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General Forestry => Sawmills and Milling => Topic started by: firefighter ontheside on March 10, 2021, 01:28:01 PM

Title: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 10, 2021, 01:28:01 PM
I've been planning to buy the power feed this year sometime.  I was gonna wait til later in the year, but now I see its on sale with $100 off.  I think I will now be ordering this week.  I called to see how long it would take to get.  I was concerned it was gonna be back ordered like the mills, but its only expected to be 3 to 6 weeks.  $100 is not a huge savings, but its a savings.  Anyone else thinking about getting it, now might be the time.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale
Post by: jpassardi on March 10, 2021, 02:34:27 PM
Firefighter,
I was thinking about it but I just bought my used mill. $100 off is a plus though...
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 10, 2021, 02:45:51 PM
Quote from: jpassardi on March 10, 2021, 02:34:27 PM
Firefighter,
I was thinking about it but I just bought my used mill. $100 off is a plus though...
Your mill just has to be 2005 or newer to use it.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: Percy on March 10, 2021, 11:54:22 PM
I have an old LT70 so  I obviously have power feed. But the result is the same. With power feed, you can  leave the controls for a bit to perform a small task or two once you are comfortable with its operation. The ink will get black on the purchase fairly quick Im thinking if you use your mill lots. Next is power up/down with setworks of sorts  ;D ;D
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale
Post by: jpassardi on March 11, 2021, 07:11:16 AM
Quote from: firefighter ontheside on March 10, 2021, 02:45:51 PM
Quote from: jpassardi on March 10, 2021, 02:34:27 PM
Firefighter,
I was thinking about it but I just bought my used mill. $100 off is a plus though...
Your mill just has to be 2005 or newer to use it.
Well, mine is an 2005 so I guess it would be a bolt on.
I sent you an email.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: WDH on March 11, 2021, 07:24:55 AM
When I had my LT15, the powerfeed made a significant productivity improvement. 
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: mudfarmer on March 11, 2021, 07:31:25 AM
Bought an LT15 last year and ordered with powerfeed but that was back ordered. It was "great" milling for a while without it to get a feel, when it finally showed up and I put it on there was ZERO buyer's remorse ;D
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 11, 2021, 08:27:35 AM
 @WDH (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=4370) I know you said that before and it is a big reason I am gonna get it.

I suspect that I will have zero remorse once I get it going and have a moment to do something else while its cutting on its own.

I have an 05 as well.  @jpassardi (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=42943)   I havent seen an email or PM.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: YellowHammer on March 11, 2021, 08:54:26 AM
A power feed is like having an extra helping hand or generates extra time.  While the saw is cutting, you can stack the last board, or do something else. 

The longer the saw takes to cut the board, the more time is freed up with a power feed.  
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 11, 2021, 08:59:37 AM
That's an interesting point YH.  I can set the speed just right to coincide with what I'm doing in between cuts.  

I just placed the order.  In 3 to 6 weeks my productivity will go up.  I've watched the video on installation and it looks pretty easy to do.  Some bolts, re-route the rope and hook up the power to the battery.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: lazyflee on March 11, 2021, 09:47:54 AM
I've been sending fake emails to my wife. My birthday is next week. She thinks Woodmizer is sending her emails about my birthday recommending she buy the powerfeed for her wonderful husbands 51st birthday! Keeps asking me how they got her email and how they know it's my birthday. Been wanting one since I got the mill. We'll see what happens
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: jpassardi on March 11, 2021, 10:38:40 AM
Quote from: firefighter ontheside on March 11, 2021, 08:27:35 AM

I have an 05 as well.  @jpassardi (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=42943)   I havent seen an email or PM.
For some reason it's stuck in my outbox??
Does your offer still stand to send me your old 15 HP Kohler? The air cleaner base on mine is  pretty corroded from mice living there and no longer available. Any idea how much it would cost to ship it to CT?
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 11, 2021, 01:50:32 PM

Good luck @lazyflee (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=49541) I hope you get it.  

