FAQs

Have you browsed our website and still have some questions? The answers may be below, but if not, please send your question through to us and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Product

One of the features that set Peterson sawmills apart are the materials that we use. Made of aluminium and stainless steel/mild steel the mills won’t rust like others do, even if you have to leave it out in the harsh elements. The blades won’t be badly damaged by nails or bullets in logs, and because they are powered by reliable Honda, Kohler or Briggs & Stratton engines (dependent on model), they won’t drive you nuts with breakdowns.

Peterson mills can be assembled in 10 minutes by 1 or 2 proficient persons. They are so simple to set up! (See set up diagrams for ATSWPFASM). You don’t need flat ground for set up either, although milling up a hillside isn’t much fun. The mill allows 360 degree access to the log and timber, and can be changed from portable to fixed-site setup. It can also utilize the same tracks for the Dedicated Wide Slabber mill.

A Peterson mill can easily be run by one proficient person. It doesn’t take a master’s degree to operate, nor does it require big burly men to lift and move! The mill can fit in the back of a pick-up, ute, or small tandem trailer and can be wheeled or hand-carried to the site by one person. All mills have wheels, they are so easy to load and unload. For safety reasons, we do recommend a second person at the milling site during all operations, including tree felling and pruning.

Peterson sawmills are very durable and made to last. We know of Peterson sawmill operators working fully functional mills which were manufactured in 1990. We use good quality materials and many components are manufactured at our factory in New Zealand. Peterson circular blades are made out of thicker gauge blade steel than ordinary blades.

The choice of motor options is dependent on the mill model, and consists of both gasoline and electric options. Download our brochure for a detailed breakdown of motor options per model.

Blades

Peterson mills can achieve over 80% recovery from good logs. They have 1-point sizing, are accurate to 1mm (.04″) and do not cut wavy boards, even with tension.

Peterson’s blades last for 2-6 years, depending on their frequency of use and how well they are maintained. Some owners have been using the same blades for over 10 years.

Blade maintenance is not a problem at all. They can easily be sharpened on the mill in about 5 minutes, and they can be re-tipped in your own garage or by a specialised saw doctor. Each new mill comes with a sharpener and two spare blades.

Operation

With a bit of practice, it’s possible to set up the ASM in about one hour, and the other mills in 20 to 30 minutes.

The Peterson mill can handle almost any kind of log, and is able to cut any size and length that you require. It works great on both hardwoods and softwoods and you can cut efficiently in both directions. You can take the mill right to the log, so an entire log can be milled without even moving it! Read up about different tree species in our tree dictionary.

The Peterson mill is so versatile it can do almost any cut you need. It can cut solid wide slabs, beams by double cutting (without turning the mill around), and also produce perfectly dimensioned lumber. You do not need to double-handle or re-saw (unless the log has high tension), and you can mill the entire log without moving it. The Peterson mill can easily quarter-saw a log, and is also great for specialist cuts like cants, pole barns and tapered weatherboards. Find exact measurements on each mill’s Specification Chart – ATS, WPF, ASM, DWS. See also our range of Cutting Patterns.

Purchase

The order process is simple! Call our office or email us to place your order. Once your order is received, we require 1/3 deposit (Visa/Mastercard or bank transfer) to confirm (full payment required with JP model). When funds are cleared build times will be sent to you along with your warranty form and training manual.

When your order is complete, we will give notification that full payment (by international wire/bank transfer) is required. Once payment has cleared and your mill is ready to be collected/shipped, we will let you know.

PS: As of 31 March 2021, we no longer accept cheques.

Peterson export worldwide and encounter differing (and fluctuating) freight, currencies and export costs, therefore we have tailored pricelists pertaining to each country. We also have over 40 different mill options to suit all applications, so it often helps our customers to call and speak to us about their particular needs. Request an information pack here.

Peterson sawmills lead the market in build quality, innovation, reliability, life-of-mill customer service and reputation. We also offer a range of models, sizes and functions to suit individual customer requirements, rather than the ‘one model fits all’ approach that some other suppliers employ. Peterson’s custom build sawmills to each customer order. Yes there is a difference, and the price is only one part of the package.

We don’t aim at the budget end of the market with cheap Chinese components and ‘bolt together’ kitset sawmills. We don’t use plastic guards and apart from the JP, all our sawmills are welded frame stainless steel and aluminium. No one ever regretted buying quality and this might be one of the reasons why we sell so many sawmills. Many ‘other brand’ sawmill owners have sold their mill to buy a Peterson. We’re not aware of any Peterson owners selling their mill to buy a Lucas, D&L or other swingblade brand.

When purchased from an agent or within a state rep’s territory, every Peterson sawmill comes with a half-day’s training. Outside these areas, a detailed instruction and training video is available prior to your mill delivery. Peterson also offers unlimited free phone support, using our international free phone numbers.

Some logs! Our mills always include a complete kit to get you milling right away. We also have a wide range of accessories and merchandise available.

The mills and tracks are packaged within a solid crate (2×4″ frame, 6×1″ base and fully covered in 9mm mdf sheets). All mill components are strapped down to prevent damage within the crate.

