Top 5 Affordable Sawmills: Balancing Cost and Performance

July 6, 2023
2 comment
Reagan Key

When it comes to woodworking and lumber production, especially for those considering home sawmills, the question “How much is a sawmill?” is often top of mind. The sawmill you select plays a pivotal role, significantly impacting your work’s efficiency and outcome. Striking the right balance between cost and performance is crucial. The ideal home sawmill should not only be cost-effective but also exhibit outstanding performance, durability, and ease of use. Bearing these factors in mind, we’ve carefully compiled a list of the Top Five Affordable Home Sawmills, ensuring you get superb value for your investment without sacrificing quality.

List of Top 5 Affordable Sawmills:

Norwood Portable Sawmills – LumberMate LM29 V2
Hud-Son – Hunter Portable Sawmill
Frontier Sawmills – OS27
Timbery – M100
Wood-Mizer LT15START

1. Norwood Portable Sawmills – LumberMate LM29

Norwood Portable Sawmills - LumberMate LM29 in white background

Product Specifications

Maximum log diameter: 29 inches
Maximum board width: 22 inches
Sawhead depth adjustments: Infinitely variable (to 1/16 inch)
Power options: Varies (13hp – 16hp)
Blade dimensions: 144″ x 1-1/4″
Transport: Can be towed with a standard 2″ ball hitch
Price: $3,788.24

Norwood is a reputable brand known for its quality and reliability. The LumberMate LM29 is no exception. This sawmill is adaptable to a wide range of situations, being able to handle a maximum log diameter of 29 inches and a board width of 22 inches. This versatility is one of the main reasons it made our list. The LM29 V2’s capability to mill various types of lumber with precision makes it an excellent choice for small businesses and serious hobbyists looking for an affordable, yet powerful solution.

Things I liked about this Product

The LM29 is capable of handling both hardwood and softwood.
You can add a variety of attachments to this model to expand its capabilities.
It can be easily transported thanks to its portable design.
It has adjustable blade guides to help you get the best cut from your lumber.

Pros

Highly versatile and adjustable, allowing for a wide range of milling jobs.
Known for robust and durable construction.
Easy to transport due to its portable design.

Cons

Additional attachments for increased functionality can increase the overall cost.
Some users find the assembly and initial setup to be time-consuming.

2. Hud-Son – Hunter Portable Sawmill

Hud-Son - Hunter Portable Sawmill in white background

Product Specifications

Maximum log diameter: 20 inches
Maximum board width: 20 inches
Maximum cut depth: 6.5 inches
Power options: 7hp gas engine
Blade dimensions: 132″ x 1-1/4″
Transport: Can be towed with a 2″ ball hitch
Price: $2,895.00

Rounding out our list is the Hunter Portable Sawmill from Hud-Son Forest Equipment. This sawmill offers a good balance between cost and performance, handling logs up to 20 inches in diameter and 10 feet in length. Its straightforward operation and portability make it an excellent choice for smaller operations or hobbyists. The Hunter Portable Sawmill’s ability to deliver great performance at a low price point is why it has earned a place on our top five list.

Things I liked about this Product

It’s simple to operate, making it ideal for smaller operations or hobbyists.
It’s designed to be easily moved and set up.
: This feature helps extend blade life and improve cut quality.
Hud-Son offers a warranty on their sawmills, providing some additional peace of mind.

Pros

Simple to operate, which is perfect for smaller operations or hobbyists.
Comes with built-in blade lubrication to improve cut quality and extend blade life.
Offers a manufacturer’s warranty for added peace of mind.

Cons

As it’s designed for smaller operations, it might not be suitable for larger or more complex milling tasks.
Some users have noted that the assembly instructions could be clearer.

3. Frontier Sawmills – OS27

Frontier Sawmills - OS27 in white background

Check price on Frontier

Product Specifications

Maximum log diameter: 27 inches
Maximum board width: 22 inches
Maximum cut depth: 7 inches
Power options: 13.5hp Briggs & Stratton gas engine
Blade dimensions: 144″ x 1-1/4″
Transport: Can be towed with a 2″ ball hitch
Price: $3,647

The OS27 from Frontier Sawmills delivers solid performance in a full-sized, affordable package. This sawmill is designed to handle larger logs up to 27 inches in diameter and 13 feet in length. Its robust construction and ability to tackle bigger projects make it a standout option in the affordable sawmill category. Frontier Sawmills’ commitment to durability and reliability is why the OS27 has secured a spot on our list.