 @jpassardi (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=42943) now i got your PM twice.  I replied to it.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: mudfarmer on March 11, 2021, 05:43:57 PM
Quote from: lazyflee on March 11, 2021, 09:47:54 AM
I've been sending fake emails to my wife. My birthday is next week. She thinks Woodmizer is sending her emails about my birthday recommending she buy the powerfeed for her wonderful husbands 51st birthday! Keeps asking me how they got her email and how they know it's my birthday. Been wanting one since I got the mill. We'll see what happens
Now that you settled on the power feed do you have a divorce lawyer picked out for when she finds out what you have been up to?  ;D
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 11, 2021, 07:49:28 PM
Lol.  I have a small business including my sawmill and woodworking.  She doesn't care what I do with the money I make from it, so I'm all good.  
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: YellowHammer on March 11, 2021, 11:08:51 PM
Quote from: firefighter ontheside on March 11, 2021, 08:59:37 AM
That's an interesting point YH.  I can set the speed just right to coincide with what I'm doing in between cuts.  
That's exactly right.  Ideally, just as you off bear a board, you look down and the next is cut.  
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: caveman on March 12, 2021, 05:39:13 AM
You will not regret adding the power feed.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: Wassup8687 on March 12, 2021, 08:32:39 AM
I bought a used 2020 LT15 2 weeks ago and last week I ordered the power feed and a trailer. 

I've been watching videos of people using it and I can't wait to get mine.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 12, 2021, 08:34:57 AM
A used 2020?  Couldn't have been used very much.  Has your power feed shipped?
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: Rodman on March 12, 2021, 09:15:52 AM
Quote from: YellowHammer on March 11, 2021, 11:08:51 PM
Quote from: firefighter ontheside on March 11, 2021, 08:59:37 AM
That's an interesting point YH.  I can set the speed just right to coincide with what I'm doing in between cuts.  
That's exactly right.  Ideally, just as you off bear a board, you look down and the next is cut.  
Might be a stupid question, but do you guys with the power feed ever run into trouble while you are off bearing while the saw is making the next cut ( ie: blade diving or rising ). Blades breaking? I typically work alone.
With my manual mill i'm right there with the saw head & know when the blade is beginning to rise or dive. I have never had a blade break ( but expecting it to happen one day )
Would like to upgrade in the future to something with all the bells and  whistles & maybe some orange paint  ;D
Play Safe
Les
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 12, 2021, 10:42:46 AM
I'm sure that's a concern.  I will never be more than about 20 feet away while the saw is cutting.  I have to be there to stop the forward feed or it will reach the end of the track and keep trying to drive forward.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: WV Sawmiller on March 12, 2021, 11:04:15 AM
   My mill came with power feed and I am very well pleased with it. I very seldom let it run by itself but I will occasionally let go of it and remove a stick or something out of my path or rearrange something on or around the mill. 

   If I am sawing alone I unload the boards off the rear of my mill so to stack a board while the mill is running unattended would mean I'd have to walk past the running mill twice to stack the board and return to take the head back and walking past a running mill on the drive side is something I will never do. If a band happens to break that is where it go. That is my major safety note to customer or helpers to absolutely stay clear of that area while the mill is running. 

