If you’re in the market for a portable sawmill, two of the top brands to consider are Woodland Mills and Norwood. Both companies make high-quality, heavy-duty sawmills that can be towed to your logging site. But there are some key differences between Woodland Mills and Norwood sawmills when it comes to features, capabilities, and price.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Woodland Mills and Norwood portable sawmills to help you determine which is the better option for your needs and budget.
We’ll cover the key specs and features of each brand’s sawmills, pros and cons, and provide a detailed comparison table. Read on to learn which portable sawmill is right for you.
Woodland Mills And Norwood Sawmill Comparison Table
| Feature | Woodland Mills | Norwood |
| Origin | Canada | USA |
| Sawmill Sizes Available | 18″ to 50″ log capacity | 21″ to 36″ log capacity |
| Log Loading Method | Log loading arms or hydraulic log loader | Log loading arms |
| Sawmill Frame | Steel or heavy-duty aluminum | Steel |
| Sawmill Mobility | Towable with built-in road mode | Towable |
| Saw Types Available | Band saws or circular saws | Band saws only |
| Saw Blade Options | Carbon steel or stainless steel | Carbon steel |
| Sawmill Control | Manual or fully hydraulic | Manual or electronic setworks |
| Power Options | Gas, diesel, electric, PTO | Gas, diesel, PTO |
| Automation Capabilities | Manual to fully automatic | Manual to power feed controls |
| Price Range | $3,500 – $50,000+ | $13,000 – $50,000+ |
Now let’s dive into more details on Woodland Mills and Norwood portable sawmills…
Woodland Mills Sawmills
Woodland Mills has been manufacturing portable sawmills since the early 1990s. The company was founded by Mario Robitaille and is based in Ontario, Canada.
Woodland Mills offers both band sawmills and circular sawmills in a range of sizes and configurations. Their sawmills are designed to be towable behind a truck or tractor and can be set up on rugged terrain.
Some key features of Woodland Mills sawmills:
- Log Capacity: From 18″ capacity for the hobbyist mills up to 50″ capacity for the industrial mills. Mills come with either log loading arms or hydraulic log loaders.
- Steel or Aluminum Frame: The larger industrial mills have a heavy-duty steel frame, while the smaller hobbyist models have a lightweight aluminum frame for portability.
- Saw Types: Woodland Mills offers both band sawmills and circular sawmills. Band mills typically offer smoother cuts.
- Saw Blades: Carbon steel blades come standard, with optional stainless steel blades available for high volume cutting with reduced wear.
- Power Options: Mills can be powered by gas, diesel, electric, or PTO.
- Automation: Manual and fully hydraulic control options are available. Automated power feed control systems are offered on select models.
- Prices: Woodland Mills sawmills range from about $3,500 for basic hobby mills up to $50,000+ for large, fully automated industrial mills with a hydraulic log loader.
Overall, Woodland Mills sawmills offer excellent versatility and customization at competitive price points. They are a great choice for everyone from DIY hobbyists to professional sawyers and lumber producers.
Norwood Sawmills
Norwood Industries, based in the USA, has been making heavy-duty portable sawmills since 1969. Norwood mills are built with steel frames and are designed to handle high production sawing.
Some of the key features of Norwood portable sawmills:
- Log Capacity: 21″ to 36″ diameter logs can be handled on Norwood’s range of sawmills. Manual log loading arms are standard.
- Steel Frame: The solid steel frame provides stability and durability for heavy sawing work.
- Band Saw Blades: Norwood sawmills utilize band saw blade technology to achieve smooth, precise cuts.
- Carbon Steel Blades: The standard blades are carbon steel. Optional ceramic blades are also available.
- Power Options: Gas, diesel, and PTO power options are available.
- Control: Manual, electronic setworks, and power feed controls provide options from basic to automated operation.
- Prices: Norwood sawmills range from about $13,000 for a manual 21″ capacity mill up to $50,000+ for a large mill with power feed controls.
In summary, Norwood mills are built like tanks and made for high production sawing. They offer consistent, smooth cuts with automated control options available. The solid steel construction makes Norwood a top choice for portable milling of large diameter logs.
Woodland Mills Vs. Norwood Sawmills: Pros And Cons
Now that we’ve compared the key features and capabilities, let’s look at some of the pros and cons of Woodland Mills and Norwood portable sawmills:
Woodland Mills Pros
- Wider range of log capacities available, from 18″ to 50″
- Lighter weight aluminum frame on some models improves portability
- Offer both band and circular sawmill models
- More affordable pricing, starting at around $3,500
- Highly customizable with a range of options
Woodland Mills Cons
- Not as heavy duty as Norwood for high volume sawing
- Limited to carbon steel blade options
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Norwood Pros
- Heavy duty steel construction ideal for high production sawing
- Advanced power feed control options for automation
- Smooth, precise cuts with band saw blades
- Ceramic blade option improves longevity
Norwood Cons
- More limited size range – minimum 21″ capacity
- No circular sawmill models available
- Higher pricing starting around $13,000
- Less custom options compared to Woodland Mills
As you can see, each brand has their advantages. Woodland Mills offers greater flexibility and lower cost, while Norwood is engineered for high volume sawing.
Also Read: NM500 Vs. AR500 Steel: A Detailed Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Woodland Mills portable sawmills are designed and manufactured at the company’s facility in Ontario, Canada. Norwood sawmills are made in the USA.
Norwood sawmills are designed and built by Norwood Industries in Pulaski, New York, USA. Norwood has been family-owned since 1969.
Woodland Mills sawmills are made at the company’s 150,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada.
Wood Mizer is another leading brand of portable sawmills. They make high quality mills comparable to Woodland Mills and Norwood. Wood Mizer offers competitive features and pricing, so they are another good option to consider.
Also Read: Dewalt DCPS620B Vs. DCPS620M1 Pole Saws: Which Is Better?
Conclusion
When choosing between Woodland Mills vs Norwood portable sawmills, you can’t go wrong with either brand. Your decision will come down to your production requirements, log sizes, and budget.
For those milling medium to large diameter logs at high volumes, Norwood’s durability and automation can’t be beat. The ability to add power feed and other automated controls helps Norwood mills achieve smooth, consistent cutting in demanding environments.
Woodland Mills sawmills offer greater flexibility for the DIY sawyer. Their range of sizes and options, along with competitive pricing, makes it easy to find a Woodland Mills portable mill suited to your needs and budget. Band or circular sawmills are available to match your preferences.
Ultimately, assess your production goals, log sizes, blade type preference, budget, and options to determine if a Woodland Mills or Norwood portable sawmill is the right fit for your needs.
Both brands produce high quality, reliable portable sawmills that will provide years of service. The comparison table and pros and cons outlined above will help you make an informed decision between these two industry leaders.