• Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Portable Sawmilling? We’ve Got Answers.
These are the questions we hear most often. If yours isn’t here, just reach out and we’ll give you a straight answer.
FAQ
The Questions We Hear Most.
A lot of people have never worked with a portable sawmill before. That’s completely normal. Most people don’t even know on-site milling is an option until a tree comes down and someone mentions it. These questions cover everything from how the process works to what makes a log worth milling, so you know exactly what to expect before you ever reach out.
Do I need to transport my logs to get them milled?
No, and that’s the whole point of a portable sawmill. HD Cuts loads up the equipment and comes to your property. Your logs stay exactly where they are. We set up on-site, mill everything there, and leave you with stacked lumber ready for your next project. No hauling equipment, no logging trucks, no extra cost or hassle moving logs off your land.
What size logs can be milled?
As a general rule, logs 12 inches or larger in diameter can typically produce usable lumber. Bigger diameter logs give you more options for what can be cut from them. Length matters too. Longer logs produce longer boards and give us more flexibility with the cuts. If you’re not sure whether your logs are large enough, send us a description or a photo and we’ll give you an honest assessment.
What trees make good lumber?
Most species common to the U.P. and Northern Wisconsin produce usable lumber if the log is in decent shape. Hardwoods like maple, oak, and birch tend to produce the most valuable lumber for furniture, flooring, and specialty projects. Softwoods like pine and cedar are excellent for structural and outdoor applications. Tamarack is dense and rot-resistant, making it great for decking and posts. If you’ve got a species you’re not sure about, just ask.
How much does it cost?
HD Cuts charges $125.00 per hour for portable sawmill service. The total cost depends on how many logs you have, how large they are, and what type of cuts you need. Straight logs milled into basic boards take less time than custom slabs or specialty cuts. Custom and specialty projects are priced individually. There are no hidden fees. You pay for the actual time it takes to do the work right.
How long does a milling job take?
It depends on the scope of the job. A handful of logs milled into boards might take a few hours. A larger property clearing with dozens of logs and a mix of cut types could take a full day or more. When you reach out, we’ll talk through what you’ve got and give you a realistic estimate of the time involved so there are no surprises.
Will my logs actually make good boards?
Honestly, it depends. Straight logs in good condition produce the cleanest, most usable lumber. Logs that have been sitting for a long time may have checking, cracking, or rot that limits what can be cut from them. Curved or forked logs can still be milled but may produce shorter or narrower pieces. We’ll always give you an honest assessment of your logs before we start cutting. If something isn’t worth milling, we’ll tell you upfront.
How do I know if my logs are still good?
Fresh logs mill best. The sooner a log gets milled after the tree comes down, the better the lumber quality tends to be. Signs that a log is still in good shape include firm bark, no soft spots, and no visible rot at the ends. A little surface checking on the ends is normal and doesn’t necessarily mean the log is compromised. If you’re not sure, reach out with a description or a few photos and we’ll help you figure it out.
What areas do you serve?
HD Cuts serves the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Northern Wisconsin. In Michigan, we regularly work throughout the western, central, and eastern U.P. including communities like Iron Mountain, Marquette, Escanaba, Houghton, Ironwood, and Munising. In Wisconsin, we travel into the Northwoods regularly, serving communities like Hurley, Mercer, Minocqua, Eagle River, Rhinelander, and surrounding areas. Not sure if we cover your area? Reach out and we’ll let you know.
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How do I prepare my property for a milling visit?
To make the visit successful, the logs must be accessible. We need to be able to pull both our truck and the Wood-Mizer sawmill directly up to the stacked logs.
If your logs are currently deep in the woods or on difficult terrain, they will need to be skidded or dragged out to an open, accessible clearing before we arrive. If you’re unsure about your setup, just let us know ahead of time and we can talk through the best approach together!
Do you offer discounts?
Yes. HD Cuts is proud to offer discounts to veterans and first responders. It’s a small thank you for the people who serve. Just mention it when you reach out.
What species do you commonly mill in the U.P. and Northern Wisconsin?
In the Upper Peninsula, we commonly mill hard maple, soft maple, oak, birch, white pine, cedar, and tamarack. In Northern Wisconsin, red oak, sugar maple, white birch, basswood, white pine, red pine, tamarack, and cedar are all common. Each species has its own character and best uses. If you want to know what your specific logs might produce, we’re happy to talk through it.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out and we’ll give you a straight answer. No pressure, no pitch. Just an honest conversation about your logs and what they could become.
Discounts available for veterans and first responders.