Are rusty blades an issue?

[future_vision]

I have a HM130MAX and despite my best efforts to keep a tarp over the mill during the winter it inevitably got blown off. I'm looking at a mill now with a rusty blade. Is that an issue? Do I need to 'treat' the blade in any way before milling? Is there a way to prevent the rusting?

[YellowHammer]

Put in a log and start sawing, it'll clean off, real quick.  It will be duller than it was, as the rust will dull the tooth points.  The best way to prevent rust is to take the band off and store it inside for the winter, or for more than a few days of non use.  As I mentioned, rust will noticeably dull bands just like it will dull axes and knives, so taking the band off is a good investment in time and energy.

 

[Magicman]

Exactly, my thought was "why was the blade still on the sawmill"??  I won't leave a blade on overnight much less while stored for the Winter. 

Develop good habits and take care of your mill and your mill will take care of you.

[barbender]

Rusty blades tend to get pitch build up on them more, as well. I have blades that have gotten moisture on them and got rusty, too. It happens. A little shot of diesel on one while on the mill will help it shine back up.

[future_vision]

Thanks. Makes sense that I should have taken it off. Definitely a newb move. Am I correct in thinking these mills, other than the blades, can withstand the elements if they become uncovered?

[doc henderson]

i keep my accuset covered with a plastic tote.  the engine and other components are out in the weather.  It would always be better to be covered.  chains and rotating parts.

[Magicman]

My Setworks, Fuel & Lube Jugs, and Engine all have "plastic" covers that are always installed at the end of the sawing day.


 

[alecs]

Woodland Mills makes a saw cover that in my experience, doesn't come off in the wind.  It's fairly heavy duty, and has a velcro strap at the bottom if you are really worried about it blowing off - I've never attached the strap.

[TSAW]

My Setworks, Fuel & Lube Jugs, and Engine all have "plastic" covers that are always installed at the end of the sawing day.

Where do you get these covers?  Are they direct from Woodmizer or another source?  Just FYI I do not have a Woodmizer

[Dad2FourWI]

Various equipment on our farm sport custom made covers created by a person who specialized in boat covers/seat covers/etc. Made for extreme weather conditions and tough as can be. You might want to do a few searches for boat covers in your neck of the woods....

[Magicman]

Where do you get these covers?

My covers came from Wood-Mizer and that is over $225 worth of covers but they will easily last 10-15 years.

[TSAW]

@magicman Thanks I am looking around for covers for my mill

[Magicman]

Make a Google search for "generator cover".  I suspect that you will find something suitable.

[Nebraska]

A large grill cover completely covers the head on my B-16. Someday a shed will cover it.

[Daburner87]

I just use a tarp on my woodland mills and the blade has a light surface rust after being exposed in the elements in the same spot for over a year now.  Prob should have just bought the official cover, but I already had the tarp.

I saw someone use a BBQ cover but I couldnt find one large enough.

[Chuck White]

I recommend that the blade be removed if the mill is shut down, even for just a few hours.

When removed, I like to wipe them down with a rag soaked with ATF, then coil and put away.

Where a sawmill and or blade is concerned, rust is your enemy!

[bushhog920]

Rusty blades are rarely a problem if you use diesel. If you don't want to use diesel as lube try only using it at the end of the day by dripping it out a bottle on the blade with engine at idle. Mix in a little atf and it will help clean and protect the blade