Sawdust Buildup (continued)

D6c · April 04, 2020, 01:46:30 PM

I'd asked about sawdust buildup on the top frame rail of my '87 LT40 in this earlier thread.
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=110047.msg1721418#msg1721418

It was mentioned that there's an oiled felt wiper on some mills as well as the plastic scraper to clear sawdust from the upper rail.
I've looked through the LT40 parts manuals I have. ('87, '92, & 2008 ) but don't see any felt wipers.

Any idea what years they might have used the felt?

Bandmill Bandit · April 04, 2020, 02:06:39 PM

The only WM mills that DON"T have the felt wiper are the twin rail LT10/15.

ALL mono rail mills have the wiper between the mast posts under the black steel cover/defelector shield. Not sure of part number but i just buy a new shield complete with the new felt when I need it.

D6c · April 04, 2020, 02:49:23 PM

Maybe that's the problem.... I thought they meant it was by the plastic wipers.
I'll have to look under the center cover.

jeepcj779 · April 04, 2020, 04:30:20 PM

Are these the correct manuals for your mill? Pg 3-4 in the operators manual, and 6-2 in the parts manual.

D6c · April 04, 2020, 05:44:14 PM

Quote from: jeepcj779 on April 04, 2020, 04:30:20 PM
Are these the correct manuals for your mill? Pg 3-4 in the operators manual, and 6-2 in the parts manual.

Those appear to be the same manuals I have but they don't exactly match how my mill is built. The covers over the top rollers on my mill are just a sheet metal plate that bolts on. What's in the manual looks to be a hinged cover. The manual must be for a slightly different version.
I removed the rail cover that's between the rollers and there's no evidence there was ever any felt wiper there. I'll have to give WoodMizer a call to see if there's something I can add, and see if they have any suggestion on how to keep the sawdust from packing on the rails.

Bandmill Bandit · April 04, 2020, 06:09:21 PM

I am gona take a guess and say the wiper felt is gone.

There should be 2 short, sharp tabs about 2 inches from each end that hold the felt in place. Just order a new one complete with felt from WM. They will get you the right one. Some where on your mill there will be a tag that has the revision number on it.

With the serial number and the revision then they'll get you the right one.

beav · April 04, 2020, 06:16:01 PM

The piece "between the rollers" was updated in the 90's to include felt wipers. The new cover style has felt wipers, bolts right on, and costs little. I have the same mill as you and updated it decades ago. It fixed the sawdust buildup problem. It does require cleaning and oiling

Magicman · April 04, 2020, 07:08:09 PM

In addition to the metal cover with the felt underneath, there should also be a white plastic/teflon scraper on the inside of both cam follower covers which removes any sawdust from the top rail going forward or back.