I read this whole thread from way back a year ago when it started up to the last page.
Wow you guys are great at sharing info and helping each other and I think the management it great also the way help is offered on competitors products also.
If I buy anything it will be from this site and I hope to join the ranks of the helpful.
Currently I am a non-pellet maker just looking for lots of info and thinking I would like to make my own pellets to use instead of using fire wood.
I have very cheap supply of oak slabs to burn here so paying $4-$5 a bag for pellets in my area and the large expense of a pellet stove is not really financially worthwhile for me. If burning 2 bags a day during the worst weather here for 30 days my heating cost would jump from maybe $100 for season to $300 in one month at least plus all the other times I would need some heat during the season.
I would like using pellets better than slabs though for many reasons if it were not for the much higher cost.
As for making pellets to sell, if my retail cost is $4 per 40lb bag, then it would take production of 120lbs per hour of WORK to make $12 per hour, then subtract all the expenses of production from that $12 per hour. Expenses of course being equipment, saw dust, fuel, repairs, binders, bags, etc.. etc...
So if I had a steady market and ran good Oak pellets to sell on a regular basis eventually, would those of you making pellets now think it would be worth the investment and profitable for me to get into this?
I see that softwoods is supposed to be better than hardwoods, however I am in a mostly OAK area I think. Flooring mills, pallet mills, etc.. so hardwood dust is what I would have most access to for a lower price.
I am interested in pellets as a hobby also even if not worthwhile for me as an income, but I generally try to make my hobbies pay for themselves and be profitable when I can.
