First time running a WM

[Verticaltrx]

I finally got time to use my new LT15 today and I sure am impressed. I have run and been around various brands of mills but I have never actually run a Wood-mizer until I bought one.

A few thoughts and observations:

-these are well engineered machines, everything is the way it is for a reason and it really makes sawing quick/easy/productive.

-the quality and fit and finish is top notch

- the product support is excellent, I couldn't believe the huge owners manual, DVDs, and all the other literature that came with the mill.


I have some big jobs coming up needing several thousand BF of 1x6 oak and pine framing lumber so I should get plenty of time on the mill in the next few days. Might even get some pics  ;D

[Ox]

Did you buy it new?  I've always wondered how it is to use a brand new piece of equipment.  I mean real equipment, not a box store push lawnmower. :D  The best thing is you know exactly what's been done to it. 

[Verticaltrx]

Did you buy it new?  I've always wondered how it is to use a brand new piece of equipment.  I mean real equipment, not a box store push lawnmower. :D  The best thing is you know exactly what's been done to it.

Yup, brand new (it's for my business). I love the new paint feeling, but there are plenty of things I like to buy used. If there is a particular model, etc of something older that I like I won't hesitate to buy used. A couple of years ago I bought a '98 Case 1845C skid-steer with 3500hrs on it and honestly was just as excited about that as I am a new purchase. There is excellent value in used equipment if you know what to look for. That said, WM had these LT15s on sale this month and it seemed  like a darn good deal, so I went with a new model.

[YellowHammer]

You've got a great mill.  I had an LT15, and it never let me down.

[Ox]

Cool!  I'm glad for you!  I'm sure you'll enjoy using it in your business. 8)

[thecfarm]

I hope it makes you lots of money. If not,than enough to live on.  ;D

[Chuck White]

Congratulations on the new mill.   

[downsouth]

I had a LT15 and it was a great mill. It did everything I asked of it.
Good luck with it. Let's see some picks when you start that job.

[azmtnman]

I just got my used WM L30. I believe it is a 1983 machine. The man at Wood Mizer said it was the 143rd one made! It cuts just as good as I would expect a new one would. I also operate it just as good as a new sawyer!  :D :D :D :D

[East ky logging]

I have a lt 15 also keep a sharp blade on it and make the sawdust fly

[Verticaltrx]

Got one log milled this afternoon, it was a big one though, 33" across and 12' long. Took a lot of whittling with the chainsaw, glad I don't have many this big, it was also about max capacity for my skid steer.

Pics (sorry about the quality, couldn't find my good camera):

On the mill:

 



 

Sawed some off to clear the carriage:


 

First slab off:


 

Hydraulic log turner:


 

Finally down into cants and slicing off boards (got three 8" wides cants, sawing two here) :


 

This log should have yielded over 500bf, but due to some rot/hollow center it was only about 300bf. Overall a good afternoon of sawing, tomorrow I have one more huge log, then some average sized ones which should increase production.

Quick question, how do you clamp logs this size when they exceed the width capacity of the clamps?

Thanks for all the replies.