Which Sawmill Should I Buy? | Woodland Mills Portable Sawmill Comparison HM130max v. 126

[@dhache1195]

Thank you for the quality of your language, it's refreshing to hear someone speak correctly and in an understandable way. And good to know why you choose the 130 ;-D

[@forestMog]

I am addicted to your channel. Your language and presentation reminds me of my wife, also a Canadian. I learned so much from her during our 50+ years of marriage. Fire safety is my big reason for a mill. For me, my age, my back, the objective of turning strait 8-16” ladder fuel into deck boards, and staying within my means makes me favor the HM122. I can’t see handling heavy off cuts at my age (82). Exercise is great but too much isn’t.

[@masiina1984]

I bought a HM126 with a 14hp engine six months ago and I´m extremely happy with my purchase. Most of the logs that I mill is somewhere between 20-40 centimeters in diameter so HM122 would be enough for me. But, I wanted to have the possibility to mill larger logs so I decided to go with the HM126 and I´m glad I did.

[@MetaView7]

Thanks for the informative video. I was curious too. Now that you explained the added features and the really small cost difference, it is a no brainer to go for the 130. Thanks again.

[@hobonickel840]

Thank you.... You have been a very big help... I'm really stuck between Hudson hfe130 and the wm hm130max ...maybe I'll just leave it up to which I can get delivered the fastest

[@farmboyaaron]

Thanks so much for all the videos. Heavily influenced by you, I just pulled the trigger on a HM130 max. I’ve found that I love the time I spend getting firewood on my property, and this will add more value to those trees. Keep up the great work!

[@wade11115]

I’m in the process of getting an HM122 because in my area there aren’t big saw logs. I really like your videos and your set up is very nice. I can’t wait to start makin sawdust.

[@troysixberry8828]

I have hm126 - 10th anniversary addition. I absolutely Love it. Though I have run into the nubs and crooked log issues you mentioned. Definitely worth considering when buying a mill.

[@leorbuis9024]

You obviously spend a lot of time and thinking, preparing, and editing your videos, it pays off in your presentation so thanks, makes your videos very easy to watch. Also I like the shorter format! I don't always have time to spend 20 or 30 minutes watching a video!

[@jeffselchow5719]

Size Matters. It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Just my opinion.

[@marktwain580]

Are we talking about guns or sawmills?

[@jeffselchow5719]

@@marktwain580 maybe a bit of both, lol

[@xdude2x]

All valid points, I went with the 126-14. I figured it will handle 95% of what I’ll encounter and used the money savings towards the stump grinder. Thanks for the video

[@heyyoubuddy6749]

Hey there buddy how are ya? Oh man you nailed it!!!! Get the sawmill that matches the majority of your logs and then a lil bit bigger for wiggle room. I just talked to a couple guys that do land clean up and fell logs. They are knocking down cedar and ponderosa pine trees 3 foot at the butt, and have high value trees that are over 4 foot wide. They want to partner with me to saw these logs. So I’m looking at a much more costly sawmill than I planned. I don’t have a tractor yet. I’ve been looking at the Lucas 10/30 mill with a slabbing attachment to slab up to 60 inches, and be able to use the circular blade for dimensional lumber and siding. Folks around here have tons of huge tree and want lumber to build stuff with. As you know lumber is very costly now and poor quality at the box stores. I would like to get a 130 max trailer for quarter sawing and other work were a bandsaw would be the best option. I’m still trying to figure it all out. Thanks for being there and showing us the way. God bless you and yours

[@sawingwithsandy]

Good to hear from ya. Yeah those massive logs sure would be nice to mill. Like you said, would need quite the big sawmill for those. May be worth it in the end though. Hope all is well. Take care

[@exotictones1054]

Good info sandy.thankx for the info.still haven't made up my mind yet but I'm think woodland might be my first.

[@dmwi1549]

One year later from this video and 5 years after purchasing - You purchased the 130 Max with trailer. Previous videos talked about sawing in one place without a need for trailer. Interesting how needs change. I’m looking at the same 130 max with 2 extra beds. So no trailer. At least not for now. Want the capability for longer beams which I have milled before with visiting sawyer. Still trying to decide. Your videos keep coming up in my feed. More to consider.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I like your thought on that one. It is nice having the ability to mill the real long stuff

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

That makes sense because you may get a friend that will pay you to cut his log and it may be larger than the trees on your property. You will be able to cut it, otherwise you would have to turn him down and lose money. Question:. In the winter after you use the mill ,do you drain all the water out of the lubrication tank, or is they're a special type of fluid you can just leave in there. ? I am building me a mill because I can't afford to buy one. I am learning as much as I can. 👍

[@davidvansickle563]

I’m really enjoying your channel. Bigger is always better.👍👍👍👍

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks David

[@brianhillis3701]