Things I liked about this Product

It can handle larger logs with its solid full-size sawhead.
It has a robust construction and is designed for long-term use.
It comes with an auto-locking sawhead for fast and easy lumber production.
Despite being full-sized, this model has been designed for portability.

Pros

Capable of handling larger logs, which adds to its versatility.
Robust construction ensures durability and long-term use.
Comes with an auto-locking sawhead for faster and more efficient lumber production.

Cons

It’s a full-size sawmill, so while designed with portability in mind, it may be more challenging to move than smaller models.
Some users report that customer service can be improved.

4. Timbery – M100

Check price on Northernwoodsmen

Product Specifications

Maximum log diameter: 26 inches
Maximum board width: 20 inches
Maximum cut depth: 7 inches
Power options: 7hp gas engine
Blade dimensions: 144″ x 1-1/4″
Transport: Optional trailer package for towing
Price: $3,995.00

The M100 from Timbery is a model designed with the novice in mind. It is user-friendly features and straightforward operation make it perfect for those stepping into the milling world. Despite its simplicity, the M100 doesn’t compromise on performance. It can handle logs up to 26 inches in diameter and 20 inches wide. This balance of affordability, ease of use, and reliable performance are why the Timbery M100 has made it onto our list.

Things I liked about this Product

Designed to be easy to use for those new to milling.
Compact design allows for easier transportation.
It can accommodate growth with the option to add more extensions.
Built with a powder-coat finish to resist corrosion and extend the mill’s lifespan.

Pros

User-friendly, and ideal for beginners in the milling world.
Compact design enhances portability.
Resistant to corrosion due to its powder-coat finish.

Cons

Despite its expandability, handling larger or more complex jobs may be challenging.
The lightweight design may not be as robust as heavier models when milling harder wood.

5. Wood-Mizer LT15START

Wood-Mizer LT15START in white background

Check our Marketplace

Product Specifications

Maximum log diameter: 28 inches
Maximum board width: 17 inches
Maximum cut depth: Varies (up to 11 inches)
Power options: 14hp gas engine or electric options
Blade dimensions: 158″ x 1-1/4″
Transport: Trailer package optional
Price: $7,556.66

Wood-Mizer has a longstanding reputation in the industry for high-quality sawmills. The LT15START lives up to this reputation by providing a compact, durable, and accurate sawmill at an affordable price. Its ability to mill logs up to 28 inches in diameter and 17 inches wide, coupled with its renowned build quality, puts the Wood-Mizer LT15START among the best affordable sawmills on the market.

Things I liked about this Product

Available with either a petrol or electric engine.
This model features a portable design that can be moved easily.
It’s built with a heavy-duty bed and cast-iron carriage.
It’s designed to accommodate growth, with a variety of accessories and upgrades available.

Pros

Available with petrol or electric engines, offering flexibility depending on your needs.
Known for its durable construction and high-quality components.
Provides a variety of available accessories and upgrades.

Cons

While it’s designed for growth, upgrading the mill can add to the overall cost.
It’s heavier than some other models, which could impact portability.

Comparison Table of Affordable Sawmills

Specification	Norwood LumberMate	Hud-Son Hunter	Frontier OS27	Timbery M100	Wood-Mizer LT15START
Maximum Log Diameter (inches)	29	20	27	26	28
Maximum Board Width (inches)	22	20	22	20	17
Maximum Cut Depth (inches)	Infinitely Variable	6.5	7	7	Varies (up to 11)
Power Options	Varies (13hp – 16hp)	7hp gas engine	13.5hp Briggs & Stratton gas engine	7hp gas engine	14hp gas engine or electric options
Blade Dimensions (inches)	144″ x 1-1/4″	132″ x 1-1/4″	144″ x 1-1/4″	144″ x 1-1/4″	158″ x 1-1/4″
Transport	Can be towed with a standard 2″ ball hitch	Can be towed with a 2″ ball hitch	Can be towed with a 2″ ball hitch	Optional trailer package for towing	Trailer package optional
Price (USD)	$3,788.24	$2,895.00	$3,647	$3,995.00	$7,556.66

Final Statement

Choosing the best affordable sawmill largely depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

The Norwood Portable Sawmills LumberMate LM29 V2 offers a good balance between performance and price, boasting a high degree of versatility and adaptability for various milling needs. However, its assembly may be time-consuming for some.

