The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Sawmills and Milling => Topic started by: dsgsr on April 17, 2016, 08:30:18 AM

Title: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: dsgsr on April 17, 2016, 08:30:18 AM
78" Megahook 8)  Last yr. I hurt my back using an old 36" peavey on a much larger log,

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16485/20160416_130122.jpg)
Ain't gonna do that again. I have a couple good size tractors I could use to turn the logs, but that's an easy way too damage the mill.

David
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Sixacresand on April 17, 2016, 08:43:38 AM
That logrite tool is a necessary and handy tool.  My next one will be a long one.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: plowboyswr on April 17, 2016, 11:29:42 AM
I bought a 60" and it's  earned it's keep already.  ;) but I wouldn't turn another one down!

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/28346/20160318_083754.jpg)
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: derhntr on April 17, 2016, 06:57:54 PM
Nice, I like pulling a lever or 2 to roll mine. but still have to use a cant hook at times
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Magicman on April 17, 2016, 08:59:06 PM
Congrats to both of you on getting the Logrites.  logrite_cool There is no substitute for the best.  smiley_thumbsup
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: dboyt on April 18, 2016, 10:54:33 AM
Plowboyswr, looks like you've got some good help on the other end of that cant hook.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: plowboyswr on April 19, 2016, 10:06:20 PM
 ;D ;D :D :D he's more than willing!
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Brandon1986 on April 19, 2016, 10:36:09 PM
Gentlemen, excuse my ignorance. I have been using cant dogs for about 20 years now, never a log rite. That said I have never noticed a major difference one from another. Can someone please explain what the difference is in the log rite and the run of the mill ones I get at the hardware store.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: dsgsr on April 20, 2016, 08:38:57 AM
What is the Handle of the "run of the mill" ones made from that you buy at the hardware store? The Logrite is Metal, and I didn't see any 78" ones at my hardware store.

David
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Jeff on April 20, 2016, 08:42:14 AM
The difference is much more than the handle, although thats a biggy.  They have the perfect geometry for grabbing and turning logs. You will not find a Logrite tool owner, and there are thousands of them, that won't say they are worlds better than "run of the mill ones I get at the hardware store. "

You won't see much difference until you use a logrite, because none of the others compare.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Magicman on April 20, 2016, 08:57:11 AM
 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0550.JPG)
Old retired cant hooks and praveys.  Notice that two have steel pipe replacing rotten wood handles.  Some of the wood handles are shorter now as rot takes it's toll on wooden handles.  The one in the center is an absolute "log catcher" and the others, not so much.   :-\


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/Photo513.jpg)
I attribute much to the geometry (curvature) and placement of the hook on the Logrites.  Every Logrite instantly bites the log as designed and there is no worry or concern about the handle breaking.   :)
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: justallan1 on April 20, 2016, 09:13:40 AM
For me the biggest difference is the weight and the fact that it's not bulky and awkward. I think a huge advantage is that the Logrite cant hook is all metal and should last forever. I think it's a matter of feeling secure with what you are using. I can set my 5' logrite and get under it with my shoulder and know exactly what it's going to do. I'll put the tip of it under a log on the mill and basically hang on it to pick it up or pick up a log with a digging bar and use it like a chunk of pipe across the tracks to move a log, either way it's not going to snap. When things snap stuff flies. If (and that's a huge IF) my Logrite fails it will bend, hopefully at least giving me a chance to get clear of things.
Just my opinion.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: plowboyswr on April 20, 2016, 10:53:07 AM
Quote from: Brandon1986 on April 19, 2016, 10:36:09 PM
Gentlemen, excuse my ignorance. I have been using cant dogs for about 20 years now, never a log rite. That said I have never noticed a major difference one from another. Can someone please explain what the difference is in the log rite and the run of the mill ones I get at the hardware store.
I've used those run of the mill ones for years, and broke some handles also had them slip when I thought the hook was set and gave it the heave hoe. Picking yourself up in amongst a log pile or in the brush not so fun. Since I have have gotten the  log rite I haven't questioned what will happen. Needless to say the run of the mill hook has been retired. I am a convert. ;D
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: terrifictimbersllc on April 20, 2016, 11:24:34 AM
Put one on your Father's Day wish list and post it on the refrigerator. You'll find out soon enough. :-) :-)
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Brandon1986 on April 20, 2016, 11:56:11 AM
I might have to buy one I guess. I have a video on my facebook of my 6 year old using my cant hook to roll a piece of firewood across the yard. Maybe if I put it on my fathersday list he will convince his mom to buy one for the both of us. 
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Brian C. on April 20, 2016, 04:29:50 PM
We have 5 of them with two of them being 78". We beat the devil out of them and they keep coming back for more. They do the job, rolling, lifting, sliding and just about anything else you can think of. A great design. I would to have one of each size.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: warren46 on April 20, 2016, 05:16:56 PM
OK,

I am not going to knock Logrite, but, I use the same cant hook my uncle Arnold used in his mill in 1956.  It has probably turned more logs then any 10 Logrites but together. A good stout hickory handle that has no evidence or rot or other malfunction.  Take a file to the point every once and a while and it grabs every time.

Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Jeff on April 20, 2016, 05:59:54 PM
Quote from: warren46 on April 20, 2016, 05:16:56 PM
OK,

It has probably turned more logs then any 10 Logrites but together.

I can guarantee that is hasn't.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Kbeitz on April 20, 2016, 06:15:22 PM
If you only had one size logrite, what would it be ? 78" ?
I might give one a try...
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: POSTON WIDEHEAD on April 20, 2016, 06:31:18 PM
Quote from: Kbeitz on April 20, 2016, 06:15:22 PM
If you only had one size logrite, what would it be ? 78" ?
I might give one a try...

A 78 is a good choice. I have 2 smaller ones also for Cedar logs. I love them.

You really do need to get one. I have several.
The long handle one I have, not only can turn logs but Kirk can take it and use it like a crowbar and slide a huge White Oak on the mills bed. Kirk's almost as strong as the handle.  :D  Theres actually not a better Cant Hook made.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Kbeitz on April 20, 2016, 06:36:06 PM
Guess my question is what size would you buy first... ?
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: POSTON WIDEHEAD on April 20, 2016, 06:37:40 PM
Quote from: Kbeitz on April 20, 2016, 06:36:06 PM
Guess my question is what size would you buy first... ?

I would get the 78 if your sawing a lot of big boys. A lot of leverage with a strong handle.

When you order, tell them you are a FF Member.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Magicman on April 20, 2016, 07:22:30 PM
It all depends upon the size logs/cants that you are dealing with.  The 78 is designed for large stuff and has a larger hook.  As they get progressively smaller/shorter, the hook gets smaller so that they can easily hook the smaller logs.  The 78 would be cumbersome handling small logs if it could hook them.

The 48" is designed for handling 8" - 32" logs. 
The 60 is designed for handling 10" - 36" logs.
The 78 is designed for handling 15" - 45" logs.

Check out Pages 11 & 12 (http://www.logrite.com/docs/2015brochure.compressed.pdf)

I got a 60" first and would lean toward it as a "only one" size.   My two 48's get the most usage in my situation.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Kbeitz on April 20, 2016, 08:04:34 PM
Think I'll try a 60"

Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: WDH on April 20, 2016, 08:15:16 PM
Yes, the 60" is the all around choice if you could only have one.  I have the 78" as well, and it is unsurpassed for turning the big, back-breaker logs.  Over-killl on the average log.  That is where the 60" shines. 
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Kbeitz on April 20, 2016, 08:38:38 PM
I would go for the big one but my mill wont take a 45" log...

Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: KirkD on April 20, 2016, 08:50:03 PM
Quote from: Magicman on April 20, 2016, 07:22:30 PM
It all depends upon the size logs/cants that you are dealing with.  The 78 is designed for large stuff and has a larger hook.  As they get progressively smaller/shorter, the hook gets smaller so that they can easily hook the smaller logs.  The 78 would be cumbersome handling small logs if it could hook them.

The 48" is designed for handling 8" - 32" logs. 
The 60 is designed for handling 10" - 36" logs.
The 78 is designed for handling 15" - 45" logs.

Check out Pages 11 & 12 (http://www.logrite.com/docs/2015brochure.compressed.pdf)

I got a 60" first and would lean toward it as a "only one" size.   My two 48's get the most usage in my situation.

If you only had one would it be a Peavey or a Cant Hook? I have an old wood handled Peavey of my dads.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: thecfarm on April 20, 2016, 08:53:15 PM
I myself perfer a peavey,the one with the point. The point comes in handy to pry two logs apart. Stick it in the ground so it stands by itself too.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: hbeane on April 20, 2016, 09:01:14 PM
I am so glad I read this post. I just ordered a sawmill.Hope to be receiving it soon.  I was going to buy a cant hook at the big box store or had my eye on a cheap one from northern tool Note:Please read the Forestry Forum's postion on this company..I had debated about log rite and was not sure what to do...I called today and told the guy at woodmizer add a 48" and a 60" to my mill if it had not left...I was glad to not pay the shipping and put it on the pallet but disappointed it had not left Indiana yet...Thanks for all the advice on log rite..I am sure we will not be disappointed.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Magicman on April 20, 2016, 09:38:42 PM
You will
Quote from: KirkD on April 20, 2016, 08:50:03 PMIf you only had one would it be a Peavey or a Cant Hook? I have an old wood handled Peavey of my dads.
You will notice in my picture that I only have Logrite cant hooks, my preference.  Some folks prefer a peavey so that they can stick it in the ground.  That is fine, but the end piece on the cant hook is designed to catch the log and give it more turning ability.

I still carry the pipe handled peavey.  It does not grab a log correctly plus the point is always jabbing into the ground when trying to roll a log.  It makes a good pry bar.   ;D
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: WDH on April 21, 2016, 07:17:32 AM
If you are cutting high quality wood like walnut, cherry, etc. and if you have a manual mill where you have to turn square cants manually on the mill (no hydraulics), the peavy can stick a hole in the wood with the sharp point, damaging that board.  The cant hook has a squared end, and will not damage the wood.  You don't want a peavy hole in the middle of you prime walnut board. 
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: terrifictimbersllc on April 21, 2016, 08:00:40 AM
Quote from: Magicman on April 20, 2016, 07:22:30 PM
It all depends upon the size logs/cants that you are dealing with.  The 78 is designed for large stuff and has a larger hook.  As they get progressively smaller/shorter, the hook gets smaller so that they can easily hook the smaller logs.  The 78 would be cumbersome handling small logs if it could hook them.

