Hey,
Lately, I've been casually thinking about possibly getting a small-scale sawmill of the bandsaw model. Something like WoodMizer or Logosol. The purpose of this thread is to evaluate a small-scale sawmill in the Stockholm region.
I've noticed that it's practically impossible to find reasonably priced hardwood online and in the Stockholm area. The alternatives I found are either really expensive - up to 140,000 SEK per cubic meter for oak at Bauhaus, or you need to buy large quantities - at least 1 cubic meter.
So I'm spontaneously thinking that investing in a small-scale sawmill + lumber kiln that specializes in furniture-dry hardwood for fine woodworking could be a pretty okay business. It's also relatively easy to create wood products in slightly more unique dimensions than those offered in building supply stores. To further refine the wood beyond sawing and drying, you could plane the timber to achieve really nice planks. There are many potential customer groups, private individuals, carpentry shops, craft schools, furniture manufacturers, etc.
One problem could be obtaining logs to saw, but if you solve that equation, the idea should be financially viable.
The reason for focusing on hardwood is that I believe the competition from large sawmills is smaller than if you were to saw pine/spruce, for example.
So... Is it a completely dumb idea, or is there a solid opportunity here?
Lately, I've been casually thinking about possibly getting a small-scale sawmill of the bandsaw model. Something like WoodMizer or Logosol. The purpose of this thread is to evaluate a small-scale sawmill in the Stockholm region.
I've noticed that it's practically impossible to find reasonably priced hardwood online and in the Stockholm area. The alternatives I found are either really expensive - up to 140,000 SEK per cubic meter for oak at Bauhaus, or you need to buy large quantities - at least 1 cubic meter.
So I'm spontaneously thinking that investing in a small-scale sawmill + lumber kiln that specializes in furniture-dry hardwood for fine woodworking could be a pretty okay business. It's also relatively easy to create wood products in slightly more unique dimensions than those offered in building supply stores. To further refine the wood beyond sawing and drying, you could plane the timber to achieve really nice planks. There are many potential customer groups, private individuals, carpentry shops, craft schools, furniture manufacturers, etc.
One problem could be obtaining logs to saw, but if you solve that equation, the idea should be financially viable.
The reason for focusing on hardwood is that I believe the competition from large sawmills is smaller than if you were to saw pine/spruce, for example.
So... Is it a completely dumb idea, or is there a solid opportunity here?
If you're going to make a living from it, you'll have to process a lot through the saw, a lot,,,
Without your own forest, the equation becomes even tougher, right now the country is swamped with new bandsaw operators more than ever, so the market isn't likely to get any easier.
But for home use and projects, absolutely, if you put it on the hobby account.
Without your own forest, the equation becomes even tougher, right now the country is swamped with new bandsaw operators more than ever, so the market isn't likely to get any easier.
But for home use and projects, absolutely, if you put it on the hobby account.
There are so many hobby sawmills now, it seems.
Anyway, if you're going to make a living from it, it will be impossible in the short term.
What does the saw run on..... Electricity
What costs more than Russian caviar... Electricity
I don't think there's a big demand for fine woodworking either. Not enough to make a living from it.
BUT. Hobby sawmills for your own and friends' projects. And then you charge for small jobs. Sure. Then maybe you can cover your own costs.
Anyway, if you're going to make a living from it, it will be impossible in the short term.
What does the saw run on..... Electricity
What costs more than Russian caviar... Electricity
I don't think there's a big demand for fine woodworking either. Not enough to make a living from it.
BUT. Hobby sawmills for your own and friends' projects. And then you charge for small jobs. Sure. Then maybe you can cover your own costs.
And an even better one in the fb group dedicated to us with bandsaw mills.M -MH- said: