Baker

Bruno of NH · March 31, 2019, 08:53:24 AM

Morning folks
Anyone have a Baker 18hd with hydraulic options?
How are their mills and service?

RAYAR · March 31, 2019, 10:48:25 AM

I don't have a Baker 18, but my mill is built very similar to a Baker 18 and it's a very solidly built mill and simple to operate.
The one thing I would do first thing is with the drop legs in the travel position, I would drill just above the tubes they slide through and insert pins to make sure they can't drop while traveling. Doesn't seem to matter how tight you crank that T-bolt, one day one will drop on you. I had two drop on me on the same day at different times and I know I tightened them good.

thecfarm · March 31, 2019, 11:17:33 AM

When I saw them at the Bangor show,they look like a rugged mill. Just like the Thomas you got.

Bruno of NH · March 31, 2019, 11:24:04 AM

Ray
I need to get into some hydraulics
That's why I'm looking.

thecfarm · March 31, 2019, 11:26:32 AM

I just meant that they are a rugged mill like the mill we have. Looks like they put some steel into the mills.

Bruno of NH · March 31, 2019, 11:37:13 AM

I would keep my Thomas if I could get a power feed back and forth added to it.

RAYAR · March 31, 2019, 11:45:01 AM

Quote from: Bruno of NH on March 31, 2019, 11:24:04 AM
Ray
I need to get into some hydraulics
That's why I'm looking.

Mine is all manual, but maybe some day I'd like some hydraulics too, especially loading arms.

47sawdust · March 31, 2019, 12:10:31 PM

It might be more work than you want to get involved in but I'm thinking you could add a power feed to your mill.If you go to Kbeitz's gallery you might find helpful info as well as how to's in some of his old posts.Pineywoods is also a great resource for retrofits.
When I was looking at sawmills I called Baker and they gave me the names of several owners near me.I am sure they would do the same for you.
Good luck,Mick

I just looked through forum member Kellogg's gallery.He converted his cooks mill to power feed.Wheel chair motor and dual chain drive.
Homemade bandsaw mill power feed part 1
youtube

Bruno of NH · March 31, 2019, 12:39:09 PM

Mick
Are you going to come on May 4th to the Northern Project
Would love to have you come.
Bruno

thecfarm · March 31, 2019, 02:20:56 PM

Power feed,to power the head to go back and fourth? I saw that at the Bangor show. Very simple thing.

Quebecnewf · April 02, 2019, 05:39:00 AM

I have an Enercraft which was a Canadian company that baker bought out . Their 18 was a direct copy of of the mill that Enercraft made .

I have a friend that has a Baker 18 . They scaled down the frame a bit from the Enercraft model it is not quite as strong as my frame but still plenty strong enough to handle any logs .

My mill has Hyd drive on the saw head but all other functions are Manuel .

Been running it for 26 years now . Great mill in my opnion

Quebecnewf

tacks Y · April 02, 2019, 07:22:50 AM

There is a Baker at auction not far from me this Sat. (Zip 16365 check auctionzip) It is electric, looks like it was never portable. Hard to tell model by pic, maybe I can take a look if any interest.

Quebecnewf · April 02, 2019, 07:58:29 AM

Can you post a better link . I tried some searches but no luck. I am very familiar with most of the Baker line so might be able to add some details .

Quebecnewf

joshuar · April 02, 2019, 12:54:14 PM

Hello I'm a sales consultant with Baker Products and would be happy to answer any ? you may have

Josh

tacks Y · April 02, 2019, 05:17:41 PM

I went to look at the Baker at auction this Sat. Should go cheap, under roof but rough. Model BBS-O, 40hp electric, another motor for hydraulic, built in 97. It is a stationary mill, does open close to 36" between guides. Not used enough and rusty.