Based in Virginia, USA, Troy Lancaster got interested in milling after storms took down many large trees several years ago on his property and he didn't want to see all of the beautiful oaks used as just firewood. He plans to use the lumber he mills to build a small barn and a hunting cabin on his land. Hes done several contract milling jobs and loving the experience of it all.
Hi Craig
It just dawned on me that I met you a couple years ago in Richmond at the Logging Show. You were milling with an ASM and I spoke to you at length about Peterson mills. So I guess you really got me started in my quest to pursue the purchase of a swing mill. I had all but given up on the idea of buying a Peterson mill due to the cost. I just did not have the capital to invest in it, although it was truly what I wanted. I spent two years toying with the idea of buying a mill and had settled on a WM LT-15 as a make do sacrifice choice which I could afford.
Well, the more I researched and got serious about buying a mill I decided that I would not be happy just settling for something and stretched my neck out a little more than I had planned and eventually ordered the ATS 8/27. The guys and gals at Peterson never gave up on me even after I let them know a couple times that I really didn't think I would be able to afford one of their mills and that I was looking at the Wood Mizers. I can't recall which of the girls I had spoke to, but she would call me every 4 to 6 months just
to check in and see how I was doing, kept me up to speed with info of their products, etc. Never any sales pressure, just felt like a good friend checking up on me once in a while.
Well it all paid off! I love my mill!
Prior to this weekend I had 58 hours of milling nothing but red, white and chestnut oak on my Peterson ATS. The 27 hp Kohler muscles right on through them and that is all I've ever known. Well I got to cut into some pine on Saturday. What a difference that was. I had two guys tailing and they could not keep up. I had to push a few boards off the end of the log as I walked back with the next cut.
"The Peterson was well worth the price . . and the wait"
I did a lot of research before deciding on Peterson. I really liked the construction of the Peterson and the ability to easily perform double cuts. There is a price difference as you may well know, but I think for me the Peterson was well worth the price difference and the wait.
