Turbosawmill • Frequently asked questions
Your questions.Answered.
Choosing a mill, planning your first cut or looking after your machine? Find practical answers from the Turbosawmill team.
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Choosing your sawmill
Which Turbosawmill is right for me?
- M7 PowerSaw — a compact, chainsaw-powered mill for remote, hobby and small-scale milling. You supply the chainsaw.
- M10-25M — a 25 hp manual swing-blade mill with 10-inch cutting capacity and the option to add power feed later.
- M12-35A — a 35 hp automated swing-blade mill with 12-inch cutting capacity for higher-production work.
Tell us about your logs, location and intended use, and we can help you choose a configuration.
Where are TurboSawmill sawmills produced?
The finished TurboSawmill is manufactured in Tauranga, New Zealand, using a combination of locally made and internationally sourced components. Our overseas suppliers provide components—not complete, finished TurboSawmill sawmills.
All our sawmill design work and product testing take place in New Zealand. Our critical cutting and driveline components, including saw blades and drive shafts, are machined in Tauranga. We also manufacture components in-house and carry out the technical assembly and final manufacturing that create the finished sawmill.
Many prefabricated components come from China, hydraulic components come from the United States, and other parts are sourced from a range of countries.
Historically, our frame welding, component fabrication and powder coating were also carried out in New Zealand. As sales grew beyond the capacity of these local processes, we outsourced more component production to support higher volumes. This allows our New Zealand team to prioritise product quality control, critical machining, technical assembly and final manufacturing.
Our New Zealand quality-check process includes vibration checks and any necessary adjustments. In addition, approximately one in every ten sawmills undergoes a log-cutting spot check to assess the finished machine in operation.
Can I still buy a manual M12?
Yes. A manual M12 is available on request. The M12-35A is our advertised automated model. Contact us for the manual configuration and pricing.
What engine sizes do you offer?
Our current petrol-powered range uses 25 hp on the M10 and 35 hp on the M12. The M7 PowerSaw is separate from this engine range and runs from your own compatible chainsaw.
Is a chainsaw included with the M7?
No. You provide the chainsaw. A compatible professional saw of around 90 cc or larger is ideal. Suitable battery-powered chainsaws are also an option, with enough batteries and charging capacity for your workday.
See the M7 PowerSaw and check your chainsaw model with us before ordering.
What is the advantage of a swing-blade sawmill?
The blade swings between horizontal and vertical cuts, letting you produce dimensional timber directly from the log. Turbosawmill’s single-beam design keeps access open, and double cutting lets you produce wider timber.
The best choice depends on the timber you want to produce and how you work. Explore the Turbosawmill design.
Can one person operate the sawmill?
Yes, one person can operate the sawmill. Loading logs, lifting components and handling large timber may still require help or suitable equipment.
The M10 and M12 have single-end sizing. The M7 has double-end sizing as standard, with a single-end upgrade available.
Are the mills built for outdoor use?
Yes. The mills are designed for field use, with aluminium and stainless-steel components. Regular cleaning, lubrication and care of the engine and moving parts help keep your machine working well.
Pricing, ordering & delivery
How much does a Turbosawmill cost?
What information do you need for a quote?
Send your country and delivery location, intended use, typical log sizes and species, preferred model, and any accessories you need. Let us know if you are interested in the manual M12.
How soon can I get my sawmill?
Timing depends on stock availability, your configuration and the delivery destination. Contact us or your dealer for current availability and an estimated dispatch and delivery schedule.
Do you ship worldwide, and what does delivery include?
Yes, we supply customers worldwide. Sea freight is generally the economical option; ask about air freight if your order is time-sensitive.
Delivery arrangements, freight charges and any tax or import charges depend on your destination and sales package. Your quotation should confirm whether delivery is to a port or your address, and which charges are included.
Can I track my order?
We provide shipment details and tracking where available after dispatch. Your selling dealer or our team can help with delivery updates.
Can I collect my sawmill directly?
Yes, collection can be arranged. Contact us or your dealer first to confirm the location, machine readiness, collection time and transport requirements.
Are financing options available?
Our finance page lists providers by region. Contact the relevant provider to discuss availability, eligibility and terms for your purchase.
What are the payment terms?
Your written quotation or invoice confirms the payment requirements and due dates for your order. Contact us or your selling dealer if you need these clarified before making payment.
Can I order a sawmill for Europe?
Contact our team or your regional dealer with your country and intended model so we can confirm the suitable configuration and applicable documentation before you order.
Can you help me buy or sell a used Turbosawmill?
We can help connect buyers and owners where possible. Contact us with your location and the model you are looking for or selling. Availability varies.
Setup & transport
How much assembly is required, and how long does setup take?
Initial assembly and routine site setup are different jobs. Follow the supplied instructions and allow extra time when setting up a new machine.
As a guide, the M7 assembles in around 15 minutes. With the trailer system, routine setup or pack-up is around 10–15 minutes for the M10 and 10–20 minutes for the M12. Conditions, configuration and experience affect timing.
Can I break the sawmill down for transport?
Yes. Transport arrangements depend on the model. The M10 can be separated into components for two-person handling, but disassembly can take around 30 minutes or more. Its main beam is approximately 70 kg (154 lb).
For frequent moves, a compatible wheel or trailer system can be more practical. Check the relevant model page for weights and transport options.
Can I order a split beam?
A split-beam option is available for the M7 PowerSaw. For other models, tell us your transport requirements so we can confirm a suitable arrangement before you order.
