Those 3 fingers in the dust chute on the Woodmizer. . . .

Just Right · May 02, 2018, 10:50:09 AM

I am new here and want to say HAY! Love this place as it is full of a wealth of knowledge and even a bit of humor!

Has anyone else thought about cutting those 3 fingers out of the dust chute of a Woodmizer? I am sure they are there to catch a broken blade, but they catch bark too and clog up the dust chute. Or am I missing something.

Thanks.

Dave Shepard · May 02, 2018, 11:01:32 AM

Welcome to the Forum. It's been done. You have to assume the liability of doing so. I never allow anybody on that side of the mill when its running anyway. I've had bands come through the fingers anyway. Back when I had those fingers.

Just Right · May 02, 2018, 11:04:42 AM

Dave that is what I was thinking too. I understand the safety aspect, also ease of use is important too. Thanks for the reply

pineywoods · May 02, 2018, 11:08:21 AM

Yeah, they are there to catch a broken blade, which will be traveling in the neighborhood of 60 mph. I saw a lot of cypress and cedar with stringy bark. My mill has the rubber sawdust hose replaced with a sheet metal duct leading to a sawdust blower. Have had broken blades punch a hole completely through the sheet metal.

SawyerTed · May 02, 2018, 11:23:39 AM

I've had vertical bandsaw blades break in the school shop (retired shop teacher) and at home. When one breaks and comes out of the machine, you can't get away from it fast enough! The zone directly beside the shop bandsaw table is a no standing zone just like the chute area of the sawmill. I'd hate to be standing/walking at the controls of a band sawmill and have one come out without being slowed down by those fingers. Without those fingers, it would be far less predictable similar to a vertical bandsaw blade. Imagine an wildcat with 158 inches of claws coming after you.

I think there was a photo posted in one of the threads where the blade broke and punctured the rubber chute and protruded 18" or so. And that was with the fingers in place.

Stephen · May 02, 2018, 11:27:28 AM

My mill has the fingers bent outward some. Don't clog with bark and chips too much, but still there to deflect a broken blade downward and slow it a little.

Just Right · May 02, 2018, 11:53:50 AM

I like the modified version Stephen. Helps but doesn't get rid of all the protection.

Piney I enjoyed your insight on the solar kiln. What is the highest temps you have seen with your kiln?

Southside · May 02, 2018, 12:12:41 PM

I cut out two of the fingers as cedar was always plugging up my mill. Once in a while when a band breaks it will come a couple of inches out of the steel, down into the rubber chute, but that is all. Zero chance of it getting me. Having a constantly plugged mill was a greater danger in my opinion.

Just Right · May 02, 2018, 12:21:23 PM

Southside. I like that too. I farm so I can saw . . . . .and saw so I can farm . . . .lol We do about 55 acres of horse hay. What do you farm?

Magicman · May 02, 2018, 12:22:32 PM

One of mine is broken off but it still does bad things with only 2. I have had many blades break and a few escaped and exited via the sawdust chute. This one decided to make it's own escape route. Personally, I do not recommend removing the fingers.

Southside · May 02, 2018, 12:26:26 PM

Dairy, Jerseys and Jersey crosses.

Southside · May 02, 2018, 12:28:30 PM

Magicman - interestingly I think the sawdust chute on our saws is different, yours seems to be directed more at the ground than mine.

Just Right · May 02, 2018, 12:57:17 PM

Magicman, Thanks for the pic. That could do some damage. I have a lot of family in MS. Try to get that way a couple of times a year.

PAmizerman · May 02, 2018, 05:23:25 PM

I cut mine off long ago. I work alone and that side of the mill is 4' from the wall. I'm never on that side while the mill is running

POSTON WIDEHEAD · May 02, 2018, 08:37:15 PM

Anyone who removes fingers may also be removing fingers, legs, bellies, pets and friends. ;D

POSTON WIDEHEAD · May 02, 2018, 08:39:27 PM

Quote from: Magicman on May 02, 2018, 12:22:32 PM
One of mine is broken off .......

If you need one I'll be glad to give you a finger. :D :D :D 8) 8) 8)

POSTON WIDEHEAD · May 02, 2018, 08:41:17 PM

Magicman, your pics looks like a blade vending machine. :D

4x4American · May 02, 2018, 10:04:28 PM

Quote from: Southside logger on May 02, 2018, 12:28:30 PM
Magicman - interestingly I think the sawdust chute on our saws is different, yours seems to be directed more at the ground than mine.

That was one of my complaints with the lt40, the sawdust chute was pointed right at the ground which made the sawdust go underneath the mill as it built up. I took a c-clamp and clamped around the outside to hold it up more. That is one of the many advantages of going to the 70, they have the sawdust chute at the perfect angle, it puts the sawdust far enuff away from the mill it makes shoveling alot easier. It might seem silly but when you shovel 3-5 yards/day it makes it more better. When I have the mill outside I just leave the chute up so I could just scoop it up with a machine