Rick Prosser
06-09-2010, 11:50 PM
Had a request on another thread to review my new sawmill
After some research and visiting a sawmill, I decided to purchase the EZ Boardwalk Jr. This is an entry level, manual, portable band saw mill.
I have a 54 acre heavily wooded lot, and I wanted to be able to utilize the trees that I have to cut in order to create roads and clear lots for shop and home. I do not plan to go into production saw milling (not yet, anyway). I needed something not too expensive, but not something that would limit my options or make things too difficult or time consuming. I looked at Chainsaw mills and band saw mills. Band saw manufacturers are now bringing more products aimed at the hobby/weekend miller. I was leaning toward the low end Woodmiser LT-10.
I was a little concerned about the sturdiness of the WM, with the thin metal, bolt up frame - and the 7 hp engine. I did not want something flimsy that would not hold up well or long. I did not want to have to pour a pad, or build a frame to mount the saw. It was in the right price range at ~ $3000, but I wondered if I could spend a little more and get a lot better system.
Someone suggested I check out the lesser known Boardwalk. When I checked the specs, I was pleased to see a heavier frame, a larger engine, and larger capacity for $600 more than the WM. I wanted to know more about this (unknown) brand, so I called and talked with Edward ("EZ"), the builder of the sawmill and was impressed with him and the product claims. He explained the differences and options for his saw mill and pointed me to some reviews. There is a very basic web page and no email for EZ, so a phone call is pretty much required. They are buillt in Missouri, and I was afraid of the shipping costs. Freight cost for something so big (it does not break down) would be huge. Edward told me he was taking a crew to Georgia with his (Mennonite) church group to make some repairs, and he would drive a sawmill down for me to pick up if I shared the extra gas ($50). I decided to proceed and we made the arrangements for the pick up. Turned out the Edward could not go, but he sent his son to meet me and walk me thru the operation and suggested procedures. I opted to buy the trailer option, so we unhooked from his truck, hooked to my van, and I drove it home.
152865 152866
Standard Features...
15 ft track made from 4" channel steel
13 hp recoil start Honda engine
19" diameter band wheels
Heavy duty sealed bearings
Cuts at an angle for easy operation
2 quick-clamp dogs
Blade lube system
Cuts 30" dia by 12'2" long logs
Spring assist lift on heads
One lever operates lube and engages blade
Guard prevents blade from cutting into clamps
Wheels and axle easliy removable
I had to wait weeks before I could set it up, but finally I was able to start.
152868
The trailer parts came off easily (I plan to build another trailer from these while the sawmill is stationary)
Got everything set up easily (only needed three 4x4 timbers to level it), got a log loaded and clamped
152869
Cranked the engine and started my first cut
152870
CONTINUED...
After some research and visiting a sawmill, I decided to purchase the EZ Boardwalk Jr. This is an entry level, manual, portable band saw mill.
I have a 54 acre heavily wooded lot, and I wanted to be able to utilize the trees that I have to cut in order to create roads and clear lots for shop and home. I do not plan to go into production saw milling (not yet, anyway). I needed something not too expensive, but not something that would limit my options or make things too difficult or time consuming. I looked at Chainsaw mills and band saw mills. Band saw manufacturers are now bringing more products aimed at the hobby/weekend miller. I was leaning toward the low end Woodmiser LT-10.
I was a little concerned about the sturdiness of the WM, with the thin metal, bolt up frame - and the 7 hp engine. I did not want something flimsy that would not hold up well or long. I did not want to have to pour a pad, or build a frame to mount the saw. It was in the right price range at ~ $3000, but I wondered if I could spend a little more and get a lot better system.
Someone suggested I check out the lesser known Boardwalk. When I checked the specs, I was pleased to see a heavier frame, a larger engine, and larger capacity for $600 more than the WM. I wanted to know more about this (unknown) brand, so I called and talked with Edward ("EZ"), the builder of the sawmill and was impressed with him and the product claims. He explained the differences and options for his saw mill and pointed me to some reviews. There is a very basic web page and no email for EZ, so a phone call is pretty much required. They are buillt in Missouri, and I was afraid of the shipping costs. Freight cost for something so big (it does not break down) would be huge. Edward told me he was taking a crew to Georgia with his (Mennonite) church group to make some repairs, and he would drive a sawmill down for me to pick up if I shared the extra gas ($50). I decided to proceed and we made the arrangements for the pick up. Turned out the Edward could not go, but he sent his son to meet me and walk me thru the operation and suggested procedures. I opted to buy the trailer option, so we unhooked from his truck, hooked to my van, and I drove it home.
152865 152866
Standard Features...
15 ft track made from 4" channel steel
13 hp recoil start Honda engine
19" diameter band wheels
Heavy duty sealed bearings
Cuts at an angle for easy operation
2 quick-clamp dogs
Blade lube system
Cuts 30" dia by 12'2" long logs
Spring assist lift on heads
One lever operates lube and engages blade
Guard prevents blade from cutting into clamps
Wheels and axle easliy removable
I had to wait weeks before I could set it up, but finally I was able to start.
152868
The trailer parts came off easily (I plan to build another trailer from these while the sawmill is stationary)
Got everything set up easily (only needed three 4x4 timbers to level it), got a log loaded and clamped
152869
Cranked the engine and started my first cut
152870
CONTINUED...