1096here,
The mill I use charges a flat $45 an hour. I deliver the logs to them on my trailer and they fit it into their schedule. I don't take stuff to them with the idea I am going to get it next week. My orders are small and they do a lot of big orders so I am happy to get the work done. They do great work, will cut whatever I want and they always remember my name and will take a few minutes to visit with me. They can cut a lot of lumber in an hour so I have no issue with the price. I think the largest bill I ever had was $330 and it took me two loads on my 12 foot tandem axle trailer to get it home.
I have talked with other sawyers with portable mills. Some wanted to make all their money in set up fees to come to my yard. I would rather haul to the guys I have been using and know it will be done right. I think 50 cents a board foot sounds a bit high but have never priced it out that way. The hourly rate works out to about 20 cents a board foot for me.
Mart
