Need a Debarker Orientation Lesson

[ex-Engineer Wannabe]

It's a long [read: boring] story, but we're just getting around to setting up our LT40HD after owning it for nearly three-and-a-half years.  Like most machines that've been sitting for this long, this mill has required a bit of TLC to bring it back to life. 

The latest problem seems to be the debarker.  I recall running it when we first got the mill, but I don't remember whether or not there are certain operational requirements before you can run it.  In other words, I'm wondering if the controls have to be set a certain way before the debarker will run.

At this point, we've taken the protective cover off of the debarker motor, freed it from it's locked position, moved it inward toward the log and have tried to activate the toggle switch -- to no avail.  I see that there's an LED indicator next to the switch, but there's nothing there either.  I checked behind the main control box and the breaker reset is not tripped. 

It seems unusual to me that the motor moves in and out just fine and the LED on the panel is dead, but perhaps they're totally unrelated circuits.  Anyway, I want to make sure that it's not a simple case of operator error before we start tearing into anything.

Thanks very much for your time ...     

[customsawyer]

I would recommend that you give Woodmizer a  call in the morning. They are the best at guiding me through the electrics on these mills.

[jcbrotz]

You would need to be moving forward or atleast have the level/switch in that position, then if it don't run then check and see if you have 12volts at the motor.

[T Welsh]

jcbrotz is right the head switch needs to be in the forward position to run the debarker. Tim

[MartyParsons]

Hello,
Common question.
Turn the key switch to 3 or accessory. Push the Forward feed Drum switch forward. This is the black handle to the left. Make sure the pot is down so the saw head will not move forward. Turn the switch to the debarker on. It should run. If not then check the drum switch terminals, solenoid, circuit breaker is in the back of the panel.
Marty

[ex-Engineer Wannabe]

Thanks for the replies, folks. 

Once the debarker didn't respond, we never bothered moving the mill head forward.  I did have the presence of mind to engage the blade, but it never occurred to me to move the power feed control. 

Excellent thoughts -- I'll be sure to give this a try as soon as the weather clears for us.   

[woodmills1]

I too fell for the no work unless forward switch, thought it was broken


took maybe 6 months, I read the manual, then it worked

[Brucer]

It's designed so you can leave the debarker switch "on" when you're opening up a log. The motor will run when the feed switch is set to forward and shut off when the switch is in neutral or return.