Canadian, yes I bought it here in Florida, believe it or not. I won’t go into an advertisement mode, but I researched almost every brand and in the end, I had 4 true North American manufactured mills that made the cut for my price break and requirements. I have wheels, (and a license plate) 24 ft cut, ramps and electric winch- and “could” have had some hydraulics but went without. It was a very close call vs the other 3 and I think I might have been just as happy. Honestly it was the scale and engine size that finally pushed it over for me as well as throat. I love my mill. I could try to beat this thing to death and it would just keep cutting. I have watched a lot of hobby guys on these mills he references and they are all pretty happy with what they seem to have but I insisted on a NA product and support. Oh and my rims are actually very stylish. Those crazy Canadians sure have style. My mill gets a lot of questions because it isn’t exactly discreet. It’s bright green and shiny metals but hey!!! All this research he has done is worthwhile: Shipping and ease of assembly. My mill is a single piece and I picked it up fully assembled or they get delivered fully assembled. Valleysawmills has a chart similarly on their site to all this work and it’s pretty honest.

[@sirwallygator565]

@@rheagriffiths3838 I dont have a Pascal sawmill I have a US made EZ Boardwalk 40

[@rheagriffiths3838]

Sir Wally Gator also a great choice!

[@als8518]

they are not all the same mill. the tracks are similiar, frontier and wondlands mills are similiar, HF is very different.

[@sirwallygator565]

@@als8518 All come from same factory, I know i toured the factory. I was going to buy a container load of them 250 units. All they made was the same model sold by these companies and many more companies in the US and Canada.. I seen their warehouse with all the crates with all these company names on them... Call up any one of those companies and ask to see their factory where they make their sawmills lol Good luck with that. I have been stuff from China for many years. You would be surprised to know how many so called Made in Canada or Made in the US brand name stuff in manufactured in China and only assemble in North America

[@1jeta11]

What happened to Wood-mizer?

[@sawingwithsandy]

I made a second video comparing woodmizer to these brands

[@lonefox-9837-renardsolitaire]

Good choice

[@makariosoconnor7380]

I do not see any wood-mizer equipment on here quality or quantity but

[@sawingwithsandy]

At the time the price points weren't in line with the other brands

[@jacobmcmann6410]

The frontier sawmill does not do anything they say it'll do I have an OS 23 they say it'll do a 7 inch cut it will if you take the guides and all the other equipment off underneath otherwise you can get a 5 and 1/2 inch cut they are the cheapest if you are looking for something you have to constantly maintain every 8 logs replace bearings and belts and have a heck of a time setting it up with bad instructions buy a frontier

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sorry to hear that the struggles you're having with the Frontier, hopefully things fall in to place one day and you'll be able to spend more time milling and less time maintaing. Keep me posted long term on how it goes. Thanks for watching

[@stevefarms7494]

I will stay with woodland mills when I buy mine everything about the mill and costumer service I'm sold on them ..

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Great video

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Larry. Hope all is well with you

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

@@sawingwithsandy Yup. Thanks

[@bfd1565]

I wish TimberKing was in this comparison.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sorry I can’t help you there Joe. Maybe in future videos I’ll see what I can dig up. They aren’t local to me and that’s the only reason their name never came to mind. Thanks for checking out the video

[@erikleorga]

I bought an OS23. Not impressed in the end.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Really eh. Good to hear though as I’ve not been able to try one so now I know

[@erikleorga]

@@sawingwithsandy I was missing parts, the instructions were geared towards the much larger Frontier Mills. There was no instructions on how to attach the throttle assembly, it is way to low power to operate on hardwoods, and you only have 1 blade option and those have the worst durability. I've never hit metal and it barely cut through 2 white oak branches and a small spruce.

[@neubauer6]

I bought the OS27. Same story here. Missing parts, poor packaging, incomplete instructions, trailer system causes the track to sag, etc.

[@chrismccaig2130]

I bought a os31, not really happy. The tightening on the high ajustement socks it is only a tiny little capable not was broken the 2nd time I used it!!!

[@erikleorga]

@@chrismccaig2130 It is possible for those to be overtight. Mine has deformed. I'm certainly wishing I hadn't been so overly ambitious and headstrong about buying a Frontier and instead maybe got a Norwood; or perhaps a WoodMizer.

[@jahsurf86]

This comparison is stupid. The frontier os31 cuts a max of 23” despite their deceptive marketing. Woodland 130max cuts at 29”. Coming from someone who bought a frontier. Buy a woodland. Unless you want to cut tiny trees

[@sawingwithsandy]

This comparison is from a while back when the hm130max didn’t exist so this comparison covers the hm130 which has different specs than the hm130max

[@joerhoades1457]

frontier is made by norwood

[@sawingwithsandy]

That is true

[@tedmarten2069]

Ip

[@sawingwithsandy]

No sure what you mean?

[@Johnrider1234]

The hd 38 is a beast