FAQs
You probably have some questions, especially if you're a first-time sawyer. Here are some answers to the most common ones we hear.
What do you mean by, “Norwoods are the Most Customizable Mills in the World”?
You are unique - your sawmilling needs are unique too. No two sawyers are the same and there is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” sawmill.
Plus, your sawmilling needs will grow over time.
Norwoods are the only sawmills you can customize to suit your needs: Choose the right power for you. Choose the right commercial-capacity attachments for you. Even upgrade from manual to fully-hydraulic on some models.
And you can upgrade anytime – now or years down the line, so you’re never trapped with a mill that can’t keep up.
Tailor your Norwood bandmill just for you – Now or as your milling operation grows in the future.
Is my Norwood mobile?
Yes. All Norwood sawmill models have an optional mobility system available.
Do you have a dealer near me?
We service all of Norwood owners across the country factory-direct from our factory-distribution warehouse. That means you’re not paying unnecessary middlemen or satellite office markups. Also, you get advice right from the source – the real experts. So, just get in touch with us right here at Norwood.
Can I see Norwood sawmills in action?
Yes, you can. Check out Norwood’s “SAWMILL TV” … the ultimate online “TV” channel devoted exclusively to portable sawmills and successful sawmilling. Everything is right here:
- 100’s of videos showing Norwoods in action conveniently categorized into different series
- Learn everything from the ABCs in “Sawmill School” to advanced techniques in the “Successful Sawmilling” series
- Bite-size nuggets of sawmill savvy in “Sawmill Tech Tips” and “Sawmill Savvy Minutes” series
- And more pro-sawyer tips & tricks
It’s your one-stop-channel for all the essential things you need to know – from choosing your first sawmill to getting the most out of your equipment. Think of Sawmill TV as the Netflix for sawmill addicts.
What length logs/boards can I cut?
Standard, Norwood band sawmills are 16-feet long (4.8m) so you to cut up to 13-feet (4m) long depending on the model.
To saw longer, add optional 4-foot (1.2m) log deck extensions. You can saw logs of any length in stationary configuration – some Norwood owners are sawing logs over 40-feet (12.1m) long!
If you want to add the trailer system to your Norwood, you can still add bed extensions, but cannot go as long. With the HD36V2 or HD38, you could add one permanent 4-ft (1.2m) log deck extension and up to two 2-ft (0.6m) detachable extensions to saw logs up to 21-feet (6.4m).
Can I cut hardwoods with my Norwood band sawmill?
Absolutely! Exotic African and Australian hardwoods are among the hardest in the world. Norwood sawmills routinely cut African hardwoods such as Iron Wood and Australian hardwoods such as Iron Bark and Jarrah. Every day in North America, Norwoods mill oak, ash, hickory, walnut, butternut, maple and birch … with beautiful results.
What is Duradeck log deck?
Norwood’s patented Duradeck® log deck rail system, engineered for maximum strength and torsional stability, delivers accurate straight cuts even under extreme loads. It is built with twin-laminated roll-formed high-strength steel rails, sandwiched steel plate track and solid-steel plate cross members.
Extremely functional, the Duradeck also accommodates a full complement of hydraulic and manual attachments for unparalleled modular versatility.
Why are Norwood log decks modular?
Norwood ships all sawmill equipment in compact knock-down form on 4’ x 4’ (1.2m x 1.2m) pallets to save you the high cost of shipping large, over-length equipment (a fully-built sawmill can take almost a whole full-length truck to transport!). But you don’t compromise strength – you just save money.
A second important advantage is that, if you accidently damage any portion of your log deck, you only replace a section of the frame and not the whole bed, thus saving you money and down-time.
I am not sure which Norwood is right for me. Can you help?
You bet. Maybe you’d be interested in a free telephone consultation with a Norwood sawmilling specialist? Even just a few minutes can be time well spent to explore your wood processing needs with a professional, and to match you with the perfect sawmill configuration for your milling operation.
If you would like to take us up on this offer, please let us know your telephone number and email address and we will make sure we connect with you.
Rest assured, there is no obligation. This is a service we are happy to provide future sawyers.
I am new to sawing. Do you offer any training?
We sure do.
