Portable sawmills have been around for over a hundred years, but they really started gaining popularity in the United States in the 1970s. This was due to the 1973 oil crisis and the back-to-the-land movement, which inspired people to become more self-sufficient, including harvesting their own wood from small woodlots. Since then, the popularity of portable sawmills has grown exponentially, especially since the commercialization of the portable bandsaw mill in 1982.

Bandsaw sawmills are an essential tool for those looking to be self-sufficient or start their own small sawmill business. They allow you to easily and efficiently saw logs into boards, beams, and other pieces of lumber right on your own property. And with a portable sawmill, you can take your business on the road, offering sawmill services to others in your area.

The benefits of owning a portable bandsaw mill are many. First and foremost, it allows you to control the entire process of making lumber, from selecting the trees to sawing the logs to drying the finished lumber. This means you have complete control over the quality and type of wood you produce, and you can tailor your products to the needs of your customers.

Another benefit of bandsaw sawmills is their versatility. They can be used to saw almost any species of wood, from softwoods like pine and cedar to hardwoods like oak and maple. They can also be used to produce a wide range of lumber sizes and shapes, from standard dimensional lumber to custom-sized beams and timbers.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of a portable sawmill, however, is its portability. Unlike traditional sawmills, which are large, stationary machines, portable sawmills can be moved easily from one location to another. This means you can take your sawmill to where the trees are, rather than having to bring the logs to the mill. This can save you time, money, and labor, and it also allows you to offer your sawmill services to a wider area.

Of course, there are some downsides to owning a portable sawmill as well. For one, they can be expensive, especially if you need to purchase a new machine. They also require a significant amount of maintenance and upkeep to keep them running smoothly. And, like any business, sawmilling requires a certain amount of skill and experience to be successful.

But with the right tools, knowledge, and determination, anyone can start their own sawmill business with a portable bandsaw mill. And with the increasing demand for locally sourced, sustainably harvested lumber, there is a growing market for this type of business.

So if you're interested in self-sufficiency, woodworking, or starting your own small business, consider investing in a portable bandsaw sawmill. With the right tools and a bit of hard work, you can create beautiful, high-quality lumber and build a thriving business in the process.