   If I let the mill run on its own I'd have to redesign my offloading scheme and unload off the front.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: Patrick NC on March 12, 2021, 07:20:15 PM
My Norwood power feed has a spring loaded switch on the remote control. If I take my hand off the switch, the feed stops. The things that save the most time for me is the board return and the ability to be in position to turn a cant without waking around the mill for clamping. I can be standing in position as soon as the head clears the log, turn, reclamp, and return to start. Just have to remember to raise the head enough to clear the cant on the return. I like the wireless remote because it allows me to saw without walking every step the mill makes. I normally drag back onto a trailer so I can let several boards drop before I have to stop and stack them. 
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: Wassup8687 on March 13, 2021, 08:50:21 AM
Quote from: firefighter ontheside on March 12, 2021, 08:34:57 AM
A used 2020?  Couldn't have been used very much.  Has your power feed shipped?
No it wasn't used much at all and is in excellent condition. 
No it hasn't shipped. They are talking about 4 weeks wait time. A little longer for the trailer.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 13, 2021, 05:22:24 PM
Up until 5 days ago I wasn't even thinking about power feed.  I knew I would get it this year, but way later in the year.  Now I'm impatiently waiting for it to ship.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: YellowHammer on March 13, 2021, 11:43:52 PM
Quote from: Rodman on March 12, 2021, 09:15:52 AM
Quote from: YellowHammer on March 11, 2021, 11:08:51 PM
Quote from: firefighter ontheside on March 11, 2021, 08:59:37 AM
That's an interesting point YH.  I can set the speed just right to coincide with what I'm doing in between cuts.  
That's exactly right.  Ideally, just as you off bear a board, you look down and the next is cut.  
Might be a stupid question, but do you guys with the power feed ever run into trouble while you are off bearing while the saw is making the next cut ( ie: blade diving or rising ). Blades breaking? I typically work alone.
With my manual mill i'm right there with the saw head & know when the blade is beginning to rise or dive. I have never had a blade break ( but expecting it to happen one day )
Would like to upgrade in the future to something with all the bells and  whistles & maybe some orange paint  ;D
Play Safe
Les
Hands off auto feedjng is only for routine sawing.  It's a lot like cruise control for a car, you only use it in predictable, low stress situations, which should be most of the time, when sawing.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: lazyflee on March 16, 2021, 02:29:23 PM
@firefighter ontheside (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=26921) , power feed ordered! She must love me eh? Now the wait.....
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 16, 2021, 05:24:17 PM
Well, Happy Birthday to you @lazyflee (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=49541) 
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: lazyflee on March 16, 2021, 11:16:18 PM
Woodmizer email says shipped, be here friday????
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 17, 2021, 08:29:53 AM
How's that possible?  
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: John S on March 17, 2021, 08:50:13 AM
My hand is always on the speed control when milling, speeding up or slowing down as needed.  It is rare that I take my hand off the controls (mine is a walk along).  When returning the sawhead after a cut, I am feathering the lever to control the speed of return.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: Woodpecker52 on March 17, 2021, 10:17:25 AM
When I use my power feed, I am always at the control, never doing something else.  I learned the hard way that a chain driven power feed will not stop till something gives or bends.  You are lucky if it is a blade that gets ripped off, or a pin shears, but let a adjustment arm be to far in and did not see that bump sticking out can make for some panic moments when you realize the pulling power of the drive.  Luck would have it I found out the weakest link was a pin down the line which sheared off instead of the adjustment arm.  I really rarely use the power feed usually just turn it on to see if it is working.  I much rather push and look up close to get a feel of how it is cutting..
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 17, 2021, 10:29:01 AM
To push the saw by hand do you place the power feed in neutral?  I've never seen the power feed in person.  It's interesting the different view points and uses of power feed.  The adjustment arm issue is a good point.  Definitely don't want to hit that.  Maybe I'm more likely to walk away when the saw is cutting straight edge boards as opposed to live edge slabs that may have a knot to hit.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: YellowHammer on March 17, 2021, 12:10:13 PM
In my opinion, the best time to use the power feed is all the time :D, but whether it's put in cruise control is another matter.  

Normally, when I'm learning the log, all my radar is on, as I'm making the first few cuts.  There may be issues with changes in diameter, hardness, knots, stubs, etc that need to be watched out for.  As I'm sawing, I'm also learning how fast I can feed on that particular log and not have sawing issues, such as wave, or even bogging the engine.

However, once the cant is developed, there is nothing to hit, and the proper feed rate should be apparent by that time.  So I enter the cant and go to cruise control.  Depending on the horsepower and speed of the mill, it may take 10 seconds to saw the board, or it may take 20 or more, which is more than enough time to do something else.  Of course, its not a good idea to get more than a quick step or two away from the mill, but its certainly enough to stack the board that just was sawn.  My LT70 saws fast enough there isn't much more time than to scratch my nose, with my older LT40, tree was enough time stack wood, and with more oldest LT15, with much smaller engine and slower cutting speed, I could do a lot more.

