Questions for a Linn Sawmill build

[Kwill]

using 12 volt wheelchair motor. when I first set it up it worked better than it does now. I made the mistake of lubing the rods. now I can't seem to get them clean. plus the sawframe being so unbalanced does not help. I have plans to fix all of that but other things are more important at the moment.

I will probably redesign the entire head to balance the full assembly to make up alot easier.

I switched from cable to acme and aint real impressed either. I just have a hand crank on it but it takes a little more effort than i would like to go up. What did you lube yours with? I try and keep the sawdust out of mine as much as i can. Some of my issues was the saw feame sliders binding. I made a piece with a bearing on the front and back that levels out the saw frame and allows it just go up level now without binding. I havent got a chance to try it out yet.

[Crusarius]

I used chain lube. Helped while I was building it. at least a tiny bit but after I introduced sawdust it was less beneficial.

I will probably attempt a garage door spring to make it go up easier. down is perfect. If that doesn't work then may go the roller chain and jackshaft route. 

Saw a pretty nifty idea on youtube, someone welded a pair of vice grips to their mast and used that for a lock. Probably won't be necessary but be nice piece of mind.

[bwstout]

I used the aceme rods and have a wheel chair motor on 24 volts and mine goes up quickly I used chain and sprockets to set the speed.  Have use it for a couple of years now. My mill is a 2 post the motor hangs off the back but still seems to work ok. I used Teflon to line the sliderly things ;D so I have less friction. But I think if I were to do it again I would go to the chain and gear box.

[Crusarius]

bwstout, by chain and gearbox you mean for lifting right? My wheelchair motor has a gearbox on it and I put s sprocket straight on that.

I am guessing you mean jackshaft and chain for lifting?

[bwstout]

yes sir