The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Sawmills and Milling => Topic started by: Buck on April 15, 2011, 07:31:32 AM

Title: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Buck on April 15, 2011, 07:31:32 AM
A small problem always pops up when i hit the road sawing. The blade tensioner on my lt40 gave out during a blade change yesterday. I have the parts located and will be picking them up this morning. Is there any difficulty in this rebuild?
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: ellmoe on April 15, 2011, 07:38:37 AM
 We just rebuilt ours yesterday. The only problem was those "too small" allen head screws. We could only get one out. I took the unit to a machinist to have the others removed. If you run into the same problem you may be able to loosen them by tapping with a small chisel. It was quicker for me to drop it off and have it done. I'll replace the screws with cap heads later. As for now,I coated the screws with "anti-seize".
Mark
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Magicman on April 15, 2011, 07:57:49 AM
That was a very simple rebuild.  I didn't have anyone there to take any pictures, and my hands were too oily to fool with the camera.  Refilling the reservoir with ATF took the most time.

I only rebuilt half of mine, the tightening side.  The entire unit would have to be removed to replace the bandwheel side and mine wasn't leaking, so I let it be.  The kit has the seals for both sides.
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: sparks on April 15, 2011, 09:44:27 AM
Here are the rebuild instructions and the refill instructions. Hope this helps.
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Magicman on April 15, 2011, 10:27:54 AM
Here is a picture of a failed rubber seal.  It had actually extruded between the piston and the cylinder wall.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0153.JPG)
Failed blade tensioner rubber seal.

This is my refill bottle with a tube spout.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0701_%28Small%29.JPG)
I don't actually remove the threaded tensioner, just screw it all of the way out.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0702_%28Small%29.JPG)
Refilling the reservoir. 
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Magicman on April 15, 2011, 10:32:48 AM
Quote from: Buck on April 15, 2011, 07:31:32 AM
A small problem always pops up when i hit the road sawing.

My blade tensioner failure actually prompted my Comfort Zone thread.  It happen the week before I was scheduled to travel that 160 miles one way.  If it had waited a week later, that $15 break down would have cost me big time.
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Buck on April 15, 2011, 04:57:31 PM
Awe, I'm actually ashamed that I questioned this task. I think the phrase "So easy a caveman can do it" applies here. ::)


And.... Thanks guys!
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Magicman on April 15, 2011, 10:10:27 PM
But, your experience may help someone else to not fear jumping into an unknown maintenance item.  We all learn from sharing our experience with each other.   ;)
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Norm on April 17, 2011, 08:51:45 AM
Mine needs to have this done, where are you guys finding the bottle with the long flexible tube at?
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: customsawyer on April 17, 2011, 08:56:00 AM
When I had a LT40 I would just use the spray bottle that I used to lube the rail and chain. You will miss the small hole a bit but not enough to worry about.
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Magicman on April 17, 2011, 09:30:13 AM
Quote from: Norm on April 17, 2011, 08:51:45 AM
Mine needs to have this done, where are you guys finding the bottle with the long flexible tube at?

Many parts stores have a display of the oilers at the checkout.  I'll look and see if I may happen to have an (almost) empty one.
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Norm on April 17, 2011, 09:51:43 AM
Thanks for the offer MM but I don't want to impose on you. I'll have Patty look when she's there on Monday getting a battery for the 4 wheeler.
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Chuck White on April 17, 2011, 11:10:17 AM
Quote from: Norm on April 17, 2011, 08:51:45 AM
Mine needs to have this done, where are you guys finding the bottle with the long flexible tube at?



Norm;
I just use a common plastic pepsi bottle.

I located some clear plastic tubing similar in size (1/8 inch or so) to the tubing on a bike or 4-wheeler battery vent!

I drilled a hole, slightly smaller than the tubing in the middle of the pepsi bottle cap and squeezed the end of the tubing and pushed it through the hole in the cap.

Once inside about ΒΌ inch I just flexed it a little and it expanded outward against the drilled hole.

Works great!

Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Norm on April 17, 2011, 05:22:46 PM
Thanks Chuck appreciate the help.  :)
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: wwsjr on April 17, 2011, 06:02:02 PM
I use a large plastic syringe without the needle and a small piece of tubing on the end. Had some on hand that I use on the llamas and horses. Worked great for me.
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Slingshot on April 17, 2011, 09:58:17 PM

   Norm, check Patty's sewing room (if she has one). Sewing machine oil also comes in those
little bottles with the pull out flex spout.



__________________________
sling_shot






Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Magicman on April 17, 2011, 10:22:30 PM
Yup, We have a Kenmore bottle that is well over 40 years old that came with Pat's first sewing machine.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0162%7E0.JPG)
That little spout telescopes out of the bottle 8" and all of the way back in for storage.
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Norm on April 18, 2011, 07:19:26 AM
Hmmm Patty does quite a bit of sewing but I'm not allowed to play with her toys. Something about go break your own stuff.  :D

Thanks again for all of the help guys.
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: submarinesailor on April 18, 2011, 08:11:53 AM
Quote from: Norm on April 18, 2011, 07:19:26 AM
I'm not allowed to play with her toys. Something about go break your own stuff.

Now, let me think....where have I heard that before.  Ok, yea....from the wife. :D ;D :D ;D

Bruce
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Norm on December 08, 2011, 11:02:40 AM
Quote from: sparks on April 15, 2011, 09:44:27 AM
Here are the rebuild instructions and the refill instructions. Hope this helps.

I tried to download this pdf but it does not show up. Anyone have a clue why?
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: AvT on December 08, 2011, 11:07:14 AM
It worked for me Norm
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Norm on December 08, 2011, 11:07:40 AM
Thanks, must be on my end.
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Magicman on December 08, 2011, 04:58:31 PM
Norm, Both loaded for me also with Firefox/Adobe.   Did you find a bottle?
Title: Re: woodmizer blade tensioner
Post by: Norm on December 09, 2011, 07:01:35 AM
Yep sure did Lynn, and thanks to LeeB for sending me the PDF's.  :)