Many are old antiquated junk.
We have a number of small mills with outdated junk from the large mills in this area. There are 3 big local lumber families, they keep their equipment in good condition and do update after doing a cost analysis. Not sure about the small mills, patch it up and go I guess.
I have an old 1930s-1940s jointer with a 12ft long bed, babbit bearings, ungodly huge electric 240V motor about 30" diameter. It has a 12" cutting blade IIRC. Still works good. Something my Dad bought about 55 years ago from a local millwork shop. I picked up a 15" Grizzly planer and a 12" tabletop Delta planer for last pass fine finish. I dabble, though not recently.
You can make great money cutting old logs into timbers. Open beams in buildings, restaurants etc.
Buy a wood miser and a telehandler and I could be in business. I'm probably too old to start a new manufacturing business. I'd just get it running and established but die a decade or so later with no one left to leave it to. But it would be a fun pastime.
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