Lasers and your mill

cabindoc · January 29, 2021, 06:28:50 AM

Looking to see if anyone is using a laser mounted to your mill to throw a line out on the log? I cut a lot of small logs and it takes a bit to clamp and not be too high with the dogs. W/b nice to have a laser line to show where blade will come across log and if dogs too high or not.

Sixacresand · January 29, 2021, 07:29:31 AM

I have certainly hit my share of log stops and clamps. If mills had "modern Car" technology, an alarm would go off if back stops, clamp were too high or log was too fat for a cut or a dull or low tension blade.

DangleSnipe267 · January 29, 2021, 09:13:37 AM

I run a handset circle mill but I have a laser set up which projects along the length of the log. For me it serves more as a guide to indicate whether or not the log should be tapered, how much material I will be taking, and for edging boards. I would recommend a laser regardless of what you are looking to use it for but I don't see why it wouldn't work for your purpose.

-Tim

tawilson · January 29, 2021, 10:25:47 AM

It's been a help to me, especially as I only saw occasionally and don't have the eye for it others do. My first cuts, especially on a bowed log are where I want them now.

Southside · January 29, 2021, 10:57:51 AM

Go with a green one, the red units are basically useless in daylight.

PAmizerman · January 29, 2021, 11:19:56 AM

I have one on my mill and edger. Love them

lazyflee · January 29, 2021, 08:06:25 PM

I've been looking to put one on my mill. What brand do you guys use? Where do you get em? Don't want to break the bank

KenMac · January 29, 2021, 08:21:56 PM

I found a new YouTube channel the other night. He runs a Cook's AC 36 like mine and he has installed a laser on it. He has video on install and one on operation. I think he joined the FF. Check out "Mule Mountain Sawmill". I think you will be impressed. I am and intend to install a laser like he did. 8)

PAmizerman · January 29, 2021, 11:24:50 PM

The one on my mill came with it from woodmizer.
The one for my edger I got off Amazon.
If memory serves me right it was around $30

cabindoc · January 30, 2021, 06:38:25 AM

Quote from: lazyflee on January 29, 2021, 08:06:25 PM
I've been looking to put one on my mill. What brand do you guys use? Where do you get em? Don't want to break the bank

Like Lazyflee said guys, what are you using? I tried my bosch self leveling but it is red and cant see it in daylight.

tawilson · January 30, 2021, 06:59:04 AM

Do a search on Amazon for "Laserland"".

PAmizerman · January 30, 2021, 07:49:23 AM

The one on my edger is from laser land

Old Greenhorn · January 30, 2021, 07:52:19 AM

Lots of folks here use lasers. I have not got around to that yet, but it's on my list. If you search the entire forum for 'Green Laser' you should get a ton of hits, just read through them. Also search for "Lazer" as some folks prefer the alternate spelling. ;D

petefrom bearswamp · January 30, 2021, 09:03:28 AM

Rigged one up 20 years ago using a harbor freight el cheapo red laser.
Didnt have my mill shelter then and it as stated was useless in the sunlight so took it off after a few years.
never put it back just used some enlightening experiences to determine blade height vis a vis the side supports and to deal with taper.
BTW it still resides in my shop and the radio shack batteries are still good.

Sixacresand · January 30, 2021, 09:55:22 AM

The only time I think I need a laser is when I'm whittling down a fat log. When is doubt, I always have the option of removing the blade and seeing if the roller guides pass. It is time consuming, which is the reality of big diameter logs.

moodnacreek · January 30, 2021, 09:26:25 PM

I have had 3 all 120V and they never lasted long. On the edger, actually the ceiling above is a shadow light that was old when i got it and has outlasted all the lasers. I have it on the fixed saw as I can guess the shift saw line.

doc henderson · January 30, 2021, 09:44:51 PM

I got a green line one on amazon I think, and I shoot it down just in front of the blade to see better when I am behind or beyond the log. works best and needed most at dusk.

kantuckid · January 31, 2021, 10:58:15 AM

I have several saved in my Ebay list and find it hard to choose power wise-ebay item #261473458329 is one e.g. of several sold in the $20-$30 range by the same Chinese seller and same by another Chinese seller.
On Amazon what appears to be the same thing is sold by Laserland for $50 + $5 SH
My mills in the shade some from a shed roof but open ends & sides makes light early and late a laser issue.
So many choices?
I re-read some older posts on positioning and see a variance between front or back of blade.

doc henderson · January 31, 2021, 11:17:54 AM

most are wanting a line down the length of the log. i want one to make a line perpendicular to the log, in line with the crosscut ends of the log. so I can go fast and not raise or lower too soon.

here is my rig. do not use it often. I have a car 12 v plug on my sawmill battery, and plug in the Walmart inverter to go to 110V. the laser mount is double side gorilla taped to the mill, and I just loosen the wingnuts, adjust a line in front of and parallel to the blade, shooting down from above, mounted to my wheel/blade guard. funny thing is the box that plugs into the inverted, converts down to 5V. like a usb. this was the simplest most available stuff i could find.