Useful sawmill mods

[4x4American]

Looks like you've changed a bolt there before!  Me, if I have to change it once and it can be welded then it will be welded! lol


Any particular reason your feed motor assy cover is off? 


I hacked my sawdust chute in half once I got the mill, the thing makes sawdust so fast you have to shovel too soon with the full length they give you.   It's the motion of the ocean..

[Magicman]

Yup, the screws have vibrated loose.  Matter of fact, I tightened the one on the right today, but it wasn't going to shake out.  BTW, my handles are brass. 

That power feed cover was off (and lost) when I bought the sawmill.  I could build one if I knew what it was supposed to look like, or better, just leave it like it is.  It will slip when it is wet, but I don't work in the rain anyway.   ;D

[4x4American]

I was figgering that it had something to do with watching that belt if it twists around in the groove, or to keep cool hauling that operator chair back and forth all day  :D


Brass handles on your mill?  Boy WM really used to be fancy!

[Dave Shepard]

4x4, just flip the chute up. You can get 25 feet if you're pushing the feed.

http://youtu.be/TlMTxUwF-YY

[Kbeitz]

I have tried a few thing but ultimately have not found any thing that really makes a lot of difference...

It seems like you didn't read my post.   :-\

You absolutely can increase the speed (by about 50%) just by changing the pulley but, the SimpleSet won't work correctly.

If you could change the speed of the encoder to match your
Speed increase then the simple set should work

[4x4American]

Dave, I have been doing that recently, which I find helps me talk with the blade in a more spiritual fashion. 


But when I cut the chute, I was portable sawing, and I like to be as neat as I can, and often times there's things nearby that won't do to be covered in sawdust, such as flowers, firewood, ant farms, long-legged suntanning women, ya know..stuff

[4x4American]

If I pushed the feed like that on my mill I would be saying surfs up dude

[pineywoods]

Faster up-down speed for older mizers. Two methods. click here

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,27272.0.html

[Ga Mtn Man]

I have tried a few thing but ultimately have not found any thing that really makes a lot of difference...

It seems like you didn't read my post.   :-\

You absolutely can increase the speed (by about 50%) just by changing the pulley but, the SimpleSet won't work correctly.

If you could change the speed of the encoder to match your
Speed increase then the simple set should work

Kbeitz,

Do you have some inside knowledge of the proprietary code that runs the Wood-Mizer SimpleSet?  It isn't as simple as you think.

[grouch]

Nice work, Grouch.  Appreciate it  8)

Grouch:  Thank you for the index. I've spent almost an hour looking at some of the modifications.

This thread needs to be a book on sawmilling. Thanks for the index. I never have managed to read this entire thread. This will really help.

Welcome. Glad it helped; wasn't sure if I was wasting time or not. When my eyes uncross I'll try to organize that better. Sure appreciate Jeff making it easy to use stock-standard html for links. That made it easy once the posts were cataloged.

Of course, now the index is out of date.

[Dave Shepard]

If I pushed the feed like that on my mill I would be saying surfs up dude

That was a 10° in 16 inch pine. You should see what it will do with a Turbo! :D

[Kbeitz]

I have tried a few thing but ultimately have not found any thing that really makes a lot of difference...

It seems like you didn't read my post.   :-\

You absolutely can increase the speed (by about 50%) just by changing the pulley but, the SimpleSet won't work correctly.

If you could change the speed of the encoder to match your
Speed increase then the simple set should work

Kbeitz,

Do you have some inside knowledge of the proprietary code that runs the Wood-Mizer SimpleSet?  It isn't as simple as you think.

I have no knowledge of your machine. But if it has an encoder somewhere it´s reading so many 0´s and 1´s per movement.
So if that could be geared up or down to match the speed change of the carrage that should work.
I work with PLC´s and encoders and if you dont have a way to change the programing then you change the ratio of the encoder
or buy a different encoder.

[fishfighter]

Need y'alls help. Looking for some ideas as to how to rig up a lock, to lock the saw head in place now that I have my mill on a trailer. Pictures would be great.

thanks.

[Kbeitz]

I just welded a tab with an 1/2¨hole in it and welded it to the carrage.
When moveing I bolt it down to the track.

[fishfighter]

Thanks, but I would have to do all 4 post. I wouldn't feel comfortable if I didn't.

[thecfarm]

I wonder if Jeff could move that index up to the top of this thread.  ;)

[4x4American]

Grouch, heck of a job on the index.. smiley_clapping

[grouch]

Grouch, heck of a job on the index.. smiley_clapping

Thanks. Trying for version 0.2 now. If I get shot for this, it's all your fault.

Corrections, etc. appreciated.

Baker

   battery hold-down, battery isolator

Circular saw

  hydrostatic carriage drive and chain hoist for log turning
  sawdust drag with overhead return, table spacing

DIY saw

  allthread plus coupling nut log dog, acme thread log height adjusters
  gearmotor for head height, pt.1
  gearmotor for head height, pt.2
  gearmotor replaces winch for head height
  handle bars and throttle

Diesel engine

  priming pt.1 Use 12V electric fuel pump for priming diesel engine.
  priming pt.2 Use 12V electric fuel pump for priming diesel engine.

Engine

  air quick connect for fuel
  duck tape Honda fan intake
  exhaust extension
  glass sediment bowl
  smaller alternator pulley
  voltmeter

Harbor Freight

  HF log dog shortening

Level

  R.V. level on mill
  blocks for stabilizers
  fine adjust outrigger from jacks - step by step
  fine adjust outrigger from jacks
  trailer jacks
  wedges for stabilizers

Lights

  lights to tires, head, posts

Lube

  ball valve and needle valve for lube control
  carriage activated lube valve
  dishwashing detergent jugs for lube
  lube tube extension and re-route
  lube tube reroute
  lube tubing extension and re-route
  request for explanation of "breeding the system"
  saw lube solenoid switched by engine rpm
  spring to LubeMizer tube
  stainless steel lube tube with bushing
  throttle activated windshield washer blade sprayer
  valve and tee for "breeding the system" [needs further explanation] and washing hands
  water drum, hose, tap, pump, switch
  water lube to drive side, 2nd valve on lube tube
  water tank with air hose quick coupling
  water tank
  water tube relocate, deflector protector, pt.1
  water tube relocate, deflector protector, pt.2

Misc.

  NO-OX-ID "A-special" for electrical connections
  boat winch to worm gear winch
  buddy bearings and spare tire
  carriage return switch
  castors for outriggers
  custom aluminum fuel tank
  guard as belt cleaner
  gun bluing rails
  replace drive-in grease fittings with threaded
  stainless steel bolts with Nylock nuts
  suggestion for "INDEX"
  trailer axle front

Multi

  2nd battery, oil pressure, tach, micro switches on clutch handle for lube and engine, marker lights, spot lights
  balanced guide crank, ice tea bottle hand grip, oil filler sleeve, battery outlet/plug, cutout in mainsaw guard
  brush for bark fuzz, rounded power strip, fenders filled for billboards
  clamp fangs, traction nuts, nut locks, umbrella holder
  double head chain, lights, line levels, jack
  oil fill extension, dust chute
  removable bed rail risers with cant stops, electric winch turner / loader, extra battery

Norwood

  Norwood log loader extension plus winch
  hour meter, exhaust re-route, cold air intake restrictor, choke cable removed
  squaring arms
  truck mudflap sawdust deflector, Norwood

Oscar

  blade cover and log dog mods for Oscar

Safety

  LED tail lights
  battery terminal short prevention
  clanger
  garden hose to cover leg hazards
  hydraulic cover traction mod
  ratchet strap for head during travel
  traction for step
  tubing light protector
  washer with hairpin clip for head during travel

Sawing

  12VDC gearmotor speed control
  12VDC winch log turner
  6 gpm AC hydraulic pump
  DC fan for sawdust, pt.1
  DC fan for sawdust, pt.2
  DC to AC hydraulic pump, pt.1
  DC to AC hydraulic pump, pt.2
  HF track extension
  Norwood sawdust chute deflector from tire
  bondo spreader as blade cleaner
  broken blade for log clamp teeth
  bucket for sawdust discharge
  clamp fangs, pt.1
  clamp fangs, pt.2
  convex mirror
  dragback fingers and holder, dragback deck
  dragback guide fingers
  external battery and 5.5HP engine with 105A alternator
  forstner bit for clamp teeth
  half-pipe sawdust collection trough
  heavy sawhorses for mobile dead deck
  hinged unloading ramps (for timber), bed extension with removable bunks
  hydraulic tank heater
  light for night sawing
  load lock as log dog
  loader mod for short logs
  log dogs
  log shifter for loader
  log stop scales
  mechanical remote controls
  mill as edger with vises
  movable scale becomes special scale
  nuts as loading arm teeth
  offbearer table with roller
  ramps and extensions for offloading timbers
  removable log stop extensions
  roller chain board guide details
  roller chain board guide
  roller toeboard
  sawdust chute cover plate
  sawdust discharge chute
  sawdust exhaust chute, pt.1
  sawdust exhaust chute, pt.2
  scale and log lights
  scale and magnets
  seat umbrella
  shorts Use 2 sacrificial boards to hold short logs.
  steel dragback roller table
  tape measures and magnets for scales
  toe boards via ratchet binders
  tripod and electric winch for log turning
  umbrella mount using nut rivets to seat
  umbrella
  upside down broom on offloader

Storage

  Magic Can
  blade storage
  closet basket
  custom tool boxes
  cut-down garbage can with expanding foam, blade storage
  forkliftable toolshed
  plastic drum blade storage
  sleeve to hang fenders, wrenches, ammo box

Thomas

  permanent band shield keeper bolts

Timber King

  TK hinge in dragback
  board return (dragback) arm lower lip added - TK 2000
  chain turner idler
  solid square for chain turner rollers

Tools

  Log Arch Mill Deck, Mark I.
  Moon hubcap as skid
  belt cleaner tool
  bicycle tach on idle wheel
  calculator and cyclocomputer
  file for blade
  fork to clean sawdust chute blade stoppers
  hook and bar for earmuffs and gloves
  sawdust chute clean-out fork
  tape measure magnet
  wrench hanger