I love your evaluations of equipment. You summarize very well. I loved your review of your tractor. I didn't see that you evaluated if you should go up a size or down a size. If you have could you tell me which episode and if you still feel the same. Example, in building the new shed the lift height of the loader was inadequate where as a Nx would probably have been about right. You have mentioned tighter turning radius is important but have said a winch could solve many of the problems. Thanks.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi Brian. Thanks for watching. I have a video out talking about differences between the CK and DK series but I haven’t made anything yet about going a size up. I’ll see about doing that in future videos. Here’s a link to my tractor videos if you’re interested kzbin.info/aero/PLlIqRYdFUXsVPQyP3dIvh9y5OASmmgL1b

[@outdooryooper]

I'm getting set to buy a sawmill this winter, an upgrade to my Logosol Chain Saw mill. One of the things I've just started considering is whether or not to get the trailer package? Ideally I'll be picking up some jobs milling for other people and had been thinking they'd bring the logs to me, but I could get more work if I was truly portable. Have you ever wished you had the trailered version of your mill?

[@xpoolguy5406]

I've owned my 130 for a year. I poured a 15 x 30 pad to put it on and a building over it. Everything was going to be perfect. Then spent the winter frustrated with the amount of effort I had to put in to get logs out of the bush and to my mill. Mid January on I'm dealing with 4 to 6 feet of snow. Skid steer or tractor don't perform well in that and my snowmobile can't haul big logs. It has forced me to put a lot of time in to getting a log pile at the mill before winter sets in, hoping I have enough to get through the winter. Lots of times I wished it was on a trailer.

[@outdooryooper]

@@xpoolguy5406 I can't see how a trailer help you when there's 4-6 feet of snow? I''ve got the same thing to deal with here in Upper Michigan and was assuming I'd be stockpiling logs for winter.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I’m in the same situation. Tons of snow here makes getting logs moved through the bush in winter a real chore

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think he means that he could move the sawmill to an area where the snow is able to be cleared like a driveway or yard

[@mikecox7180]

Well said. I bought the hm122. Great mill but no wiggle room. To cut a 22in log it would have to be straight has a power pole . I will get a bigger mill. Also get the biggest hp engine available .

[@mikecif4123]

I had this exact question. Thanks.

[@Valkathon]

I got the 122 as I only have 2 trees on my property that are over that which I can trim to fit with my chain saw. That being said I wish I got the 126 for the bigger motor options. It’s a great mill but could use a little more power for some logs close to the max. I am very happy but to anyone thinking 122 vs 126; go a little more than you need and you won’t regret it. As long as you have the trees it pays for itself

[@hunny.bfarms9284]

My mother would say "with a small pot, you can cook a meal for yourself. But in a large pot you can cook a meal for yourself and for everyone else if you need to." Had the same issue myself when I bought my tractor earlier this year.

[@mikel5140]

Well I just ordered the HM130max. I was down to a decision between this and the ez boardwalk 40. I liked the overall construction and simplicity of the EZ and they are highly recommended, the portable trailer implementation seemed an afterthought, the price point was actually higher once I added similar configuration items, the lead time was about a year.

[@rodhelms6133]

I’ve got 300 acres of CRP southern loblolly pine, I’ll be milling for personal use,,, barn repair, siding on barns and sheds, general lumber needs,, been looking at the Woodland 122 ,, what would be your suggestion,, looked at Frontier/Norwood but it’s the same thing about customer service “No Good”,,, your videos are super informative,, Thanks,,,

[@Tat2Power]

You couldn’t be more right about wider the better. I learned the limb and curve lessons the hard way. A slight arc in an 18’ log generally means several extra inches in cutting width. Same with knobby limb pieces sticking up. I don’t know about by you guys but by me the hardwoods here generally have some sort of an arch to them.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah I know what you mean. Seems all my hardwoods have a good hook it them

[@camgreer]

Hey, I just noticed that the trees in the background seem to be in very orderly rows, evenly spaced and very straight. Is this a re-planted forest?

[@sawingwithsandy]

This is a planted forest. About 35 years old

[@denislevesque6192]

@@sawingwithsandy maybee it's time to cut one row or two and let the trees growing

[@bwillan]

The main difference between the HM126 and HM130MAX is the 130max has a max cut width of 30" while the 126 has a max cut width of 24" mainly due to the design of the mill body (covers over bandsaw wheels.) I think the electric start, adjustable blade guides and increase cut capacity are well worth the price difference.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah I would agree

[@rockingwalker9786]

Have u heard anything about the sheerwood sawmills

[@sawingwithsandy]

I haven't heard of that brand before

[@wt5381]

I have a large mill. You need equipment , very strong back, or equipment to mill large logs. It is really unbelievable how heavy a log can be. I really like your content keep up the great work. Cheers.

