alternative to retrofitting set-works on Timber King 1600

[TractorBoy78]

I bought a used TK 1600 in Feb of this year.  Mill had 19 hrs on it when purchased and now 108.  Per Taz's suggestion, I had the stops welded which made a huge difference.  I cannot say enough about how helpful the factory has been in helping guide me as I stumble up the learning curve.  My unit does not have setworks.  With more hours, I should be able improve my thickness consistency but am not there yet. 

I can take the mill to factory and have setworks installed which is the most straight forward way to upgrade.  However;  I have been in manufacturing before and understand the importance of learning things manually first.

Has anyone tried mounting a laser pointer to help use of scale for thickness accuracy?

I have place a call to Cemarline and Thomas Industrial Controls.  Any experience with these folks?

I really like the 1600 and am committed to improving my skill.

[ladylake]

I might install a digital read out which can be bought fairly reasonable.  Keep in mind even with the best setworks logs with tension will not be perfect.  Steve

[Ga Mtn Man]

Has anyone tried mounting a laser pointer to help use of scale for thickness accuracy?

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,54324.20.html

Go down to Bandmill Bandit's post.

[reswire]

When I owned my 1600, I purchased a digital measuring device from a national supply store.  Worked great.  A gentleman on this forum gave me the address, I'll check to see if I can find it. 

[kensfarm]

I have the 1600 w/ the simple setworks..  but I'll still take the tape measure and pencil mark the cuts when needed.  Welcome to the forum!

[Doug Wis]

     Reswire ;   that sounds like a neat idea. Can you give more details on the digital readout setup. I replaced the little plexiglass piece with the line on it with a pointer which helped a lot.  But still could be better.  Thanks

[fstedy]

Grizzly Tools has several priced around $100 not bad for a digital readout.