Unfathomable

  Ambidexter Thermostropter

Wood-Mizer

  3rd toeboard, dual hydraulic pumps, 2nd battery, 2nd contact strip, external DC
  7 ft bed extension for LT15
  BX backstop mod
  LT15 clamp bolts as pins
  LT15 clamp mod
  LubeMizer retrofit
  accuset buttons for gloves, pt.1
  accuset buttons for gloves, pt.2
  battery box, pt.1
  battery box, pt.2
  battery box, pt.3
  blade guide motor rubber knuckle saver
  block of oak to replace bearing
  board guide
  board return arm lower lip added - Wood-Mizer
  cam cleat and rope control for dragback arm
  chain substitute for dragback cable
  changing Wood-Mizer from mobile to stationary
  clamp lock bar mod
  contact strip bypass with welding leads cable, pt.1
  contact strip bypass with welding leads cable, pt.2
  converting manual to power back supports
  cover plate Reverse bolts on Wood-Mizer cover plate to make it easier to remove a broken blade.
  dragback arm pivot joint pin
  dragback deck extension
  dragback motor prop
  dragback removed for larger cant
  dust chute scoop welding and cover warpage
  end of mill backstop
  forward battery box, keyed switch, oil pressure, tach, 3 inch backstops
  gear oil drain plug
  handle for shifting side stops
  home made autoclutch for LT40
  hydraulic control center mods, 3/8 drive socket tensioner, deflector board
  hydraulic hose to protect loader ram fittings from breakage
  hydraulic solenoid valve indicator light
  hydraulic toeboard reposition
  lever mod, switch for 2nd loader arms, no tongue
  lock for compressed outrigger pin spring
  lube mixer side shield relocate
  manual log turner handle
  marker lights as hydraulic solenoid trouble lights
  modified (angled) board return arm lower lip
  modified plastic jug guard mod for LubeMizer upper jet
  other manual back support converted to powered
  platform for WM walkers
  rail guard and battery box dust sucker
  remove hydraulic decal plate
  replace blade tensioning lever with nut
  rubber bumper protectors
  see-through debarker flap
  splatter shield
  umbrella on accuset
  welded dust shield handle

[Ljohnsaw]

Wow, now that is fantastic.  I think this entry should be put either at the top of this thread (not likely) or in a separate thread as a sticky.

[tnaz]

YE OLE GROUCH, pur-dee work Sir. 8)

[YellowHammer]

Lot of work, good job.

[4x4American]

Start with a blade tensioning lever as it comes from the Wood-Mizer factory - a little too short and a little too hard to get my big hands around and turn without hitting my knuckles against the sharp edges of the tensioner body or the blade guide arm motor.



Find an extra tall 3/4" (outside) nut.  (or, any such big nut – this is just what I found). Find a slug of steel 1/4" thick by so big and so tall. I found this slug on the floor in my shop. It was 1-1/4"x1". 



Grind a slot across the end of the nut about 3/16" deep.  I used a mill bastard file to square up the bottom and true it up.  It sure would really be nice to have a milling machine.

Take a drift pin and drive the roll pin enough to be able to remove the factory handle but not all the way out.  No need in doing any more work than necessary.

Weld slug into place in the nut and dress down with grinder to fit the slot. (Sorry,  I meant to take a picture of the finished nut assembly and just didn't do it.  But you get the picture anyway.



I used a 3/16" drill bit – the same size as the hole on the tensioner piston – to drill the hole in the new nut assembly.  I positioned the nut assembly in the slot and drilled just enough to make a location mark.  I didn't want risk to increase the size of the hole in the tensioner piston.  I also used a 1/4" drill bit to chamfer the hole on each side so to make it easier to drive the roll pin back in.

I assembled the new nut assembly to the tensioner piston by driving the roll pin back in.



Tested with a 3/4" boxed end wrench that clears nicely all the way around for a full cycle turn and gives twice the leverage.  The wrench fits very solid on the extra tall nut. 

FYI,  I don't plan to leave the wrench on when sawing.  As we have a stationary mill, it's no problem to have the wrench hanging on the wall.  If you saw mobile,  then you probably want to do some more thinking.  If you make this mod, you may want to make a holder to store a dedicated tool so you'll always have it with you.

I like this mod.  I'd be running that thing in with an impact though lol

[4x4American]

Grouch, wow, great job.  That must've tooketh alot of patience!

[grouch]

Thanks for all the kind comments, folks.

Each of those mods has taught me something or gave me ideas or made me think about some part of the process or tools a little differently. There's a lot of experience and creativity all through the thread -- how to make sawing, tools, maintenance safer, faster, easier, etc.

It just seemed to me that those who might benefit most from any given post are also those who would have the least amount of time to go looking for it.

The descriptions and categories chosen are pretty arbitrary. I'm not a sawyer so lemme know what needs to be changed, please.

[DDW_OR]

my TK-2000 leveling jack mod
I took a 2 inch PVC end cap and cut notches for the handle. made 6 of these