Anybody using the optional seat on the WM?

[StephenRice]

I was wondering about the optional seat that WM offers.  It sure looks nice to be able to sit your butt down and ride along with the mill, especially to a guy with a back back and knees.  But, I also realize that you would have to have some help with you to handle all of the offloading and stacking and staging work, or climbing up and down into the seat might be more hassle than it is worth.

Also, another big worry I have about that ride along seat is that I would inhale enough sawdust every day to crap out a couple of cants myself in the mornings.  Of course, the fiber might keep my colon clean, but I think I would rather get my fiber another way, TYVM.

Has anyone else had any experience with these things? 

Some other posts got me thinking about some modifications that I would like to add to the seat.  First of all, I melt in the heat.  So, the umbrella idea sounds like a doable thing to me, only I would probably not use a regular umbrella.  I would probably weld up a frame (not too heavy) with a solid or fabric (Sunbrella) covering to get some shade.  Then, the cup holder really made a lot of sense, too.  A small catch all bin somewhere for junk like a cell phone might be nice too.  Then, I thought a 12v fan mounted near the top rear would help keep me cool and, if strong enough (like those little squirrel cage fans), it could keep the sawdust away from me and my face.

Whatcha'll think?  Might be a lot cheaper than the moveable command control...

[Chuck White]

Hi Stephen;
Magic Man regularly uses his operators seat with an umbrella attached.

I have an operators seat for my mill, and I keep it on a high shelf in my garage!

I tried it and with all of the up and down and ins and outs, as far as I'm concerned, it wasn't worth the bother.

If I had lots of help on the other side of the mill, I would give it another go!

I guess there are quite a few of them for sale, so check those out before you go and buy a new one!

[WH_Conley]

Being of the full figured type, like I am, the seat is a little difficult to get in and out of. I also have a bad knee, every once in a while I will have to drag the seat out and put it on. I remember an old thread where Electric Al and Linda had a ride along platform that really sounded good, if the axle wasn't in the way. Permanent install would be great.

The cup holder would add a little more sawdust to the diet. I keep my water jug behind the mill and still get extra fiber. The extra cants would be good for production, don't where you are going to find an off-bearer at.

Umbrella sounds like a good idea, I think Magic Man has some pictures here of his setup.

Wood Mizer already comes with a catch all, it is called the hydraulic box lid. :D

[Jeff]

Well, if anyone is looking for one, my friend Lou has got one he's willing to part with.

[StephenRice]

Being of the full figured type, like I am, the seat is a little difficult to get in and out of. I also have a bad knee, every once in a while I will have to drag the seat out and put it on. I remember an old thread where Electric Al and Linda had a ride along platform that really sounded good, if the axle wasn't in the way. Permanent install would be great.

The cup holder would add a little more sawdust to the diet. I keep my water jug behind the mill and still get extra fiber. The extra cants would be good for production, don't where you are going to find an off-bearer at.

Umbrella sounds like a good idea, I think Magic Man has some pictures here of his setup.

Wood Mizer already comes with a catch all, it is called the hydraulic box lid. :D

I am one of those big guys myself, and I was wondering about the getting in and out of the seat like you are talking about.  What I really want to do is to use one of these mills in missions work over in Cambodia.  There, the average per capita income is $260 a year, and that is including those that work in the cities where wages are much higher than in the country.  That being said, a $2 per day wage is really good for the people there.  So, I was figuring that I could afford to hire enough help to handle all of the staging for me.  That is why I thought that it might be worth it to get the seat and save my knees and back.

I like the fact that WM says that their seat can slide back and forth to adjust for leg room.  However, what I did not see was anything about the seat swiveling.  Can anyone tell me if the WM seat swivels?  It might make it easier for a decrepit semi-old fart like me to get in the seat, especially if the seat were replaced with one with arm rests. 

Yeah, I thought that the arm rests would make things nicer as well.  I hate to sound like a complete powder puff, but even that brand new seat looked like it could stand some creature comfort improvements.