Norwood hosts the world’s only online “TV” channel devoted exclusively to sawmills and successful sawmilling – Sawmill TV.
Start by attending “Sawmill School” to learn sawing basics. Then, move on to the “Successful Sawmilling” video series for more advanced sawing techniques. Plus, there are loads more videos where you can pick up pro-tips and tricks.
And, as a Norwood owner, we welcome you to call “home” here toll-free for personal tech-support.
How reliable are Norwood sawmills?
Norwood has specialized in engineering and building portable sawmills since 1993. With tens of thousands of Norwoods hard at work in over 100 countries worldwide, they’ve proven that they’re reliable.
What kind of warranty and guarantee do you offer?
Norwood backs up its equipment with a 30-day money-back guarantee and stands behind every Norwood band sawmill with a 2-year warranty. Click here to learn more.
Can you ship it to me and, if so, how much?
Yes, you bet. Because Norwoods are shipped in knock-down kit form, they can get into even remote locations.
Freight depends on the exact location we ship to (right down to your specific zip code/postal code). It also depends on the weight and volume of the shipment which, in turn, depends on the sawmill model you choose and the way you configure it (what attachments you add).
The good thing is that our shipping rates are extremely low as we ship in knock-down form on a pallet which keeps volume to an absolute minimum. And, thanks to our favored shipper status, we get deep discounts from our carriers that we pass on to you.
We would be happy to prepare a personalized quote, including shipping to your door. Please feel free to call us toll-free at 1-800-567-0404 or email us at info@NorwoodSawmills.com to let us know the best number to reach you at.
How quickly can I get my Norwood portable sawmill?
Typically, we keep a large inventory of equipment in stock and ship out in just 2-3 business days.
However, as a result of extremely high demand combined with massive pandemic-induced supply disruptions, sawmills are delayed by a number of weeks. Lead times vary by model, inflows of materials and parts from our suppliers and order volume.
To get your name on your new mill, get your order in.
So, the first question (and the most fun), is “Which Norwood is right for you?” From there, we can give you a better idea on shipping windows.
Once your order leaves the factory, it normally takes just three to ten business days to arrive at your door (within the lower 48 states and Canada). Click here to find out how to order.
What about resale value?
Well-maintained Norwood portable band sawmills that come up for resale often sell for almost their full initial purchase price! In other words, with virtually zero depreciation! To find out why, click here.
What is a board foot?
A board-foot is a specialized unit of volume for measuring lumber in the United States and Canada. It is the amount of wood contained in an unfinished board 1 inch thick by 12 inches long by 12 inches wide (1” x 12” x 12” = 144 cubic inches = 1 board foot).
How many board-feet can I cut?
The number of board feet that you can saw in a day varies depending on many factors including the dimension, species and condition of the logs you are sawing (bigger, clean, knot-free logs will typically yield higher output in a given period of time).
Board footage will also depend on what you are sawing (small boards versus big beams). And, of course, it will vary depending on which model you have, how its configured, its power plant and the set-up of your sawing operation.
How many board feet in a cubic metre?
One cubic metre is equal 423 board feet.
Can I get financing? What would my monthly payments be?
Norwood offers a couple possible financing solutions. The rates and payments depend on how much is financed, over what time frame, your credit rating and other factors.
To finance, it will help you to have in hand a quote for your new Norwood sawmill as a starting point. Then we can submit it to our finance partners to get all the numbers. We would be happy to call you or email you. Email us at info@NorwoodSawmills.com and let us know the best phone number and email address to reach you at. You can also call us at 800-567-0404. schedule your own free personal sawmill consultation.
I really want a Norwood but still cannot quite afford it. Do you have any other options?
Yes, we do.
Norwood is the world’s leading innovator of personal sawmills. While Norwood is the favored choice for most everyone looking to invest in a portable sawmill, not everyone can afford it. But everyone deserves the opportunity to unlock the value in their trees and get ahead in life.
That is why we also make a second line of sawmills made overseas – Frontier Sawmills. While not a substitute for legendary Norwoods, our Frontier brand makes sawmill ownership accessible to more people.
Learn more about Frontier Sawmills at www.FrontierSawmills.com.