[@denislevesque6192]

Exactly. Big logs need a tractor or something to put it on the saw. for me I know that all I have is my arms, so I won't cut a tree if I can't move it!

[@rickutley931]

Sandy , I was wondering what the lever is under your throttle control. I have the HM130 mill and mine doesnt have it. Thanks love your videos. Thanks Rick

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey Rick. That handle is for my lap siding attachment

[@rickutley931]

Thanks for the quick reply

[@___PK__]

The only reservation I have about the Woodland Mills is that the long rails look a bit flimsy. Fist thing I would do would be to reinforce those. Have you had any problem with them bending?

[@sawingwithsandy]

I can see what you’re saying there. I’ve not had any bending or twisting of the rails since I started using the mill several years back. I think the position of the legs and horizontal log bunks hold the rails on position well

[@Atheos2015]

I do see quite a lot of other brand that go higher in motor HP (20+) I'm often curious if the 14 HP max that woodland offer is enough ? What would be the benefit to go higher in HP ? I do believe I have access to a similar variety of wood than you get in central Ontario, so I don't expect to do oak all day (or even mapple).

[@sawingwithsandy]

I haven't experienced any need for a larger engine as when my engine starts to work remotely harder than normal, it's usually a sign that my blade is dull and would need to be switched out anyways. I'm assuming that the larger engines would benefit in providing more torque which may be beneficial for wider logs like on other manufacturers sawmills.

[@darrengarlough5121]

I just ordered a cooks mill from alabama.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Will be a great time no doubt!

[@shawnarbaugh5935]

How much lumber can you saw on the hm 130 max before you need parts

[@sawingwithsandy]

This mill is an older 2017 HM130. I can run 6 months and not have any issues or even a year depending on the amount of lumber I cut. Usually just small parts are then needed like blade guides and belts.

[@craigclayton4514]

Hello Sandy How did you enjoy that power outage and snow storm on Sunday Nov 15 2020? From Uxbridge Ontario Craig Clayton.

[@sawingwithsandy]

It certainly was something wasn’t it. I’ve got so freshly fallen trees from that storm to mill. How’d you fare?

[@craigclayton4514]

@@sawingwithsandy My Hay Tarp covers on the Shelter Craig ( no longer Logic ) stood the test and the white Poly for UV were still in perfect shape. Bird feeder pole was blown down. From Uxbridge Ontario Craig Clayton

[@sawingwithsandy]

I’ll have to look into the hay tarps. Sound like a good option

[@fayewright628]

My hubby really enjoys your videos...just wondering where you are located.

[@craigclayton4514]

@@fayewright628: Hello Faye Wright, I presume you are replying back to Craig Clayton because I was cleaning up subscriptions and accidentally erased Sandy { no glasses on } now that is fixed. I am in Uxbridge Ontario.

[@dansullivan1120]

I have learned over the years it’s usually best to “Buy once and cry once”

[@frotobaggins7169]

always buy a tool you can grow in to rather than one you will quickly grow out of.

[@frotobaggins7169]

i always buy the best tool i can afford.

[@YardpigTSI]

Very helpful. 130Max for the Win!

[@fcsturningwoodcraft2933]

Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it👍

[@dirkuysusa]

I also bought a HM126. Have you ever cut a log that is 4" - 6" in diameter? If yes, how do you clampt it down??

[@marcmakes1725]

I've thought a little about that. For the 4" I'd probably put that on my regular bandsaw. The first thing I ever milled was a Willow I cut down the middle and ran through my bandsaw. Used some of those rolling supports. Alternately put the log between some boards to cut the first flat then you might be able to clamp it way down low. I've got an 8" walnut to do some time soon so maybe I can post a video of that.

[@Comp670]

I have NEVER heard any one with a sawmill say "I wish I would have got a smaller mill..." I got a LT 35 Woodmizer in April and Im all ready looking at getting a bigger one because I constantly run into logs I cant mill..

[@donwimberley4772]

How come we never see anyone mention E Z Boardwalk sawmill ???

[@malayali11]

Can I cut hard wood like coconut wood with this

[@sawingwithsandy]

I don’t see why not

[@terryb2160]

How hard is it to push the hm130 through a log. some videos it looks hard and others it look easy.

[@sawingwithsandy]

With a sharp blade it’s very easy. Sometimes when my blade is getting dull i have to put a bit more effort but still very little

[@terryb2160]

thanks for your reply, you made up my mind as to buy a saw mill

[@roberto.peterson9917]

I of mind bigger is better I personally would go for longer deck to have option of cutting beams for post and beam construction

[@sawingwithsandy]

I agree with ya about the length

[@amerritt261]

I’m starting to wonder if I’m going to have a choice on which sawmill I get to start with. Woodland Mills doesn’t offer financing to Americans. Timber king wants 15% down. I only put 10% down on my house. WoodMizer is 1-2 years out.