[paul case]

I was wondering about the optional seat that WM offers.  It sure looks nice to be able to sit your butt down and ride along with the mill
Some other posts got me thinking about some modifications that I would like to add to the seat.  First of all, I melt in the heat.  So, the umbrella idea sounds like a doable thing to me, only I would probably not use a regular umbrella.  I would probably weld up a frame (not too heavy) with a solid or fabric (Sunbrella) covering to get some shade.  Then, the cup holder really made a lot of sense, too.  A small catch all bin somewhere for junk like a cell phone might be nice too.  Then, I thought a 12v fan mounted near the top rear would help keep me cool and, if strong enough (like those little squirrel cage fans), it could keep the sawdust away from me and my face

until you put the part about missions work in the last reply i was going to say that if you dont like all the dust ,heat, walking standing  loading and unloading and general work that the only reasonable solution was to sit under the ac in an office or at home and watch wm videos of other people sawing lumber. sometimes that is what i would like to do. pc

[StephenRice]

until you put the part about missions work in the last reply i was going to say that if you dont like all the dust ,heat, walking standing  loading and unloading and general work that the only reasonable solution was to sit under the ac in an office or at home and watch wm videos of other people sawing lumber. sometimes that is what i would like to do. pc

Yeah, Paul, it is all about the missions work.  If it were all about money, I would say forget it.  I am too old and washed up for that and don't care so much about money anymore.  I made most of my money in my 20's, making six figures working part time in construction work.  But, I have little to show for it now.  As the scriptures say regarding building up treasures on earth, I have truly seen moth and rust consume and thieves break in and steal.  I have had hundreds of thousands of dollars of my money disappear like a puff of smoke in just those ways, not counting the countless dollars that I have wasted senselessly in my younger years.

And, if I melt in the heat, then why Cambodia you might ask.  Well, Paul, I would have to say, "Ask God." Can't give you a good reason other than I feel as though the Lord has pointed me in that direction.  As fat as I am, maybe the heat of a tropical country is just the medicine I need to lose some weight and get into shape?!

I could go on and write a novella of the reasons why I have a burden for SE Asia and the people there.  But, I will let that go for now.  Meanwhile, I will continue to try to soak up knowledge from you experienced folks like a sponge so that I might actually be of some worth when I go overseas.

[Chuck White]

I'm also told that with the operators seat in place, you will be limited to log length of 16 feet!

Something to consider!

[bandmiller2]

Seat is a great idea if you like to travel,but only if you have an offbearer.Better setup is a LT-70 with the podium set up in an air cond.shack.Keep some cold drinks available for your offbearer to ward off mutany.Frank C.

[StephenRice]

I'm also told that with the operators seat in place, you will be limited to log length of 16 feet!

Something to consider!

The seat does cut down on log length, but I do not think that it is that much.  The WM catalog clams that the seat reduces allowable log length by 25".  With the LT40 / LT50 and LT70 log length capabilities at 21' and 20'2" respectively, that would leave the log length capabilities for the LT40 and LT50 at 18'11" and the LT70 at 18'1".  Additionally, the seat can fairly easily be removed for longer logs, and there is always the option of bed extensions as well.

How often do you guys realistically mill logs between 18' and 21'?

[StephenRice]

Seat is a great idea if you like to travel,but only if you have an offbearer.Better setup is a LT-70 with the podium set up in an air cond.shack.Keep some cold drinks available for your offbearer to ward off mutany.Frank C.

Sounds like more luxury than even I could hope for out in the bush. (Except for the drinks.)

[Magicman]

I always use my seat, and I'm not a big guy with bad knees.  I do have to remove it when sawing 20' logs, but that is seldom and not a problem.  Loosen two bolts and lift it off.  I can and do remove it myself, but really it is a two man job.  I just replaced my worn seat this year.








I love my seat.

[Dangerous_Dan]

I'm with Magicman, the seat is great and it's 1 of the reasons I bought a Woodmizer.
It comes down to the saying can you walk and chew gum? or maybe it should be walk and mill wood? I find it easier to sit and mill wood. This way I don't have to deal with walking or stepping over the axle.

[StephenRice]

Magicman,

Now you have something like what I was talking about.  I like how your umbrella is adjustable.  That would help keep the sun off you when it comes in from different directions.

I do wonder how the sawdust is when you are sitting so close to the cutting head?


