I've been calling around my area for prices on sawing dead timber. Big heat wave and drought here in 2011, plus fires, plus there is still residual dead wood from Hurricane Ike. We're in a glut of highly available wood.
One place I called, the guy wants 85 cents/bf to saw my delivered logs. I explained that I don't want "boards", I want "beams". He didn't care - his price was 85.
Moving right along, another place wanted $1/bf to cut my logs that I bring to him, but he would work by the hour, @ $80/hour. Plus, the biggest cant he can cut is 6X6, since he has a Lucas (must be a smaller model). That's too small, and he won't cut Pine - hardwoods only.
I finally found a guy, with a Woodmizer (it's portable, but he won't move it), that charges 50 cents/bf for cutting my lumber, or $50/hour. Now, this is sounding more reasonable.
I'm considering cutting these logs for a timber frame work shop. I'm thinking 8X8s & 10x10s. I've more research to do on this. Shops size would be 40 x 60, 12' ceilings. Anyone know how much wood that would take for the frame and roof structure?
What should I expect to pay (for anyone that has done this recently), or, if you are a sawyer, what's your typical charge for this type of work? Is paying by the hour a better deal? I'm thinking that by the hour would be more economical for me. I really don't want any boards. For instance, if there's a 24" diameter pine log, I'll take the four 8X8's and be done with it - burn the slabs - give them to the sawyer, whatever - just give me the deals.
Todd