The blade guide arm adjustment will generally have a sweet spot, where is is clears most logs, and still saws straight and fast.  So I may go several logs or more and never adjust it.    
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: lazyflee on March 19, 2021, 04:47:12 PM
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/59541/20210319_140243.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1616186712)
 It showed up this morning. Really nice, will take a bit to get used to. @firefighter ontheside (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=26921) 
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 19, 2021, 05:07:32 PM
Wow.  They must have done you a favor for your birthday.  Mine hasn't even shipped yet and I ordered mine before you.  Congratulations.  I don't doubt there's a learning curve.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 20, 2021, 11:54:41 AM
 @lazyflee (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=49541) I just called WM and they said my power feed is 8th in line to be built, so he expected I would get an email later this week to say it was being shipped.  I still wonder how you were able to get one so quick.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: Woodpecker52 on March 20, 2021, 07:46:48 PM
I did put kill switches on each end of the mill in case something goes wrong, however my feed system uses a chain and sprocket system run by a gear drive and 1hp dc motor.  The gear drive is a horse built during the 40's and it will not stop till a pin shears, chain breaks, or steel is torn.  I do not know about the Woodmizer feed since it probably uses the rope and windlass system, it might be more forgiving.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on March 20, 2021, 09:39:25 PM
What I read somewhere is that if the mill head reaches the end, the rope will slip on the pulley, but its not a great idea.  A kill switch would be better.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: YellowHammer on March 20, 2021, 10:12:23 PM
Using a power feed is a learning curve.  You go from hand pushing or cranking where you can feel everything, to turning a knob and having to get some of your sawing cues from other sources, such as your eyes and ears.  You lose some of the tactile feel at first and it can be a little frustrating.  However, after awhile, it all comes back, and it's great as you can use the techniques with other mills if you decide to upgrade.  

As a general rule, never, let the mill head hit the far stop.  
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: WDH on March 21, 2021, 07:10:18 AM
Yes, it does not matter what kind of mill you have, you have to pay attention and not let the mill hit the stops with any powerfeed.  One must learn to pay attention and develop a rhythm. A LT15 is no different from a LT70 in that respect.  
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on April 14, 2021, 01:57:41 PM
I ordered about 5 weeks ago.  It feels like 30 weeks, lol.  I called to check the status today and they said it will ship tomorrow.  Happy dance.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: Breezybrzez on April 14, 2021, 02:01:19 PM
Congrats! Lucky I had to wait 14 weeks for my 28.... Although that's nothing like I've heard they are now 
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on April 14, 2021, 05:10:01 PM
Quote from: Breezybrzez on April 14, 2021, 02:01:19 PM
Congrats! Lucky I had to wait 14 weeks for my 28.... Although that's nothing like I've heard they are now
This was just for the power feed and not a whole mill.  
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: lazyflee on April 14, 2021, 05:20:57 PM
Glad you finally got it. Really getting used to mine now and loving it. Hooked up a green line laser the other day, still sorting that out, but pretty cool.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on April 14, 2021, 10:58:48 PM
Quote from: lazyflee on April 14, 2021, 05:20:57 PM
Glad you finally got it. Really getting used to mine now and loving it. Hooked up a green line laser the other day, still sorting that out, but pretty cool.
Thanks.  I just checked tracking and it says it will arrive tomorrow from Indiana.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: firefighter ontheside on April 16, 2021, 08:19:03 AM
Power feed arrived yesterday and I installed immediately.  It's gonna take some getting used to, but I can tell I'm gonna like it.  I was surprised at how fast it goes backwards with no ability to make it go slower in reverse.  Guess I will learn to move it manually when I just need to move it back a bit.  I still need to route the wires better before I actually saw with it, which will likely be tomorrow.  I've got a big walnut sitting on the mill.  I was also surprised that the rope goes on a regular pulley instead of the type that wraps around twice.  Seems like that would be better for the hand crank too.
Title: Re: LT15 Power Feed on Sale - I'm Gonna Order
Post by: WDH on April 16, 2021, 08:49:25 AM
You will certainly like it. It does come back in reverse at the speed of light.