Dangerous Dan,

I love the car!  I knew a guy in Lakeview, Michigan that used to have one just like it.  He was a little older than me.  His big problem was that he thought he was a Duke boy and wrecked the car multiple times during HIGH speed chases with the police.  The car would seem totaled, then he would straighten the frame and do a bunch of bodywork, and then the car would rise from the ashes like a phoenix and look brand new again.  I think he originally had a 383 and then changed it out to a 440, if I am not mistaken.  What are you running?  I would sure love to see that car up close.  It looks really pretty from your profile picture.

[paul case]

Yeah, Paul, it is all about the missions work.  If it were all about money, I would say forget it.  I am too old and washed up for that and don't care so much about money anymore.  I made most of my money in my 20's, making six figures working part time in construction work.  But, I have little to show for it now.  As the scriptures say regarding building up treasures on earth, I have truly seen moth and rust consume and thieves break in and steal.  I have had hundreds of thousands of dollars of my money disappear like a puff of smoke in just those ways, not counting the countless dollars that I have wasted senselessly in my younger years.

i know about that but i believe god helped me to put some of the money i was making into something perpetual, real estate aka cow pasture, that is helping me pay for some of the left over debt from previous jobs, raising chickens.
btw i am a pastor of a so. baptist church inpeoria,ok , a community near my ranch.i have not been on any out of the country mission trips but i have sweat a lot here in my own county and i can say without reserve that i have seen a lot of great things God has done when his people are obedient to his calling. worthwhile sweat. pc

[Magicman]

I do wonder how the sawdust is when you are sitting so close to the cutting head?  

That is a drawback.  When I can, I place the mill so that I am facing SW.  That way, the prevailing wind is in my face.  I have been known to sit up on the seat back.  That helps me to see over a a big log, as well as avoiding sawdust at times.  I also always wear a dust mask and eye protection when sawing.

Here is the link showing replacing my worn seat.

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,7789.msg637469.html#msg637469

[StephenRice]

That looks like a pretty nice seat, MM.  Is the lumbar support as good as it looks in the picture?  Also, did you find a web site for Michigan Seat Company or did you just call them and order on the phone?  I would like to see what other seats they might have.

Your installation looks great, too.  I have never seen a nut riveter before.  That was a total new one to me, and HF has a store right here by me that I have shopped in frequently.

I think that I would definitely have to design a rig with a strong fan to try to keep the sawdust out of my face.

[Magicman]

That seat is actually very comfortable to me.

If you want a WM seat setup, I would be contacting Jeff about Lou's seat that he is willing to part with.  

[StephenRice]

I would love to get a used seat from Lou, but I think I have to get the mill before the seat.  Getting a seat before the mill is kind of like getting the cart before the horse, you know?

[Magicman]

Your OP and subsequent posts questioned getting a seat, not a mill.   :-\

[WH_Conley]

Go ahead and get the seat, you can be comfortable waiting on the mill.  ;)

[StephenRice]

Your OP and subsequent posts questioned getting a seat, not a mill.   :-\

Yes, I am sorry if I wasted anyone's time.  I was asking because I would like to have all of the right information and advice before getting a mill with all the doodads and such.  After everyone's comments, I think I would like a mill with a seat, but I may buy one second hand in order to save money, possibly refurbishing it with a new seat with flip-up arm rests, good lumbar support, a locking swivel base, umbrella or other covering, and a 12V fan.  I am serious about getting a mill, but I will want to first make sure that I learn from other people's mistakes rather than making any more of my own.  Lord knows I have made enough mistakes and could've used some sage advice in the past.

[Kansas]

We have a seat on the LT 40 that we bought years ago. At that time we cut mostly lumber for retailing kiln dried lumber, and my theory was the sawyer could get a better look at the boards as he cut. In retrospect, and after getting the LT70 with a remote station, I would say that is a better way to go. You can always put a chair there. And if you set it up near the board return, you can see what the boards look like as they come off the mill, if you are sawing for grade. Dust was always a problem if the wind was blowing the wrong way.

[Magicman]

I am sorry if I wasted anyone's time.

Oh no, no apology necessary here and no time was wasted.  Questions/answers are what it is all about.  Every one will help someone.  I just got involved in the seat and forgot/didn't know that you didn't have a mill.....yet.  ;)

Kansas makes a good point about being able to move to a different location if/when the wind is blowing sawdust in your face.  Twice, I've had to actually stop sawing cedar because of the dust.  But, that was only twice in nearly 9 years of sawing.

