Reducing drag on Woodmizer LT25 Manual Head Lift

[AnthonyW]

In another thread I floated the idea of adding a motorized lift to my LT25. Along the way a post was made about determining the torque required to turn the handle. I found the torque required for my lift was really high. So I started checking through the sprockets and bearings to see if any were rough.  All check out fine. The only thing left I can see is the amount of friction in the mast. Does anyone know what it takes to remove the delrin pads and how to clean the mast on a manual lift Woodmizer?

[MartyParsons]

Hello,
I have a barrel brush on 4" grinder. Polish the area where the mast pad rides. I have only replaced one delrin pad assembly and that mill was in a fire, one was completely missing. I used a clamp to hold the mast in place then removed the assembly toward the rear of the mill. I did not remove everything I just loosen the bolts and pried the old pad out and replaced with new pads.
Marty

[AnthonyW]

I had polished the mast with a wire wheel on an angle grinder and coated with a thin layer of red grease, but it still rusted quickly. Granted I have not tried to remove the pads, but I can't see how they will come out since the bolts seem too long to fit between the head and mast. Or is there something I'm missing?

[47sawdust]

I'm not sure if the mast on the Lt25 is different than the Lt30/40 but my manual says to coat the mast with ATF and frequently.

[Magicman]

No grease because it attracts sawdust.  ATF is the recommended lube.

[bandmiller2]

Tony, mayby the pads are adjusted too tight. Frank C.

[AnthonyW]

There seems to be a pretty good gap (maybe too big) between the pads and the mast. Maybe I just need to remove and clean all of the above. Maybe it is just coated with sawdust and grime. Question is can I get the pads out without completely disassembling the saw head and mast.

[MartyParsons]

Hello,
I would not remove the pads. Clean the grease off. Raise the saw head to the top and adjust so the loose pad is about the thickness of a credit card or two business cards away. Lower the head adjust the lower. I check the adjustment then raise the head to make it easier to work on. Lube with a light coat of ATF. Dextron III
Hope this helps.
Marty