Oh and there is always a tariff on Canadian softwood lumber. The US puts on the tariff and collects it, banks the money. They then lose in court every couple years and pay some back. Rinse and repeat lol The reason why is because most Big Union mills in the US don't put the profits back into upgrading their mills and can't compete. Many are old antiquated junk. That's typical of Union mills. In Canada most of them shutdown and put everyone out of work. My mill was not union but paid the same including bonuses and benefits.
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We have a number of small mills with outdated junk from the large mills in this area.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.
(post is archived)