I bought a used mill which happened to have a seat.  I "grew up" with the seat, and would not even want to try another method.

[backwoods sawyer]

I am a bit gimpy in my right leg, and only have so many steps that I can take in a day before it takes its toll. Walking along side the saw head while it done its job was just not going to work for me, therefore I opted for a mill with a command control. Another option that has become available is the wireless remote, witch allows you to move around the mill, or sit in a comfy seat with an umbrella and a fan if you like. Might be worth looking into.

[StephenRice]

The command control does look like the best option but, at a nearly $4,400 premium, I am looking at all options to decide options' cost versus value.

Another thing to consider is aging and slowly diminishing eyesight.  The command control allows a person to get away from the sawdust, but it also keeps you further away from the 'goings on' of the sawmill to monitor the cutting and everything else with the mill head and what not.

[backwoods sawyer]

You could always do like the big mills do and mount a camera right on the saw head and place a monitor in the saw shack. ;D
Seems like someone here has an LT-40 with the remote. It allows you to get out of the sawdust and get to where you can see all the goings on of the mill.

[StephenRice]

Only then you are back to either walking around or getting in the way of your helpers who are off-loading and staging logs.

[Magicman]

getting in the way of your helpers who are off-loading and staging logs. 

How many "helpers" do you have  ???   :D

[D Hagens]

I do wonder how the sawdust is when you are sitting so close to the cutting head?  

That is a drawback.  When I can, I place the mill so that I am facing SW.  That way, the prevailing wind is in my face.  I have been known to sit up on the seat back.  That helps me to see over a a big log, as well as avoiding sawdust at times.  I also always wear a dust mask and eye protection when sawing.

  As mentioned in a few of the posts above is the issue with sawdust. I as a perspective sawmill buyer have been looking at every aspect of mills, good and bad. The good needs to never be addressed, the bad on the other hand will always need attention at some point or another.
I for one have never understood why Wood Mizer insists on having the operator walk through piles of sawdust or have it blown in ones face.
The mills that I've seen/operated all have the chutes on the side where it should be, not on the working side of things.
I've asked Wood Mizer about this and the answer was side tracked in a very fast talking way and there never was an answer.
I inquired about the chute being put on the other side as an option if I was going to buy one.
I'm not a rocket scientist but let's face it, the sawdust has to come out at some so how hard is it to put the chute where it belongs? In all reality there's no reason for the mill operator to know each and every day that he's sawing logs by walking through it or choking on it.
Wood Mizer I'm sure you make a great mill but I for one enjoy my health and I will be looking elsewhere.

[StephenRice]

getting in the way of your helpers who are off-loading and staging logs. 

How many "helpers" do you have  ???   :D

Trust  me, I will have at least one or two.

[StephenRice]

I do wonder how the sawdust is when you are sitting so close to the cutting head?  

That is a drawback.  When I can, I place the mill so that I am facing SW.  That way, the prevailing wind is in my face.  I have been known to sit up on the seat back.  That helps me to see over a a big log, as well as avoiding sawdust at times.  I also always wear a dust mask and eye protection when sawing.

  As mentioned in a few of the posts above is the issue with sawdust. I as a perspective sawmill buyer have been looking at every aspect of mills, good and bad. The good needs to never be addressed, the bad on the other hand will always need attention at some point or another.
I for one have never understood why Wood Mizer insists on having the operator walk through piles of sawdust or have it blown in ones face.
The mills that I've seen/operated all have the chutes on the side where it should be, not on the working side of things.
I've asked Wood Mizer about this and the answer was side tracked in a very fast talking way and there never was an answer.
I inquired about the chute being put on the other side as an option if I was going to buy one.
I'm not a rocket scientist but let's face it, the sawdust has to come out at some so how hard is it to put the chute where it belongs? In all reality there's no reason for the mill operator to know each and every day that he's sawing logs by walking through it or choking on it.
Wood Mizer I'm sure you make a great mill but I for one enjoy my health and I will be looking elsewhere.

Oh, come now.  Let's talk about that and give WM a fair shake.

First of all, WM's sawmills have a shoot that piles up the sawdust several feet from the mill, thus allowing the operator to have a reasonably clear path to walk over.  Once you get a pile of sawdust so huge that it is overflowing to where the operator has to walk, then you will have cut a lot of logs and it will be time to go home, move the mill over just a bit, or move the pile with a piece of equipment.  Even if you were to just use a s*** shovel, it would only take less than five minutes to move the pile out of the way.

