Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a landowner looking to manage acreage, a new portable sawmill can be just what you need to get the job done. Portable bandsaw sawmills offer many advantages and with the right plan, your new mill can even pay for itself relatively quickly.  

Regardless of why you need a portable sawmill or how much experience you already have, there’s a lot to consider when buying a new bandsaw sawmill. You want to pay a reasonable price for a sawmill that will meet all your needs. Once you are ready to begin your research to find a new portable sawmill, ponder this list of the top four factors to consider when choosing the right model.

Whatever project you have lined up, you need a portable sawmill that can keep up. This doesn't mean that you need to pick the biggest mill you can find. Why pay for a 14hp engine when a 9.5hp engine works well for what you need? You might end up paying for a bunch of extras that you won’t ultimately use. Advice that is often shared amongst sawyers in the "Woodland Mills Product Owners & Community" Facebook group is to consider the size of logs you plan on milling and start shopping there.

Although bigger models can have some extra features, no matter the size you choose from the Woodland Mills sawmill lineup, you can rest easy knowing that they will still include the essentials. Features like a first-to-market laminated head design and auto lube are standard on all current models, ensuring worry-free, accurate and consistent cuts on every pass. Look for a great quality product with the features that you need for the best value.

These days, it’s easy to overpay for anything. Vehicles, homes, and even groceries can cost more than they should. Do your research and find the right sawmill that fits your needs. Not sure where to start? Woodland Mills’ team of expert Product Advisors can help you identify the perfect mill for your next project. The adaptable nature of a Woodland Mills sawmills allows you to upgrade with track extensions, trailer for mobility, and quality of life improvements like ramp and winch kits when you’re ready to expand your milling operation. 

Odds are that your new portable sawmill will be in your life for a long time and your needs may change. The best portable bandsaw mills are adaptable. When you shop, think about what you may want to use it for in the future. You may not need to purchase accessories immediately, but ensuring that they are compatible with the mill you select is a good idea.

You might be fine with the existing track length at the start, but you may want to expand it in a few years. Perhaps one day you will want to add a trailer to make it mobile or need the lap siding attachment for a project. When choosing your mill, look through the many accessories and attachments Woodland Mills has to offer and ensure that your mill is compatible with the ever-expanding list of accessories you may want in the future.

Our team is here to help you choose the right mill for your needs and support you through your sawyer journey. Help and resources are available to aid you in selecting the sawmill that has the right features while still being accessible to a variety of budgets. Hopefully, you will have your portable sawmill for a long time, so as life changes, accessories can be added to adapt to your new needs.  With all of this in mind, go and find your dream portable sawmill!