Laser Lines

[GF]

Has anyone used laser lines down the sides of the logs showing where the cut is going to be?  Wondering what the drawbacks may be of something like this.  Any input is appreciated.  Thought this may make leveling a log easier and mors accurate for the first cuts.

[beenthere]

My very limited experience was that the brightness of the line was not visible enough, unless the log was out of the direct sunlight, and even indirect sunlight made the line hard to see.

I assisted on a circle mill that was inside, and we used laser light beam (early version, so later versions may be better) to show the saw line. Seems there are some infrared used to show saw lines for an edger or straight-line rip.

[Jeff]

I think the only draw back is price. If it were not for that, who cares if you dont see them part of the time due to low light. Anytime they are working is a plus. I dont have any problem seeing ours, but we are inside. We have some of the first ones. Big boys. They are about the size of a 6 D-cell flashlight and

[AtLast]

We installed a laser and it worked well but as formentioned in sunlight its difficult to see. Also you will find it frustrating to keep it " dialed in". Wood_mizer offers it as well but...well all I can say is read the reviews. I dont care who makes what...the vibration , logs being loaded and just normal movement tends to make it ..um....testy.

[Jeff]

Seems being testy has more to do with the mounting system then the light doesnt it?  

[Kevin_H.]

I think Al put one on his WM not too long ago, maybe he will let us know how it is working....

Hey Al, Are ya out there?

[Ron Wenrich]

I've run with and without lasers on a circle mill.  I went several years without lasers on the vertical edger.  Its amazing how close you get with a good deal of practice.

I find that the lasers on the vertical edger slow me down.  Trying to get that extra half inch sometimes takes too long.

The ones on the headsaw shows me where my cut is going to be.  I only look at that when making my starting cut on each side.

We have the newer lights.  They still don't shine that well.  We are under roof, but have a lot of background light.  On really birght days, all I get is a pink line.  You have to use your imagination on those days.  

For an outside operation, I imagine it would be pretty hard to see.  You might be able to get a line across the end of the log, but not the length of it.  

Our original lasers were mounted close to the edger blades.  They lasted a total of 2 days before they were eliminated by a piece of wood.  Sap was also a problem.  Now they are set up with a pulley and weight system that runs with the saws but mounted away from the saws.  How you would do that on a bandmill is beyond me.

The next time there is a sawmill show in your area, stop in.  Usually there is a laser light salesman there.  

[ElectricAl]

GF,

We put the WM lazer on our 1993 electric LT40HD.

Had if 30 to 60 days : ( all my days run together )

Use it only for slab removal.

The door has to be shut, and even too much flourescent light will wash it out.

On the positive side it has increased production. So the increase in production will pay for the unit.

If the mounts are tight the lazer does not come out of adjustment. How ever bumping into if while changing a blade will :(

Cost $1300     I think ???



Kevin H,  

We have been so busy I miss a lot of post :'(

I will see an Instant Messages  ;)  
If someone needs help let me know ;D.

[AtLast]

Jeff.....exactally...thats what I was reffering ta..the light always worked fine....just inconsistent.....guess I shudda been mer spasifica...they are GREAT for tormentin a cat though....should see that lil sucker climb the wall chasin after it... ;D..I TOTALLY agree with Ron...eventually youll find yourself not turning it on at all.

[Kevin_H.]

Hey Al, Your working too hard man, slow down and enjoy. ;D