[@gb1372]

New 130max a bit pricey, $8k …. Do you think it’s a good investment for the land owner?

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think if you've got some lumber needs you'll save the money after a project or two just because the cost of lumber is so much. Here where I am a 2x4x8' is $8 Canadian and so after about 1000 of those cut (not including tax) I end up with savings

[@gb1372]

@@sawingwithsandy do you have any idea how much will be cost to cut 10 or 100 pcs of 2x4x8 on the sawmill ? Time/fuel ? I want to buy a Woodland mills one day, just looking for the numbers. Are you using your lumber only for your projects or you have any market to sell an extra green wood you have ?

[@gerryspang5917]

I think you made the right choice, I would have done the same thing. Although everyone has different needs, it is always better to be oversized and the good taste of saving money is long gone before the poor performance of the cheaper mill. Keep safe my friend liked the videos on the building of the shed, and I also use a left handed hammer

[@sawingwithsandy]

Glad to hear there’s a few lefties out there still swinging haha

[@killerinstinctbaits]

Toaster vs wall

[@muckersfarm]

Size matters guys. Anyone says otherwise is lying to ya.

[@richardsabean5781]

You can build a small fire in a big woodstove,, but ya can't build a big fire in a small woodstove... Kind da the same thing but different.. lol

[@GypsyPaz]

Thats what she said

[@Glock2201]

In my opinion the electric start alone is enough of a reason to buy the bigger version.

[@michiganranch1757]

Hm 136 is the way to go

[@markreading6377]

Why don't you go with 136max

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi Mark. When I got the 130max the 136 didn't exist

[@davemclelland9292]

Like the way you think......:-)) Life being good is the key to this video.....:-))

[@sawingwithsandy]

Absolutely

[@tseabaugh8747]

goo big or go home. I have a 130MAX and I love it,

[@sawingwithsandy]

Does seem like a great mill for sure

[@Morpheen999]

The biggest request i get from people when i say i have a sawmill, is big wide live edge slabs.. the bigger the mill, the more custom work you will be able to do.. Don't limit yourself just trying to save a few bucks

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah sometimes it can be easier to cut smaller logs on bigger mills than bigger logs on smaller mills.

[@wernaedward4086]

@@sawingwithsandy So Sandy seen all your vidios for 3 years, I wiil be buying the 130max, At 70 years old going to build my house of 134sq m 2 story house,, I have my own trees, most trees are 24" to 30"" trees,, & have lots of big oaks,, mill will arrive in January is it better to cut trees now or wait till the mill arrive???been cutting trees for over 50 years, thanks for all the vidios, I am in the mountains in tthee centre of France,keep up the great vidios

[@robertgrumski9076]

Perfectly said! Love my 130max.. BTW how do I get a hat?😀

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey Robert. Thanks for watching. I’m not sure how the hats are given out to be sure

[@c50ge]

Always ask for a hat as part of the deal whenever you buy something. Before you say yes!

[@robertgrumski9076]

I did and was supposed to send one but never came.

[@marcmakes1725]

All good info from Sandy and I'm probably not adding much but here it is anyway. I got a 126, 9 HP late this summer. Click on my name and you can see it on my tiny channel. The primary reason I went with the 126 over the 130 was price. You will need extra blades and probably the log hook. I'll recommend the the Wench Post if you don't have a tractor that can lift a 2000 lbs log. An 8' or 10' x 20" oak or maple is kind of heavy. You may find you need other tools also so figure all that in to the price. I did not get the extension but occasionally I wish I had however that's easy enough to add later but don't forget the shipping. Combining the big things in one order will have on shipping in the long run. I'm primarily sawing logs from my own property for my own purposes and not for resale but I may sell some here and there for friends. We have a variety of timber on our property, occasionally some of it comes down of its own accord and I don't want to let it go to waste. Most of that stuff isn't really big enough to pay someone to mill for me. I did measure the potential candidates for milling and we don't really have much over 24" so the 126 will be fine for 90% of what I'll mill. We mostly have Poplar a few very nice Cherry and Walnut, a few Sugar Maples and a bunch of other odd stuff that will make decent wood working projects. I think the mill will pay for my wood working hobby at some point. The 9.5 HP will be ok for what I need but if we had any oak to mill I'd probably have gone with the 14 HP. I've got a couple of 20" maples that have been down for a while may max out the 9 HP, we'll see.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for sharing that great info Marc

[@mattcampbell4135]

Just a heads up. You cannot leave a comment/review of a Woodlands product, UNLESS you give them at least a 3 star review. Not saying products are no good, just take what you read with a grain of salt.

[@allenchancery4847]

Man now igotta save a little more

[@idadho]

They say, When you buy the best, you only cry once.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Isn’t that the truth

[@exotictones1054]

Good info sandy.thankx for the info.still haven't made up my mind yet but I'm think woodland might be my first.