Log turner issue

[Crossroads]

It seems like my claw turner just wants to push logs up and over the side supports. On big heavy logs it works fine, but it seems like logs in the 10" range, I have to use the clamp to kick the log out, so it will turn. I lube the pivot pins regularly and it move freely, but seems like the spring tension is to much. In my experience, springs don't have a tendency to get stronger though. Anyone else have this happen? 

[WV Sawmiller]

   Yeah, sounds about like the same kind of performance I get out of mine. I love my LT35 but the claw is not the best design feature on it. Then again, the chain turners have warts too and will sometimes not work well in punky sapwood and such. I guess if it was a pair of claws it might work better than the single current design. I keep an old cant hook under the front of my mill and lots of times it is faster to turn those small logs and cants with it than by using the hydraulics. 

[Magicman]

The geometry of the claw cycle is a compromise and yes, there is that diameter that simply does not fit.  Sometimes it's simpler to flip it with a cant hook as I had to do once Saturday. 

[jpassardi]

I made my claw turner for my LT15. When I did I made it so I can remove 1 of the 2 springs. I also made a threaded stop so I can quickly change the starting point of that hinge point -the  (elbow) based on log size. WM's cable claw turner uses a rod with 3 pin-able points as I recall.

[Rhodemont]

I often start to turn with the claw and then bring my clamp down and under to pull the log back against the claw to prevent flipping the log off.  The better centered the log front to back on the stops helps reduce issues. 

[Magicman]

 

 
I have a rope with a hook that I sometime use to hold the claw out so that I can catch the log/cant at the proper spot to turn the log.  This can be a life saver when you are working alone.


 
Shown here holding the claw out for a large irregularly shaped log to prevent it from going under the log.  It also works with those small logs. 

[Sixacresand]

Good idea, Magicman.  I have got into situations where the claw just misses the log.  Sometimes, I ram a sticker into the clamp to hold it out while raising it. Then pull the stick out when the claw is high enough to dig into the log.  The most ignoring  thing is for the claw to get under the log and throw it back on the loading arms.  

[Crossroads]

I think I'll try removing 1 of the springs and see if that helps. It seems like it used to work better than what it is now, but maybe it's my imagination. I like the hook MM, I've used rope before, but not a dedicated hook. 👍🏻

[Magicman]

Personally I would not remove a spring, get you a rope/hook.

[WV Sawmiller]

   i sawed a big short walnut log for a customer 2 weeks ago that was difficult to turn due to its size and shape. A new trick I learned then was to raise and turn the log as far as I could with the claw and clamp then I had my helper/customer hold a short scrap board against the log and I raised the loader arms wedging the log with the board between the log and the arm. This held the partially turned log in place and allowed me to move and reposition the claw and clamp and finish turning the log with them.

[Stephen1]

I thinka lot of us swear at the claw. I keep a bungie/rubber cord strapped to mill at the claw .When I'm alone i can hook the bungie cord to the claw and the log lift. It holds the claw out so it will not go under the weird shaped log. On small logs I have the logrite baseball bat cant hook. I just turn it by hand, I also use it when a log or half sawn log just wants to rise up the back stop, I just finnish rolling with the cant  hook. 

[47sawdust]

I'm kinda lucky in regard to the claw turner. Mine is powered by an electric winch with pendant control.
I can stand next to the turner and use a peavey or other tool while getting another bite.
When I converted the rest of my mill to hydraulic I couldn't see the advantage of changing the claw turner to hydraulic.
Your experiences bear me out.
Thanks for the input.

[jpassardi]

I'm kinda lucky in regard to the claw turner. Mine is powered by an electric winch with pendant control.
I can stand next to the turner and use a peavey or other tool while getting another bite.
When I converted the rest of my mill to hydraulic I couldn't see the advantage of changing the claw turner to hydraulic.
Your experiences bear me out.
Thanks for the input.

That's how I made mine also. I have one switch mounted below the bed rail and the other has a 12' cord so I can stand wherever is best when turning. 

[Magicman]

 

 
The claw will also snag a hole in your back pocket when you climb up to cover the sawmill engine.  :-\

[WV Sawmiller]

MM,

   You can fix that - just forget to lower the claw and saw through the tips. A WM DH 4* degree blade will saw right through the tip - or so I have heard. I can't personally swear to that of course. :

[Jim_Rogers]

 
I have a rope with a hook that I sometime use to hold the claw out so that I can catch the log/cant at the proper spot to turn the log.  This can be a life saver when you are working alone.


 
Shown here holding the claw out for a large irregularly shaped log to prevent it from going under the log.  It also works with those small logs.

I've done the same thing using a bungy cord hooked to the center chain on the log loader bar. Using the log loader up or down adjusts how tight the bungy is to the claw turner.
Jim Rogers

[Crossroads]

MM,

  You can fix that - just forget to lower the claw and saw through the tips. A WM DH 4* degree blade will saw right through the tip - or so I have heard. I can't personally swear to that of course. :

I can verify this 🙈

[Crossroads]

 
I have a rope with a hook that I sometime use to hold the claw out so that I can catch the log/cant at the proper spot to turn the log.  This can be a life saver when you are working alone.


 
Shown here holding the claw out for a large irregularly shaped log to prevent it from going under the log.  It also works with those small logs.

I've done the same thing using a bungy cord hooked to the center chain on the log loader bar. Using the log loader up or down adjusts how tight the bungy is to the claw turner.
Jim Rogers

I like this, I'm going to have to try it 

[WV Sawmiller]

MM,
  You can fix that - just forget to lower the claw and saw through the tips. A WM DH 4* degree blade will saw right through the tip - or so I have heard. I can't personally swear to that of course. :

I can verify this 🙈

Now I remember where I heard about that. :D :D I'm sure glad I never did anything like that. :

[jpassardi]

I made this turner, note the threaded adjuster with spring at the "elbow". It allows quick adjustment of where the claw starts into the log. May be worth adding similar to your WM turner.


 

[John S]

MM, I have also had to use the rope or chain to pull the claw out.  Too bad that they don't make those logs in the shape of a perfect cylinder.  Who do I complain to about that?