Harbor Freight Mill Mods & Repairs

[Cutting Edge]

To obtain .005" or .050" you need the washer? I'm not quite fallowing. What insert?

You have a "T" handle for applying tension the blade, under that is a flat washer.  Under that flat washer (inside the round tube) is a stiff rubber insert.

The original flat washer is undersized in relationship to the tube.  This gap allows the rubber insert to squeeze out past the washer, which in turn, reduces it's effectiveness to keep the blade properly tensioned.  The larger (replacement) washer reduces the gap so the whole insert is compressed evenly.

While you have it apart, put some GOOD marine grade grease on the acme threaded rod and also a little on the face of the washer that contacts the "T" handle... NONE on the rubber insert side of the washer.  Helps prevent gaulding of the threads and reduces friction, making tensioning the blade surprisingly easier.

While you're at it, disassemble the crank assembly and do the same to it.  The bronze threaded insert is a known weak spot and they don't have much lubrication on them from the factory.  Pay extra attention to the thrust bearing and repack it.

[Kingmt]

Thanks I'll look into that on the tensioner. I took the crank for the cables apart already & mind was full of grease. I've been thinking about taking it back apart for a closer inspection & possibly a half nut fabrication.

[Kingmt]

Well looks like my time is up to be able to edit the first post.

I was having large amounts of saw dust getting in the rollers which I still need to make a way of self cleaning. Until then I decided to try to deal with where the dust is coming from. The dust is traveling over to the idler side & dropping out of the cover on the track right in front of the wheel. I have planned to add a piece on angle to the bottom of the head post just clearing the track. Possibly adding a brush to it as well. In the mean time I've added some duct tape to the band housing just below where the blade comes out of the cover. This cause most of the dust to now fall inside of the track instead of on it.

[dukecrazy]

I've seen pictures of the wire fanned out in a way to act as a brush for the wheels to clean the dust from them and also, what about the other member on here that posted his pic with a bucket to catch most of the dust that is made instead of letting it hit the ground? either seems like a decent way to cut down the the dust messing up the wheels on the track.

[Kingmt]

I think I seen one with a bucket hanging like mine but I'm not sure of the other one. Your welcome to post links. I'm going to send you a link to my G+. I'll have to check to see if I'm allowed to post it here before I do.

[Kingmt]

Oh one more thing. I went out to take you pictures & found another barring sticking. It is in my roller so I suggest popping the seals on these & adding some grease.

[dukecrazy]

I would have to dig around to find the pictures I saw of the sweepers over the rollers to help prevent the dust buildup. I'm definitely going to inspect the rollers good once I get the mill here.

[Jeff]

Well looks like my time is up to be able to edit the first post.

Yup, that is correct. Funny you bring it up. Because of complaints of someone going back and editing posts that effect other peoples subsequent posts, basically altering Forestry Forum content, for the first time in 15 years the privilege to go back and correct a post at a later date has been lost to everyone,  You now have a generous courtesy edit time, but after that is up, no more edits without an admin doing it for you.

[Raider Bill]

I always figured you couldn't edit after someone replied.

[Kingmt]

Well looks like my time is up to be able to edit the first post.

Yup, that is correct. Funny you bring it up. Because of complaints of someone going back and editing posts that effect other peoples subsequent posts, basically altering Forestry Forum content, for the first time in 15 years the privilege to go back and correct a post at a later date has been lost to everyone,  You now have a generous courtesy edit time, but after that is up, no more edits without an admin doing it for you.

Fair enough. I hope that wasn't me. I go back & edit to correct typos or add information I forgot the first time. I do try to leave a note to point out the edit unless it is just a spelling correction.

Would the admin or moderator staff be willing to copy from those three post & add it to the original  for easy reference?

[Jeff]

It was you, and no, we have enough to do. It is totally unfair to your fellow members for you to make a post, then for them to make a post based on the previous posts, then you go back and make edits to your posts. I don't care if you date them or not. I think it might serve you well to find the link at the bottom of every page, and read the rules here.  Your posting methods, no matter what your intent, are not going to fly here. Even the membership tried to point that out to you before this was brought to my attention.

[Mooseherder]

No, because it doesn't make it easier to reference and follow the conversation and flow of the discussion..  Just the opposite,   Nobody goes backwards while reading a thread.   I'm not sure if this is the way you're used to doing things at other forums but why not try to fit in and stop mentioning you have a better way if you like it here.  That would be considered respectful behavior where I come from.
Jeff has spent hundreds of hours making it easier for you to follow simple instruction.  You won't even try to follow the step by step directions.   You would just rather mention that isn't how you are going to do it. 

[Kingmt]

OK

Thanks for pointing out I don't fit in. Sorry for the trouble I have caused.

[Mooseherder]

You missed the point entirely. I told you a couple weeks ago to do your research before commenting further on the subject.

[Kingmt]

I don't know how else to respond. I've tried to choose my words wisely & respectfully & still get meet with hostility. Rather then getting to the point of being ban I'd rather just not post since it seems that the harder I try to be respectful the more offence is taken.

I'd assumed you meant to read the rules which I did. If I point out anything about the rules it is taken as disrespect.

In the end it isn't my house & my point of view isn't wanted which I'm fine with. I'm fine with enjoying others post with no input myself.

[thecfarm]

[/quote]

for the first time in 15 years the privilege to go back and correct a post at a later date has been lost to everyone,  You now have a generous courtesy edit time, but after that is up, no more edits without an admin doing it for you.
[/quote]


That's kinda of a bummer.    I go back and fix some of my grammer mistakes. I guess I better be fixing them faster now. 

[dukecrazy]

I was looking at buying another log clamp or I guess what would be considered a log dog, how good is HF at items like that being purchased? Do they even do that since it isn't a regular product they sell?

[dukecrazy]

Anyone with the HF mill do there own mill extensions?  I purchased a 10ft stick of angle iron to do my own and was wondering who else has done it. 

[Kbeitz]

I made one for my mill using 3" channel. But i dont have a HF mill...

[dukecrazy]

I made one for my mill using 3" channel. But i dont have a HF mill...

I have to cut the angle iron down to match the mill specs bc they aren't even demensions but other than that the biggest issue I have is my local area only has the square tubing in 20ft sticks and they want 135 for a stick.....not gonna happen haha.  I'm thinking of just waiting the 4 or so weeks it takes HF to send out parts if it saves me some money.  OR.....making my own out of 2 pieces of angle.