Transforming Timber into Treasure in Austria
In timber processing, having the right tools can make all the difference. For Simon Radauer and his family-run tree care company, investing in the Wood-Mizer LT15WIDE sawmill has revolutionized their business. Focusing on handling large, valuable timber logs and construction wood, the Radauer family has turned a challenging market into a profitable venture.
“My uncle has had a Wood-Mizer sawmill for about 20 years, and I've always been fascinated by how these machines work. I suggested getting a new sawmill about three or four years ago because we often come across valuable timber logs and construction wood. So, we decided to buy the LT15WIDE sawmill,” says Simon.
The LT15CLASSIC WIDE sawmill is built on the popular, versatile, and compact LT15 sawmill series, which has earned worldwide recognition among users. Its wider sawhead, capable of milling logs with a maximum diameter of 90 cm, makes it an exciting tool for companies and individuals who need to cut larger logs. In its standard configuration with the bed consisting of 3 segments (each 1,95 m long), the sawmill allows for cutting 5,2 m long logs. The sawmill bed has six standard side supports and three manual log clamps for securing the log. The mill can be equipped with a set of loading ramps with a manual winch for more efficient log loading.
Simon frequently handles large logs like oak and walnut. With the Wood-Mizer sawmill, Simon can cut the wood himself without relying on subcontractors.
“Since it’s tough to sell valuable timber in blocks or logs on the market, we decided to buy the sawmill to make it easier to sell the wood as boards at a better price,” explains Simon.
“Our company often encounters large and small logs, mostly valuable or construction wood. We cut these because selling an entire log on the market is challenging. We turn them into posts or boards and can sell them at a higher price,” he continues.
Simon also does custom cutting for his clients. The company mainly deals with the logs for construction or valuable wood, which they can now mill themselves. This significantly increases the value of the timber and sells the construction wood very well.
“The SW10 Setworks is a great help, as it allows for a quick program. I don’t have to calculate cutting thickness myself with this device because the computer does it for me. I just set the board thickness, and the sawhead will position itself automatically after each cut. I can cut an entire log to a specific size. It's also very good with a manual program, allowing me to cut various thicknesses. It makes things much easier,” explains Simon.
However, the sawmill is not the only Wood-Mizer product that Simon uses.
“We use Wood-Mizer sawmill blades because they are of high quality, and the sharpening service provided by Wood-Mizer is excellent. If a sawmill blade breaks, it gets replaced without any problems. It’s terrific,” says Simon.
“We are delighted with the cooperation with Wood-Mizer. The LT15 WIDE sawmill is easy to handle, delivers excellent cutting quality, and comes along with outstanding service. It is compact and fits our needs perfectly.”
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