Do you offer wheels and trailer kits?
Yes. Depending on the model, jockey wheels and dolly trailer kits make moving the mill around your property easier. Check the model builder or ask us which options suit your machine and what is included in your package.
Do I need an external electricity supply?
The standard petrol-powered M10 and M12 do not need mains electricity to power the blade. The M7 uses the power source of your chainsaw.
Electric drive or accessory options can have separate supply requirements. Confirm these with us for your chosen configuration, including any power-feed or sizing upgrades.
Cutting & performance
What size timber can each model cut?
- M7: 7 × 7 in (178 × 178 mm), with double cutting up to 14 in (356 mm) wide.
- M10: 10 × 10 in (254 × 254 mm), with double cutting up to 20 in (508 mm) wide.
- M12: 12 × 12 in (305 × 305 mm), with double cutting up to 24 in (610 mm) wide.
You can also cut smaller boards and sections. See each model page for log length, extensions and configuration details.
Can I mill oversized logs?
Yes. The open-frame, single-beam design lets you work around very large logs. Practical capacity depends on the frame setup, access and how the log is supported and handled.
Send us your log dimensions and the timber you want to produce so we can advise on the setup.
Can I cut wide slabs with my swing-blade sawmill?
Yes. We offer a slabber attachment that bolts onto your standard swing-blade sawmill. This adds wide-slabbing capability to your existing setup.
Tell us your model and serial number so we can confirm the correct attachment and fitting requirements.
How wide can the slabber attachment cut?
The attachment offers slabbing widths of up to approximately 1.5 m (5 ft), depending on the setup. Ask us to confirm the usable width and thickness for your machine and intended slabs.
Can I mill hardwoods as well as softwoods?
Yes. The swing-blade system handles both hardwoods and softwoods. A sharp, correctly set blade and a feed rate suited to the timber help maintain an accurate cut.
What production and fuel use should I expect?
Output and fuel use vary with the model, timber species, log size, cut dimensions, blade condition and workflow. Log preparation and timber handling also affect daily production.
Use our Profit & ROI Calculator for planning estimates, and ask us about the model and conditions that match your work.
How do I achieve consistent timber sizes?
Correct alignment, a sharp blade and consistent sizing settings are the starting point. Sizing controls vary by model; the M12 offers optional push-button or computer sizing. We can help you choose the controls that suit your work.
Blades, maintenance & upgrades
Can I sharpen the blade and replace the teeth?
Yes, the blade can be sharpened on the mill using the supplied sharpening equipment and your own drill.
The standard M7 blade has welded teeth. The standard M10 and M12 blades use replaceable insert tips. Tooth replacement therefore depends on the blade fitted. See blades and spare parts.
How often will the blade need sharpening or replacing?
It depends on the timber, contamination, cutting load and blade care. Sharpen when cutting performance declines, and inspect the blade and tips as directed in your manual. Contact us if you need help assessing wear or damage.
What kerf does the saw blade have?
Kerf is the width of timber removed by the blade. It depends on the blade and tip specification fitted to your machine. Check the selected blade’s specification or send us your model and blade details for the correct measurement.
Does the blade need cooling or lubrication?
Follow the instructions for your model and cutting system. Cooling and lubrication arrangements differ between the chainsaw-powered M7, the larger circular-blade mills and the slabber attachment. Contact us if you need the correct setup for your machine.
What routine maintenance is required?
Keep the blade sharp, clean away sawdust and debris, check alignment and fasteners, and maintain the engine or chainsaw. Follow your model’s manual for lubrication, belt checks where fitted, and service intervals.
Can I upgrade my manual sawmill later?
The M10 can be upgraded with power feed and automatic blade swing. The M7 can be upgraded from double-end to single-end sizing, either when ordered or later.
For other machines or upgrades, send us your model and serial number so we can confirm compatibility and the parts required.
What accessories can I add?
Depending on the model, options include beam extensions, centre legs, jockey wheels, dolly trailers, sizing controls, power feed, spare blades and the slabber attachment. Many can be added later.
Use your model’s builder or ask our team to confirm compatibility.
How do I order spare parts?
Use our parts store, or contact us with the model, serial number and a photo or description of the part. We support existing machines and can arrange international parts shipping. Ask us about availability for older models.
Warranty & support
What warranty comes with my sawmill?
- M7 PowerSaw: one year on the mill framework. The chainsaw is supplied by you.
- M10 and M12: two years on the mill framework and the supplied motor.
Refer to the warranty supplied with your order for the applicable conditions. For an older machine or a different engine configuration, contact us with the model and serial number.
Are consumables and normal wear covered?
Consumables and normal wear are excluded. These include items such as blade tips, drive belts and wear components. Check the warranty supplied with your machine for the full conditions, or contact us about a specific part.
How do I get help with a fault or warranty claim?
Contact us or your selling dealer with your model, serial number, purchase details and a description of the problem. Clear photos or a short video help us assess it.
Please speak with us before arranging warranty repairs so the work can be agreed first.
Do you provide training and help for new owners?
Yes. We provide operating instructions and practical support, and our model pages include demonstration videos. New operators should learn the setup, controls and operating procedures before starting work.
Ask us or your dealer about the training available with your particular sales package.
Where is Turbosawmill based?
Turbosawmill is based in Tauranga, New Zealand, and has been supplying swing-blade sawmills since 2007. We work with customers and dealers internationally.
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