The 48" is designed for handling 8" - 32" logs. 
The 60 is designed for handling 10" - 36" logs.
The 78 is designed for handling 15" - 45" logs.

Check out Pages 11 & 12 (http://www.logrite.com/docs/2015brochure.compressed.pdf)

I got a 60" first and would lean toward it as a "only one" size.   My two 48's get the most usage in my situation.
I carry the three listed above to all jobs.  The 78 can be too big for small logs.  The 48 can be too small for big logs.  I'd agree the 60" is most useful of the three generally for me too but it will depend on the average size of your logs. 

p.s. my 78 is a cant hook and the other two are peavies.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: KirkD on April 21, 2016, 12:57:22 PM
To bad they don't make them with the tip replaceable so you can go from cant hook to peavey.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Jeff on April 21, 2016, 01:09:01 PM
Multi tools are never as good as dedicated tools.  Why would you want to be messing around interchanging tips when you could just grab the preferred tool?
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: KirkD on April 21, 2016, 02:11:52 PM
Quote from: Jeff on April 21, 2016, 01:09:01 PM
Multi tools are never as good as dedicated tools.  Why would you want to be messing around interchanging tips when you could just grab the preferred tool?
I agree with you Jeff but changing a tip from a flat blade to phillips on one of my Snap-on screw drivers because I had more flat blades and needed another phillips does not make it a multi tool. What if I decided I was not using my 60" Peavey but found it better suited to be a cant hook?
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: terrifictimbersllc on April 21, 2016, 02:17:02 PM
Sell it and get the other one. Btw you can swap between if you want to.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Jeff on April 21, 2016, 02:43:42 PM
Quote from: KirkD on April 21, 2016, 02:11:52 PM
I agree with you Jeff but changing a tip from a flat blade to phillips on one of my Snap-on screw drivers because I had more flat blades and needed another phillips does not make it a multi tool. What if I decided I was not using my 60" Peavey but found it better suited to be a cant hook?

To me, a closer analogy would be to have multiple heads for one hammer handle. I just would never consider it.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: YellowHammer on April 21, 2016, 03:08:50 PM
Quote from: WDH on April 20, 2016, 08:15:16 PM
Yes, the 60" is the all around choice if you could only have one.  I have the 78" as well, and it is unsurpassed for turning the big, back-breaker logs.  Over-killl on the average log.  That is where the 60" shines.
I have a 48" and a 60" both hanging by the mill.  90% of the time, I reach for the 60".
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: nas on April 21, 2016, 10:17:51 PM
I have a 60" and a 30" mill special and use the 30" 90% of the time :)

Nick
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Jeff on April 22, 2016, 08:23:50 AM
The only people I would recommend the 78 to are those that do tackle big logs. I'm talking  a log, that when you look at it, you say to yourself, "That there is a big log!"  I don't have a megahook, and I don't want one. Why?  Because if I did it would give me the notion I should tackle a big log if I come across one. There are a couple huge white pine logs at my Mother-in-law's neighbor's house right now, and my back is telling my mind "Thank-you for not considering going and getting them".  :)
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Magicman on April 22, 2016, 08:38:57 AM
Since I am portable a 78 would be very unhandy to put in the back of my truck.  :o  Of course with hydraulics, I have never seen my need for one anyway.


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0261.JPG)


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0259.JPG)


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0262.JPG)
I use the sawmill's clamp, chain, and end tong to move heavy logs.   ;)
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: red on April 22, 2016, 09:43:13 AM
I have the Mega Cant Hook 78 " and I have a bad back .  But I have been thru physical therapy many times, I know my push/pull limitations.  Strangely enough moving sand with a shovel is an excellent exercise for my back. But moving dirt with the same shovel is to heavy. Often when I pull on a log with the mega hook I just drop it and let the log roll.  I am sure I am entertaining to watch.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: dsgsr on April 22, 2016, 09:46:03 AM
The Cant hook on my 78" is held in by a roll pin, So yes I think one Could change ends.


David
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Jeff on April 22, 2016, 10:22:10 AM
They are different. Round hole, square peg type of deal.
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: JohnM on April 22, 2016, 03:20:09 PM
We love our Mega Hook!  ;) ;D


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/17161/P1010498_-_Copy.JPG)
Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: derhntr on April 22, 2016, 03:37:04 PM
MM,
I might have to use your method on this ugly pile I start on tomorrow. I had been thinking how I could use the hydraulics to move some of the logs I have to buck to length  (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13244/20160420_184414_28229.jpg)

Title: Re: First Day with the Logrite
Post by: Jeff on April 22, 2016, 05:18:47 PM
Quote from: JohnM on April 22, 2016, 03:20:09 PM
We love our Mega Hook!  ;) ;D

What an awesome photo!