Milling advice

buy one from a local mill

maybe check craigslist or your local classifieds for an independent band mill owner/operator....lots of them out there everywhere.
Put a wanted ad in craigslist stating you need someone with a bandmill to cut your mantel....I'm betting someone will do it...

Most commercial mills and such don't want anything to do with a homeowner cut log for many reasons....one of which is the fact that they have no idea where the log came from and they worry about metal being in the log (you've heard the term "yard birds", yard trees almost ALWAYS have metal in them....)

And, if all else fails, maybe take a crack at hand-hewing your own mantel beam.....just like they did in the old days. It'll make a MUCH nicer mantel than a sawn one, and think of the stories you can tell about that mantel when people admire it hanging above your fireplace!

Cool video

RayBurner said:

I live in SE Michigan.

I have called on a couple mills and they both shot me down.

I would like to rip a piece of Hickory about 8' in length for a mantel--any tips would be appreciated!!

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I don't have any advice, but I am not sure I understand the question. Are you looking for a mill that is willing to process a log that you will provide? Or are you trying to buy a log that you will mill with your own equipment?

Brighton Stone Sells Custom Mantle pieces.
7196 Grand River Rd
Brighton
(810) 229-6648

Know the guys in the shop mention Augie Sent you if ya feel like it.

RayBurner said:

Wow that mini mill is really slick!! Any idea on the cost??

I have several Hickory logs about 8-10' in length and I want them milled in half--so in essence I get two mantels out of one log.

Thanks Augie for the tip. Brighton isn't that far from me.

Thanks everyone!!

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$119.99 from Baileys. $89.99 frm Northern tool.