Also, to be fair, most other portable mills will require the operator to walk alongside the mill as well, unless they have spent a good bit of money for upgrades, something that WM offers as well.  The command control or remote control systems totally remove the operator from the area of flying sawdust.

Most of the sawdust that we have been talking about flying around I would assume does not come from the shoot, but rather directly from the cutting area on the deck.  ALL mills will have that issue.  It is not a problem incidental only to WM.  I think that this is the main source of flying sawdust that we are talking about.

As far as which side that the dust shoot is on, stop and think about it.  All band sawmill blades that I have seen have the teeth set in the same direction, meaning that the mills all turn clockwise regardless of the brand.  So, it only stands to reason that the majority of the sawdust is going to fly off in that direction, right?  So, if you were designing a band saw mill head and were to add a dust shoot, which side of the mill would you place it on?  Isn't the obvious answer to place the chute coming off of the mill head immediately behind  the flow of sawdust?  That would mean that the chute would have to be located on the same side that WM places it.  Who would want the sawdust traveling through the whole millhead to get stuck all over the drive wheels, under the band, and filling the mill head with sawdust?  Talk about a sticky sappy mess!

Also, you have to walk on the front side of the mill as well, right?  Do you really want a big pile of sawdust right where you are trying to stage and load your logs?  Do you want to bury waiting logs in sawdust?  Sounds like a bigger mess to me.  And, if you reply by saying that you load the mill with a piece of equipment, then you can also use that equipment to easily move the pile of sawdust on the other side of the mill.

I have to hand it to WM on this one.  I think they placed the sawdust chute in the best place that they could.

[Qweaver]

[/quote]
I'm not a rocket scientist but let's face it, the sawdust has to come out at some so how hard is it to put the chute where it belongs? In all reality there's no reason for the mill operator to know each and every day that he's sawing logs by walking through it or choking on it.
Wood Mizer I'm sure you make a great mill but I for one enjoy my health and I will be looking elsewhere.
[/quote]

I looked at my WM LT28 and I can't see how you could make the sawdust come out any other way.  And I would not like operating from the other side.  I also looked at some other mills and they were the same.  If the mill is operated remotely then the operaters station could be put anywhere but not if you have to walk back and forth.  You have to saw toward the stops and the sawdust has to come out on the exit side of the cut.  How could they change that?  I'm quick to complain about poor design but I don't see how they could do this in a better way.  Show us a drawing of the design to fix this.  I don't know how all of the bandmills work.  Give me an example of a mill that does this better.

[beenthere]

I'm not a rocket scientist but let's face it, the sawdust has to come out at some so how hard is it to put the chute where it belongs? In all reality there's no reason for the mill operator to know each and every day that he's sawing logs by walking through it or choking on it.
Wood Mizer I'm sure you make a great mill but I for one enjoy my health and I will be looking elsewhere.

If you take into consideration a WM mill, where would you put the sawdust chute?

[pineywoods]

I'm not a rocket scientist but let's face it, the sawdust has to come out at some so how hard is it to put the chute where it belongs? In all reality there's no reason for the mill operator to know each and every day that he's sawing logs by walking through it or choking on it.
Wood Mizer I'm sure you make a great mill but I for one enjoy my health and I will be looking elsewhere.
[/quote]

I looked at my WM LT28 and I can't see how you could make the sawdust come out any other way.  And I would not like operating from the other side.  I also looked at some other mills and they were the same.  If the mill is operated remotely then the operaters station could be put anywhere but not if you have to walk back and forth.  You have to saw toward the stops and the sawdust has to come out on the exit side of the cut.  How could they change that?  I'm quick to complain about poor design but I don't see how they could do this in a better way.  Show us a drawing of the design to fix this.  I don't know how all of the bandmills work.  Give me an example of a mill that does this better.
[/quote]





works for me, if it doesn't, I just add more stove pipe.

[Jeff]

After trying to wade through all these quotes and theories, I've come up with a pretty good idea. There are a couple guys that should spend some time actually sawing or working with a sawyer for some real world experience before making assumptions here.

