iDRY Vacuum Kilns

Sponsors:

my new to me Woodmizer LT15

Started by Machinebuilder, March 06, 2021, 01:18:24 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Machinebuilder

I had mentioned that I have bought a LT15.

It was advertised as a 2005, according to the manual and the serial # written in it it is a 2002.

I got the bed setup in a spot where its mostly out of my way, I took one section off for now because it doesn't have leveling screws



 


I set the head on and while giving it a look through found it would not lower all the way.

The 2 black guards were hitting. after much examination and work, I found the bottom sprocket was assembled wrong.
After getting it pretty close to aligned, I had to cut 1 link out of the chain to gain some adjustment, and then twist the bracket to get it aligned with the chain. I still need to get a bolt to put in the bracket.

So now the head moves up and down pretty good.



 


I started to go through the alignment procedure and will have to soak the blade guides in penetrating oil to free the adjustments up.

I got impatient and decided to get one of the smaller logs I have and see if i can make something other than firewood with it.

My first cut, taking it very cautiously.



 

one side ready to roll




 


my result, 3 descent 2x9  1 fair 2 1/2 x9 and a bunch of stickers



 


Now back to work on the blade guides and wait for blades and the alignment tool from Woodmizer.
I ordered a  box of the 4degree blades

Edit I do see some waves but I know the roller guides are not putting any pressure on the blade, and I am not sure of the blade condition.

I moved one clamp to make it easier to clamp a 8' log.

I will probably order the upgraded clamps.







Dave, Woodmizer LT15, Husqvarna 460 and Stihl 180, Bobcat 751, David Brown 770, New Holland TN60A

Machinebuilder

Dave, Woodmizer LT15, Husqvarna 460 and Stihl 180, Bobcat 751, David Brown 770, New Holland TN60A

Crossroads

With the right fulcrum and enough leverage, you can move the world!

2017 LT40 wide, BMS250 and BMT250,036 stihl, 2001 Dodge 3500 5.9 Cummins, l8000 Ford dump truck, hr16 Terex excavator, Valley je 2x24 edger, Gehl ctl65 skid steer, JD350c dozer

thecfarm

You will like sawing!!
What's the plan for the lumber?
Get yourself a Logrite cantdog or a peavey to help turn those logs. Sponsor on the left, nice tools, nice people!!
Model 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79

Machinebuilder

I plan on getting some stuff from Logrite. Fortunately I have forks for the bobcat, it makes moving logs alot easier.

I don't have any definite plans for the lumber.
In 2012 I had about 1200 board feet of oak and cherry sawn from blow downs (there were a lot of bad storms that year) and still have most of it.

I have been using some for odd projects. its a bit strange to grab a piece of oak to do something i would normally by some cheap pine for.

I am tired of seeing some good logs and some interesting logs get cut up for firewood.

I just use it for campfires, and its hard to get people to come get it. Firewood here sells so low i am not going to put that much work in for minimal payback.

I cut 3 very big oak trees  this year, I think poison Ivy killed them. I will have to split the logs to fit them on the mill.
there are some crotches the limbs are over 2' dia.
Dave, Woodmizer LT15, Husqvarna 460 and Stihl 180, Bobcat 751, David Brown 770, New Holland TN60A

thecfarm

I myself try to keep my tractor away from my mill. Except for the real big ones. A peavey does a lot less damage to a mill than a 40 hp tractor.  ;D
Model 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79

Haleiwa

I'm guessing that it won't be long before you move it farther away from your building.   Mills are one of those things that need room around them. I usually load the mill with the loader, then park it with the grapple up where I can throw the slabs on it, then unload lumber from the back or front depending on what help I have available. I have on occasion milled one or two small logs with the mill in the storage shed because it wasn't convenient to move it for such a small job, but it's not fun, and probably not the safest thing to do.   You need room to saw.
Socialism is people pretending to work while the government pretends to pay them.  Mike Huckabee

Machinebuilder

I didn't plan on putting the mill there. I had to pick the driest most solid ground I had to put it.

I do have it a little close to the barn.

I got the blade rollers of and have started to clean them up, they are in pretty poor condition.

I had noticed a couple spots where the carriage had seemed to bind, but only while cutting.
I took one set of bearings off to clean up and probably replace.

