Many of the folks here have built their own, myself included. If your the type with some metal working skill and have at least a welder and chop saw and the temperament to do a job right, you have all you need. You will get out what you put in, cobbled togather with odd parts and your product will reflect it. I built my band mill many years ago at the time cost me about $500.00 as I had a lot of stuff, hydraulic pumps and motors, valves est. There are many ways to build a mill some better than others. If you attend forestry shows you will notice most of the mill brands are alike that's no accident, it would be prudent not to deviate too far from those designs. Cantalever head, it can be done, but it adds a lot of complications, if your up to it do it. I put home built mills in three catigories light, medium, and heavy duty, mine I consider medium. Three head designs cantilever, two post, and four post, I recommend four post as it gives you the room and option to change power plants at a later date. I will get into building later but don't cheap out on the steel and parts. I have seen some crappy home builts that I would hide in the bushes and I've seen super duty mills better than you could buy. I built mine before forums, only getting ideas from mills I've seen and things I dreamed up. I've been very pleased and its paid for itself exponentially. As with many things a fella should really built two mills one to learn and one to keep with everything you want. Frank C.