[D Hagens]

[/quote]

If you take into consideration a WM mill, where would you put the sawdust chute?
[/quote]

  Well I guess from running and operating some of the local saws over the years to get a better feel of them compared to watching videos and reading literature about them I would say that I do know what I like and what certain things I can not understand about some mill manufactures.
From what I've seen with many mills is that they stage and load from one side and they shoot the sawdust away from the operator on the other side. Seems to make sense to me.
The very first time I ever saw a mill in operation was in 2000 in Powell River, it was a Wood Mizer demo. One of the first things that went through my mind was "Why does the operator have to walk through and shovel the sawdust?"
Up the street from me there's a company that builds bigger mills and I've been there a few times and have asked the same question. Their polite answer was "To be honest it doesn't make sense but to be fair its best that you ask them directly"
Reading the posts here there's a few comments by Wood Mizer owners about this issue and maybe my question should be this.
As a Wood Mizer owner if you designed the mill how would YOU address this problem?
I see many innovated ways of adding fans and duct work which is great for a stationary mill but what about the portables?

[beenthere]

I thought maybe you were just going to move it somewhere else.
The design of the mill likely takes into consideration many of the different factors, only one of which is the sawdust. Others would be direction of the blade travel, power source, weight distribution of the head, and the list goes on and on. I'd imagine everything can't be perfect. Your hangup is sawdust on the ground. WM prolly doesn't lose too may sales based on their sawdust chute. They have so many other good points, I would venture to guess. 

For some reason my mind wandered (and wondered) why rockets direct that blast to the ground like they do.  : :  But that doesn't apply here.    Bad analogy.

[Dan_Shade]

I haven't found the sawdust on my woodmizer to be a problem.

I can cut well over 1000bf of lumber before the sawdust gets too bad, and it's a 5 minute fix with a grain shovel (i carry one with me), or I'll just take my foot and push it to the side.

It can make a huge mess if you're doing a large job.  I have had to lock my pickup into 4wd a few times to get the mill out.  another time, I really thought I'd have to get the guy to pull me out with his tractor.

If I were sawing stationary, i'd put a blower on it, and pipe the dust to a convenient place for future disposal.

if the wind is blowing, and you're outside sawing, you are likely going to get dust in your eyes.    I think a set of ski googles would help on a breezy day.

[Larry]

 



This one throws sawdust the proper direction.  Operator stands on the left.  Eventually it starts plowing sawdust on the last few boards, so it's either time to shovel or knock the peak off.  To get em to run the proper direction the motor has to be in front of the blade instead of behind.  And yes I think it is a much better design than conventional.

My new TK has a swing console so I can get away from the sawdust, but I still eat more than I did on the old Kasco.  Just the nature of the beast as the sawdust comes out of the chute higher off the ground.

Still learning on the TK but grade sawing is harder with the console...can't see the board near as well.  The drag back helps if I can get used to it.

[terrifictimbersllc]

I mill with remote command station from the front end and only rarely am troubled by sawdust blowing toward me.  Bumping into the help isn't really a problem everyone gets the idea.  I step in and do my end on boards and slabs when necessary and most of my walking otherwise is to stack boards for edging.  Edging and checking front to back tilt on heart center beam sawing is most of my footwork on the most productive days where most of my time is running the mill.  Not sure what if any benefit would come from being closer to the blade.

[Chuck White]

The sawdust chute on my Wood-Mizer has been modified and depending on the wind direction, I can sometimes blow the sawdust clear of the mill by 8 feet or so.


This pile of sawdust was after sawing about 6,000 - 7,000 board feet.





I'll try and get a couple more this weekend when the sawdust is actually exiting the chute.

[SAWMILL BUDDY]

True happiness is being covered in sawdust 8) I just kick the mound in toward the mill and walk on it.

[Larry]

terrifictimbers, can you see boards well enough to grade saw with your console?

I talked with the owner of this little jewel about grade sawing.  He said that he was the off bearer and used sign language to tell the operator (hired hand) when to turn.  Little different than what is normally seen.

[StephenRice]

This one throws sawdust the proper direction.  Operator stands on the left.  Eventually it starts plowing sawdust on the last few boards, so it's either time to shovel or knock the peak off.  To get em to run the proper direction the motor has to be in front of the blade instead of behind.  And yes I think it is a much better design than conventional.