All mills are covered by insurance from when they leave the factory up until they reach the customer. In the unlikely event of damage occurring during shipping, Peterson will immediately airfreight damaged components or source replacement parts from our agents/state rep’s. Peterson will then handle dealings with the insurance company, leaving the customer to get on with sawing lumber.

There are enthusiastic Peterson sawmill owners allover the world. The millers in our ‘Owner’s Network’ have made themselves available to you to ask questions by phone or email, and some of them even offer private demos and open days at their milling sites.

Extras

Standard frames on the 6″ and 8″ WPF mills (1.2m/4ft) can be upgraded to a larger dimension (1.8m/6ft) at the time of order for larger logs. When upgrading models, but keeping the same size motor, output is reduced by about 5%. Upgrading from 20hp to 24hp can increase output by up to 15%.

On certain models from 2003 onwards you can add the electric winch and/or track extensions. Some fitting adjustments might be required.

Spare parts can usually be delivered to your door within 2-10 days, depending on availability and location. Agents and Area reps stock a number of high-turnover parts, so that you are not waiting for extended periods of time.

Due to varying schedules of suppliers and staff, Peterson Head Office is unable to dispatch spare parts on a Friday. If you want parts urgently, please ensure you contact us Monday to Thursday to confirm your spare parts orders.

All of our standard mills (excludes electric mills) comply with CE Certification. We added a number of features to the mills for them to attain this. As pioneers in swing blade sawing technology, Peterson has acquired a great deal of experience over the years in dealing with hazards associated with single blade sawing. We have used that to design and build a portable sawmill which is second to none in terms of operator safety and ease of use.

You can order blade tips from your local saw doctor, and they can also re-tension your blade. Go to your local authorised engine dealer to have your Honda/Kohler/Briggs & Stratton Vanguard motor serviced.

Spare parts can usually be delivered to your door within 2-10 days, depending on availability and location. Agents and state rep’s stock a number of high-turnover parts, so that you are not waiting for extended periods of time.

Due to varying schedules of suppliers and staff, Peterson Head Office is unable to dispatch spare parts on a Friday. If you want parts urgently, please ensure you contact us Monday to Thursday to confirm your spare parts orders.

Yes you can. Once installed, you don’t have to reconfigure the setup and can use both mills anytime. Several millers have been using this set-up

Product

One of the features that set Peterson sawmills apart are the materials that we use. Made of aluminium and stainless steel/mild steel the mills won’t rust like others do, even if you have to leave it out in the harsh elements. The blades won’t be badly damaged by nails or bullets in logs, and because they are powered by reliable Honda, Kohler or Briggs & Stratton engines (dependent on model), they won’t drive you nuts with breakdowns.

Peterson mills can be assembled in 10 minutes by 1 or 2 proficient persons. They are so simple to set up! You don’t need flat ground for set up either, although milling up a hillside isn’t much fun. The mill allows 360 degree access to the log and timber, and can be changed from portable to fixed-site setup.

A Peterson mill can easily be run by one proficient person. It doesn’t take a master’s degree to operate, nor does it require big burly men to lift and move! The mill can fit in the back of a pick-up, ute, or small tandem trailer and can be wheeled or hand-carried to the site by one person. All mills have wheels, they are so easy to load and unload. For safety reasons, we do recommend a second person at the milling site during all operations, including tree felling and pruning.

Peterson sawmills are very durable and made to last. We know of Peterson sawmill operators working fully functional mills which were manufactured in 1990. We use good quality materials and many components are manufactured at our factory in New Zealand. Peterson circular blades are made out of thicker gauge blade steel than ordinary blades.

The choice of motor options is dependent on the mill model, and consists of both gasoline and electric options. Download our brochure for a detailed breakdown of motor options per model.

Every Peterson Portable Sawmill is manufactured by hand, in our Rotorua, New Zealand factory. We proudly cut, weld, treat, build, and individually test every single machine with love and care and to the highest workmanship standards.

Blades

Peterson mills can achieve over 80% recovery from good logs. They have 1-point sizing, are accurate to 1mm (.04″) and do not cut wavy boards, even with tension.

Peterson Sawmill Blades last for 2-6 years, depending on their frequency of use and how well they are maintained. Some owners have been using the same blades for over 10 years.

Blade maintenance is not a problem at all. They can easily be sharpened on the mill in about 5 minutes, and they can be re-tipped in your own garage or by a specialised saw doctor. Each new mill comes with a sharpener and two spare blades.

Operation

With a bit of practice, it’s possible to set up the ASM in about one hour, and the other mills in 20 to 30 minutes.

The Peterson mill can handle almost any kind of log, and is able to cut any size and length that you require. It works great on both hardwoods and softwoods and you can cut efficiently in both directions. You can take the mill right to the log, so an entire log can be milled without even moving it!

The Peterson mill is so versatile it can do almost any cut you need. It can cut solid wide slabs, beams by double cutting (without turning the mill around), and also produce perfectly dimensioned lumber. You do not need to double-handle or re-saw (unless the log has high tension), and you can mill the entire log without moving it. The Peterson mill can easily quarter-saw a log, and is also great for specialist cuts like cants, pole barns and tapered weatherboards.

