New to me Thomas

[newoodguy78]

After looking for a long time and having quite a few potentials fall through I finally scored a mill of my own. Found a Thomas 6013 model. It's not all shiny but mechanically seems well cared for and in good condition.

Prior to getting it I had called Thomas just to see about parts availability when needed and any key points or weaknesses to look for. Super nice people to talk with and very knowledgeable. He told me anything you need for parts I've got sitting on my shelf right now. Was nice to hear these days.

My son has really taken an interest in anything related to machinery, wood and building things. I'm hoping this will help keep him sweating and tired out at night  . Most if not all the lumber will be for my own projects and utility type uses here on the farm.  Once I get some of them done my son has wanted a small cabin we can camp out in for years. He's going to get a lesson in tipping trees over right through standing the pieces back up again and everything in between. That's going to be right after a run in shed gets built for our cows.

Certainly felt good to see that thing in the rear view mirror chasing me home .

[cutterboy]

Exciting times ahead. Where are the pictures?

[newoodguy78]

Cutter I've got to figure out posting pictures again been awhile since I done it . Will see what I can do

[Peter Drouin]

Good for you!!!!!

[newoodguy78]

Thanks Peter I know can't crank out the wood like you can but it'll make sawdust for sure

[newoodguy78]

Cutter tried posting a picture said my file size was too big. I'll figure out what I need to change and make it happen. Good excuse to figure the new process out 

[Magicman]

We stopped by the Thomas factory when we were in that country back in 2017.  Super nice folks. 

[thecfarm]

I doubt you will need many parts. 
Not much to go wrong with a manual mail.
I have a Thomas mill too. 
I don't use it a lot, but I never intended too. I just use it when I want to build something.
You will like sawing!!!

[newoodguy78]

Ray that's good to hear. The previous owner had replaced the bearings and shafts for the band wheels. That was something I was told to look at closely as the locking collar can loosen up which subsequently causes the bearings and shafts to start wearing on each other. Was nice knowing they're new. 

After talking with Thomas I believe we essentially have the same mill but yours has the 20hp vs mine at 13. Yours have the adjustable bunks? Mine is around a 2013 model is what they thought. 

After looking at almost all the brands Thomas was high on my list for multiple reasons. Right or wrong I Had convinced myself a used mill was the way to go value wise. This was the first Thomas I had found. 
After taking what seemed like forever to find a mill and having multiple sellers pull some knucklehead moves at the last minute I'm glad it worked out the way it did. The seller couldn't have been a better guy to deal with and was more than happy doing business with him. There's a strange story that went down after I left with it that proved his honesty and integrity big time. 

[thecfarm]

Yes, I have the Honda 20hp.
Yes, I have the movable bunks. I can cut a piece of stove wood with no jig.
One reason I bought it.
The other reason was just press the throttle and saw!!!
No way I could move a lever to engage the motor. I seem to have a bum shoulder for some reason.
Then I cut the no flex track, another reason I bought it. I almost think I could pick that mill up by a corner, shake it around and put it back down on the ground and it would still be level.
I did get a 4 foot extension. I can cut a 20 foot log on it. This has helped me get the head out of the way.
When I saw a 16 foot log, I have 4 feet of room instead of inches.

Now on those log stops. Put some marks on them.
I have 4-6-8 and I forgot about 10.
But if I have the 4 showing, it's really 3 inches. So the blade will clear the stop by an inch. 6 is really 5 inches and so on. This really helps when sawing flitches.
Thomas use to sell a different blade. Now they sell Wood Mizer's
You are from NE so get yourself a Logrite peavey, the one with the point to roll logs on the mill.
They are a sponsor for the FF.

What are you using to get your logs out of the woods?

Do you have the Honda motor too?
The mice got at mine bad.
I took it to a small engine mech, does not even have a sign and he fixed me right up.
I always had trouble with the diaphragm on the 20 ho Honda. I replace it 3-4 times. I only use it about once every 3-5 years to build something and it would be dried up each time.
The mech just did away with it!! It's all gravity fed now.

[newoodguy78]

We for sure have the same mill frame. Mine has the no flex frame as well. The moveable bunks were a pleasant surprise for me. After milling on fixed bunks with other mills can definitely see the benefits.

I agree on the rigidity it's impressive. The bigger rollers and 3" x1/4" thick angle iron track is a nice feature as well, rugged and easy to push at the same time.

A track extension is on my list eventually for the same reason you mentioned. One project is going to involve a bunch of 16' stuff. Will make do till the budget allows.

13 hp Honda on mine. Needs the recoil rope replaced picked that up yesterday.  Ignition works to start it but not shut off. Suspect it's a ground issue. Should be an easy fix

Excellent idea for the log stops that's going to happen. Told my son tonight it's a right of passage in milling to saw a backstop, I want to see how long we can go before we do it 

I've got a farm tractor and a 3ph frame I made to skid logs and get the butts up. Bucket tractor and forks for handling logs and lumber.

Put an order in today at Thomas for some new belts , bearings for the roller guides and assortment of blades to try. My belts and bearings are good but want those on hand just in case. I know it'll be a Sunday on a holiday weekend when one goes if I don't have spares on hand.
What blades do you like for softwood? Hardwood? They recommended 10* for softwood and 7* in hardwood. I'm starting there. 149" 1 1/4" .042s on yours?

Got my Logrite equipment already. Went with a 30" mill special and standard 42" cant hooks. Both came from the bargain bin and were 15 percent off. After getting them I see no reason for the discount whatsoever. Also grabbed some of the notorious Blue Creeper to try. Fabulous people to deal with.

Contacted Menominee Saw and got some blades ordered from them as well. Looking forward to getting them.

Mentioned the forum to both and thanked them for sponsoring. Highly recommend both companies to anyone. Both companies are great to do business with.

[thecfarm]

I think that size sounds about right and I only use 10°. 
But I saw mostly hemlock and EWP.
Use whatever works for you.