My new TK has a swing console so I can get away from the sawdust, but I still eat more than I did on the old Kasco.  Just the nature of the beast as the sawdust comes out of the chute higher off the ground.

Still learning on the TK but grade sawing is harder with the console...can't see the board near as well.  The drag back helps if I can get used to it.

Larry,

That mill is still throwing the sawdust out the same side as the WM.  The only difference that you mentioned is that the operator stands on the opposite side of the mill.  That might work great for a stationary or semi-stationary mill that sits on the ground like that one, but how will it work for one on a trailer that has either hydraulic forks or a loading ramp on it.  I can just imagine an operator tripping over a loading ramp and face-planting himself on the second one.  If you eliminate the loading forks or ramp, then you are back to square one.

[terrifictimbersllc]

I get the helpers to show me the underside of the board they're carrying off so I don't have to take a brush to the one remaining on the mill.  Also if it goes onto the loading arms then we flip it over so I can see it.  Didn't think about that since i've never walked with the head.  If they take off the board before you walk back, you can look at the surface on the way back. My mill is a 2001 LT40 with remote fixed to the front so I'm not that far away just beyond the sawdust.

[StephenRice]

Great pictures, Chuck!  It doesn't look like you are having any problems at all to speak of.  I would hate to pass up an a great mill like WM just because of a perceived problem with sawdust when it is obvious that it takes little effort to avoid it.

[Larry]

That mill is still throwing the sawdust out the same side as the WM.

Look again...closer this time as the head is moving away from the viewer.

[StephenRice]

That mill is still throwing the sawdust out the same side as the WM.

Look again...closer this time as the head is moving away from the viewer.

Okay, I did not notice that the mill was moving away in the picture.  However, wouldn't that mean that the sawdust was traveling all of the way through the top of the housing from the left side to the right (in the picture) before discharging?  If so, then I would think that all of that excess sawdust could not be good for the drive wheels, blade, and other parts in there. 

[Larry]

No, the mill is just like any other mill except everything is backwards.  The band is turned inside out to run backwards...if that makes sense.

Another way to look at it is most small engines only run one direction.  If you turn them 180 degrees the shaft is turning in the opposite direction.

[StephenRice]

The band is turned inside out to run backwards...if that makes sense.

Okay, now it does. I did not think about the blade being able to be turned backwards to reverse the cut.  That is what threw me.

[WH_Conley]

I just leave the sawdust chute in the transport position, blows across the 12' shed, can saw hard 2-3 weeks before using the tractor and bucket to move it. About a minute, maybe 2 in the morning cleans out my walking area. When I am portable, just set the mill according to the prevailing winds.

[paul case]

I just leave the sawdust chute in the transport position, blows across the 12' shed, can saw hard 2-3 weeks before using the tractor and bucket to move it. About a minute, maybe 2 in the morning cleans out my walking area. When I am portable, just set the mill according to the prevailing winds.

thats kinda the way mine works.no seat though since mine requires walking.
stephen,
the sawdust problem is a small one on bandmills. if i cut 6 days straight it gets to be a pile that amounts to 3 yards.   slabs on the other hand are a lot to deal with. that same 6 days worth of slabs equals 2-- 15 yard dumploads of cut slab firewood.
most portable sawyers make arrangements for both by setting up to saw on a pile of logs and then moving to the next,or having a loader or a skidder to move slabs  and sawdust. pc

[StephenRice]

Well, that is exactly what I figured as well, Paul.  I just asked because I did not know how the sawdust would be right by the cutting head without running them for quite a while myself.  So, I asked those of you guys who are in the know so I could learn from you instead of making any mistakes myself.

[backwoods sawyer]

I am just thankful that my mill produces such a small amount of sawdust after a days worth of sawing. Where the Mighty Might with its 3/8" kerf can make a "REAL" pile of sawdust that has to be dealt with after every log or two. When you start having to move truck loads of sawdust it can be an issue, when I can kick the top off the pile as I walk past that is not a problem. Besides the tailing pile and the sawdust pile are side by side when I pull my mill out leaving a smaller footprint behind.

[Magicman]

I have never considered sawdust to be an issue.  You or your helper just shovel it out of the way.  The bigger the sawdust pile, the more lumber that you have sawed.  Big sawdust pile equals more dollars.   ;)  That's what I am there for.  Make sawdust, I love it.