Does woodmizer have any good parts manuals? The owners manual doesn't list much.
Dave, Woodmizer LT15, Husqvarna 460 and Stihl 180, Bobcat 751, David Brown 770, New Holland TN60A

Stephen1

congratulations on the new mill. WM does have a parts manual on line. Call WM and register the yourself as the new owner. A lot of good information on the FF and a lot of good people that can help .WM also gives lifetime technical support for all WM owners. When you have trouble give them a call.
IDRY Vacum Kiln, LT40HDWide, BMS250 sharpener/setter 742b Bobcat, TCM forklift, Sthil 026,038, 461. 1952 TEA Fergusan Tractor

Machinebuilder

After looking at things a bit more, and realizing that the whole mill really needs a good maintenance.

I have ordered
new roller guide assemblies, the old ones are in poor shape, badly corroded and the rollers have about 1mm taper
New  track rollers, they are standard bearings but needing replacement.
the center track cover, the description says with felt, I don't see any felt.
track scrapers, MIA
Band vibration damping block, in the top of the drive side cover, I see 2 holes but nothing there.

The band wheel bearings seem to be ok, no noise or roughness.

Hopefully this will make things all right, along with some cleaning and lubing.



Dave, Woodmizer LT15, Husqvarna 460 and Stihl 180, Bobcat 751, David Brown 770, New Holland TN60A

Brad_bb

I'm not so sure the felt cover for the operator side track is available anymore.  Problem was the felt was glued to the bracket and came off after awhile, mine did.  My mill also had little felt wipers on the outside of the bearing boxes.  They replaced those with simpler bracket and felt.  You can also buy felt (McMaster Carr is one source) and replace it yourself rivet or super glue.
Anything someone can design, I can sure figure out how to fix!
If I say it\\\\\\\'s going to take so long, multiply that by at least 3!

Machinebuilder

I've been working on things. 
I moved the whole mill to a better spot. I can put the head undercover and get to both sides of the bed. 
I replaced all the roller bearings and it rolls much better.
I have cleaned the band wheels, the drive wheel had a lot of buildup. I cleaned both belts and tightened the drive belt. 
All the belts look pretty good. 
I am still waiting on several things, both guide roller assembly's and the alignment tool are the important things. 
I did get the center cover with felt. It's labeled for lt15 wide. 

Ill put some pictures up when I'm on a computer. 
Dave, Woodmizer LT15, Husqvarna 460 and Stihl 180, Bobcat 751, David Brown 770, New Holland TN60A

farmfromkansas

I am wondering how much this mill was used, as the PO could not raise and lower the head.
Most everything I enjoy doing turns out to be work

Machinebuilder

 

 

I put that log on just to see how things looked. It is cut in 2 now.

Last night I had put a blade on and it is tracking a bit too far back, I'm going to adjust it tonight, IF it's not storming.


The head did raise and lower it just stopped about 3" high.
Dave, Woodmizer LT15, Husqvarna 460 and Stihl 180, Bobcat 751, David Brown 770, New Holland TN60A

jpassardi

Machinebuilder,

You may want to get a drive belt tension gauge from WM or Grainger. The newer LT15's (2006 & up I believe) have a hole in the cover over the mid span of the drive belt so you can accurately measure the tension. You can drill a hole so you can insert the tool on the older LT15's.
The blade alignment tool for $20 is well worth it also.
LT15 W/Trailer, Log Turner, Power Feed & up/down
CAT 416 Backhoe W/ Self Built Hydraulic Thumb and Forks
Husky 372XP, 550XPG, 60, 50,   WM CBN Sharpener & Setter
40K # Excavator, Bobcat 763, Kubota RTV 900
Orlan Wood Gasification Boiler -Slab Disposer

kantuckid

Things I did on my same mill: Added double roller bearings to log stay ends-to save money I bought the bearings open stock not WM, on Amazon plus hot dipped galvanized bolts washers and nuts. Drilling is the main work there but logs turn far easier. 
Tool try on battery box top. Switched to a better water jug from Amazon. Set levelers on white oak tie cuts. Bought a foam wrapper generic for air filter that mice chew up. I have Kohler Command pro which has larger oil filters , gas filters and replaced fuel shutoff when it died from Chinese also Chinses clone carb. Belt are now Amazon B57 and work fine. 
Shed with roof and cheapo HF 1/2T chain hoist to spin big logs from rear beam mount via nylon/polyester straps. 
Get a hand spray btl (WD40 btls work great) which allows use of ATF around your mills chains and other threads and sliding parts. Get a broom to clean off guide rails. Lowe's for SS hand wire brushes best price to clean mud. Axe to pop off bark. Snow shovel for sawdust at times. 
Find a blade sharpening source that avoids blade shipping if possible. New are easy but re-sharps can be costly to ship. 
Kan=Kansas;tuck=Kentucky;kid=what I'm not

Machinebuilder

I've got the alignment tool on order, I need to call and find out what's happening with it and the blade guides.