For those who are beginners in the world of milling, the Timbery M100 provides a user-friendly experience. Its lightweight and compact design ensures portability, but it might struggle with larger, harder woods.

Wood-Mizer’s LT15START is a standout for its power options and high-quality, durable construction, suitable for more demanding tasks. However, the potential additional cost for upgrades and its weight may be drawbacks for some users.

Frontier Sawmills’ OS27 provides an option capable of handling larger logs and ensuring durability for long-term use, but its size might impact portability.

Lastly, the Hud-Son Hunter Portable Sawmill is perfect for hobbyists or smaller operations due to its simplicity and ease of use. However, it may not be suitable for larger or more complex milling tasks.

In conclusion, while each sawmill on this list offers its unique strengths and features, one stands out for its balance between cost, performance, and customer satisfaction. Based on these criteria, the Norwood Portable Sawmills – LumberMate LM29 V2 stands out as the best affordable sawmill.

This sawmill provides a high degree of versatility and adjustability, handling both hardwood and softwood efficiently. Its robust and durable construction ensures longevity, and its portable design makes transportation easy. The ability to add attachments for expanded capabilities also makes this sawmill a valuable investment.

Each of these sawmills offers its unique blend of features, and the best one for you would be the one that aligns most closely with your budget, technical requirements, and personal preferences. Always ensure to verify product specifications and user reviews before making a purchase. Happy milling!

How do we choose the Best Affordable Sawmills?

Price: Since we’re focusing on affordable sawmills, price is a major consideration. We looked for sawmills that provide good value for the money, balancing cost with performance and features.
Brand Reputation: We considered sawmills from manufacturers known for their quality and reliability. These brands have a proven track record of producing high-performing, durable sawmills.
Performance: We evaluated the capabilities of each sawmill, such as maximum log diameter, cut depth, and board width. We also considered the power options available for each model.
User Reviews: We took into account the experiences of users who have bought and used these sawmills. Positive reviews are a good indicator of a product’s performance and reliability.
Features: We looked at the additional features each sawmill offers, like blade lubrication systems, sawhead depth adjustments, and the availability of optional attachments or upgrades.
Portability: For many users, the ability to transport the sawmill easily is a major advantage. We considered the portability of each sawmill in our selection.
Customer Service: The availability of responsive customer service and a reliable warranty is crucial when investing in equipment like a sawmill.

Looking for small sawmills for sale? Consider the type of wood, volume of processing, and necessary features. These compact, affordable machines are ideal for personal use or small businesses, offering efficient timber processing.

FAQs

What is the maximum log size I can cut with these affordable sawmills?
Different models can handle different sizes. For instance, the Norwood Portable Sawmills LumberMate LM29 V2 can handle logs up to 29 inches in diameter, while the Hud-Son Forest Equipment Hunter Portable Sawmill can manage logs up to 20 inches in diameter.
Are these sawmills easy to operate for beginners?
Yes, some models like the Timbery M100 are designed with simplicity in mind, making them ideal for beginners. However, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the operation and safety procedures of any sawmill before use.
Can I add attachments to these sawmills?
Yes, many of these models allow for the addition of attachments or accessories, such as the Norwood Portable Sawmills LumberMate LM29 V2. However, these attachments may come at an additional cost.
How do I maintain these sawmills?
Regular maintenance includes cleaning after each use, checking the blade for wear and tear, and replacing it as necessary. It’s also crucial to keep the moving parts well-lubricated.
Can these sawmills be transported easily?
Yes, these models are designed with portability in mind. Some, like the Norwood LumberMate LM29 V2, can be towed with a standard 2″ ball hitch. Others offer optional trailer packages for easy transport.
How Do I Choose Between a Stationary and a Mobile Saw Mill?
The choice depends on your specific needs. If you require the flexibility to process timber at different sites, a mobile saw mill is ideal. For stationary work, a fixed sawmill can offer more stability and possibly larger capacity.
What power options are available with these sawmills?
Different models offer different power options. For instance, the Wood-Mizer LT15START is available with a petrol or electric engine, while others like the Timbery M100 come with a gas engine.