Purchase

The order process is simple! Call our office or email us to place your order. Once your order is received, we require 1/3 deposit (Visa/Mastercard or bank transfer) to confirm (full payment required with JP model). When funds are cleared build times will be sent to you along with your warranty form and training manual.

When your order is complete, we will give notification that full payment (by international wire/bank transfer) is required. Once payment has cleared and your mill is ready to be collected/shipped, we will let you know.

PS: As of 31 March 2021, we no longer accept cheques.

Peterson export worldwide and encounter differing (and fluctuating) freight, currencies and export costs, therefore we have tailored pricelists pertaining to each country. We also have over 40 different mill options to suit all applications, so it often helps our customers to call and speak to us about their particular needs. Request an information pack here.

Petersons export worldwide from our factory in Rotorua, New Zealand.
Encountering fluctuating freight, raw materials, currencies and export costs, therefore we have tailored pricelists pertaining to each country. We also have over 40 different mill options to suit all applications, so it often helps to call and speak to us about your particular needs.
If you would like to recieve a copy of our digital Info Pack and Price List, please click here.

Peterson sawmills lead the market in build quality, innovation, reliability, life-of-mill customer service and reputation. We also offer a range of models, sizes and functions to suit individual customer requirements, rather than the ‘one model fits all’ approach that some other suppliers employ. Peterson’s custom build sawmills to each customer order. Yes there is a difference, and the price is only one part of the package.

We don’t aim at the budget end of the market with cheap Chinese components and ‘bolt together’ kitset sawmills. We don’t use plastic guards and apart from the JP, all our sawmills are welded frame stainless steel and aluminium. No one ever regretted buying quality and this might be one of the reasons why we sell so many sawmills. Many ‘other brand’ sawmill owners have sold their mill to buy a Peterson. We’re not aware of any Peterson owners selling their mill to buy a Lucas, D&L or other swingblade brand.

When purchased from an agent or within a state rep’s territory, every Peterson sawmill comes with a half-day’s training. Outside these areas, a detailed instruction and training video is available prior to your mill delivery. Peterson also offers unlimited free phone support, using our international free phone numbers.

Some logs! Our mills always include a complete kit to get you milling right away. We also have a wide range of accessories and merchandise available.

The mills and tracks are packaged within a solid crate (2×4″ frame, 6×1″ base and fully covered in 9mm mdf sheets). All mill components are strapped down to prevent damage within the crate.

All mills are covered by insurance from when they leave the factory up until they reach the customer. In the unlikely event of damage occurring during shipping, Peterson will immediately airfreight damaged components or source replacement parts from our agents/state rep’s. Peterson will then handle dealings with the insurance company, leaving the customer to get on with sawing lumber.

There are enthusiastic Peterson sawmill owners allover the world. The millers in our ‘Owner’s Network’ have made themselves available to you to ask questions by phone or email, and some of them even offer private demos and open days at their milling sites.

Extras

On certain models from 2003 onwards you can add the electric winch and/or track extensions. Some fitting adjustments might be required.

Spare parts can usually be delivered to your door within 2-10 days, depending on availability and location. Agents and Area reps stock a number of high-turnover parts, so that you are not waiting for extended periods of time.

Due to varying schedules of suppliers and staff, Peterson Head Office is unable to dispatch spare parts on a Friday. If you want parts urgently, please ensure you contact us Monday to Thursday to confirm your spare parts orders.

All of our standard mills (excludes electric mills) comply with CE Certification. We added a number of features to the mills for them to attain this. As pioneers in swing blade sawing technology, Peterson has acquired a great deal of experience over the years in dealing with hazards associated with single blade sawing. We have used that to design and build a portable sawmill which is second to none in terms of operator safety and ease of use.

You can order blade tips from your local saw doctor, and they can also re-tension your blade. Go to your local authorised engine dealer to have your Honda/Kohler/Briggs & Stratton Vanguard motor serviced.

Spare parts can usually be delivered to your door within 2-10 days, depending on availability and location. Agents and state rep’s stock a number of high-turnover parts, so that you are not waiting for extended periods of time.

Due to varying schedules of suppliers and staff, Peterson Head Office is unable to dispatch spare parts on a Friday. If you want parts urgently, please ensure you contact us Monday to Thursday to confirm your spare parts orders.

Yes you can. Once installed, you don’t have to reconfigure the setup and can use both mills anytime. Several millers have been using this set-up. 

Explore Swingblade Tips & Tricks

Cutting patterns to optimize your logs, log placement, securing logs in place, calculations, maintaining the mill, you name it.. Skip the guesswork and check out our most popular tips and tricks for operating a Peterson Portable Sawmill.

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Looking for our sawmill prices?

Peterson Portable Sawmills manufacture and export worldwide from our factory in Rotorua, New Zealand. Encountering fluctuating freight, raw materials, currencies and export costs, therefore we have tailored pricelists pertaining to each country.
We also have over 40 different mill configurations to suit all applications, so it often helps to call and speak to us about your particular needs.

If you would like to recieve a copy of our digital Info Pack and Price List, please click here.