Its a 2002 model, I tightened the drive belt to what I normally feel on Vbelts, maybe 3/4" play on the long side.

Kentuckid, I know of you from ADVRider.

I like your ideas, at this point I need to get it working to cut some ties for a better foundation and beams to use for a roof.
I've got plenty of oak logs right know, many I'll have to cut down to fit on the mill.
Dave, Woodmizer LT15, Husqvarna 460 and Stihl 180, Bobcat 751, David Brown 770, New Holland TN60A

Southside

A V belt running an alternator and one running a band saw band are two different animals.  Belt tension is probably the most overlooked thing on mills.  Too loose and your cut performance will suffer as the band slows down, even a couple hundred FPM and you will have waves in your lumber.  Too tight and things like engine cranks break.  The tension gauge will save you hours of frustration and help to reduce the production of designer firewood.  
Franklin buncher and skidder
JD Processor
Woodmizer LT Super 70 and LT35 sawmill, KD250 kiln, BMS 250 sharpener and setter
Riehl Edger
Woodmaster 725 and 4000 planner and moulder
Enough cows to ensure there is no spare time.
White Oak Meadows

Brad_bb

Yes, setting the drive belt tension correctly is critical to producing flat cuts.  The first time I did it it took me 40 minutes. Now I can check the drive belt tension in 10 minutes and adjust it. They say to check it every 50 hours, but I check it probably every 25. I bought an hourmeter on the Internet and installed it on my my Lt15.  I still don't understand how they specify maintenance and ours yet don't put an hourmeter from the factory on that Mill?
Anything someone can design, I can sure figure out how to fix!
If I say it\\\\\\\'s going to take so long, multiply that by at least 3!

Lostinmn

Welcome to the LT15 club and happy sawing!!

I needed some new adjustable feet for mine LT-15 since some threads were damaged from a not to gentle seller moving it with a skidsteer. The local dealer said I could have all I wanted when I stopped by to pick up some other parts since he has left overs when putting a new unit on the mobile trailer set up instead of free standing.

Might want to check and see if your local dealer also has cast offs if you need them.




kantuckid

Quote from: Brad_bb on March 24, 2021, 03:50:50 PM
Yes, setting the drive belt tension correctly is critical to producing flat cuts.  The first time I did it it took me 40 minutes. Now I can check the drive belt tension in 10 minutes and adjust it. They say to check it every 50 hours, but I check it probably every 25. I bought an hourmeter on the Internet and installed it on my my Lt15.  I still don't understand how they specify maintenance and ours yet don't put an hourmeter from the factory on that Mill?
Mine came with an hour meter from WM. I only miss the tach but honestly other than as a speed check I don't miss any info i need. The Chinese crap I bought as replacement never did work. 
Kan=Kansas;tuck=Kentucky;kid=what I'm not

DDW_OR

"let the machines do the work"

Machinebuilder

 

 

Can anyone tell me if the bracket the sprocket is attached to is bolted to the correct side of the welded on bracket?

I'm have interference with the bolt head and the head won't lower completely 

I received the roller guides and alignment tool today so I will be working on them now
Dave, Woodmizer LT15, Husqvarna 460 and Stihl 180, Bobcat 751, David Brown 770, New Holland TN60A

jpassardi

Quote from: Machinebuilder on March 29, 2021, 05:08:23 PM


 

Can anyone tell me if the bracket the sprocket is attached to is bolted to the correct side of the welded on bracket?

I'm have interference with the bolt head and the head won't lower completely

I received the roller guides and alignment tool today so I will be working on them now
I'll try to remember to check mine tonight.
LT15 W/Trailer, Log Turner, Power Feed & up/down
CAT 416 Backhoe W/ Self Built Hydraulic Thumb and Forks
Husky 372XP, 550XPG, 60, 50,   WM CBN Sharpener & Setter
40K # Excavator, Bobcat 763, Kubota RTV 900
Orlan Wood Gasification Boiler -Slab Disposer

firefighter ontheside

Yours doesn't look the same as my 2005.  The bracket is different where it is welded on.  

 
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

Thank You Sponsors!