WM and Rimu Sawmills

[dgdrls]

Can anyone add some clarity here?

Has WM eliminated the classic LT 40? Only available as a WIDE?
Did the LT 35 replace it for some reason?

Looked at some older twin blade posts and was reminded of the
Rimu built by Greg Surgenor in NZ,  he also built Seasurge boats.

The link is dead, I searched around a bit but found nothing.
http://www.rimuengineering.co.nz/default.asp

Thanks
D

[SawyerTed]

Looks like everything on the website LT40, LT40 Super Hydraulic, LT50 and LT70 are only available as wide models.  I vaguely remember some talk about the LT40 only being available as a wide model. 

[barbender]

I don't know if WM has actually made those changes, or if it's just the website. Going by the website, the Silvertip blades I usually run (.045 or .055x1.5" Turbo 7/39) are no longer available either. I don't know if WM is trying to force me to run Doublehards, or if it's just the website.

[Magicman]

I first noticed that the "standard" LT40 was no longer listed probably 6 months ago.  I personally think that wide only for LT40 and above is a good business decision.

[SawyerTed]

@barbender, I ran into a limited list of blades when I used the selector menus.  Seems like I had to find my blade choice a different way but I couldn't tell you how, I can't remember.   

[SawyerTed]

Just went to the blade selector menu page.   Scrolled down to the type blade - Silvertip or Doublehard etc.  

Click on the type and a wider selection of blades is available there.  

[barbender]

I'll look at it again. It's kinda like running my head into a wall, sometimes I have to get a few runs at it😁

[Magicman]

I just ordered more blades tonight but out of curiosity I looked for Burt's blades.  Didn't find them.  Not saying that they are or are not there, just did not find them.

[jcbrotz]

I'll look at it again. It's kinda like running my head into a wall, sometimes I have to get a few runs at it😁

Joe Maine in Georgia had 3 boxes of .45's a week or so back. I was waiting on the doublehards but if your wood is dirty doublehards are worth the extra in my eyes

[barbender]

I've personally never been able to tell much difference.

[KWood255]

When I was shopping for my LT70, the website only listed LT40-50-70's as wide options. Up here, it would be incredibly rare to need the extra 6" throat width. When I inquired, I was told it was essentially a marketing program as the current stock of wide heads was far greater than that of standard. I was able to secure the standard width 70, which I have no regrets for. I can appreciate WM slimming down the model options, as this is an area I would have re-assessed if I was managing as well. 

I have somewhere around 120 cords of sawlogs in the yard right now, about 90% of those are 16'. There is one or two logs total that I may have to trim some butt flare off of clear the head through. For me, the extra cost of the wide head combined with added blade cost didn't make sense. In many other parts of the country it certainly would. 

[Magicman]

I am yet to encounter a log that I could not saw, but some have been a struggle.  The "too big" logs require scooting over toward the mast and usually an additional full rotation of taking bites off to gradually whittle it down but it gets done.  This is where the cantilever head pays off big time. 

This only happens 6-8 times per year so it is no big deal, but it would be nice/fun to have that wider head just to make me smile.    

Since the wide head was only a $750 upcharge I can understand the apparent business decision to offer wide head only.

[barbender]

I wouldn't want the wide, except for the modified version guys have fabricated, where the head can extend and be held in place with a pin similar to a reciever hitch. That way you have a standard, and a wide in one. Wide only when you need it.

I would totally do that mod if I had wide stuff to saw. 

There was a guy on FB that molded his mill like this. He was a machinist/fabricator by trade, so it came out really good. Pretty soon people were shipping him mills to modify. He put his mill up for sale, and was just doing business modifying WM mills into extendable wideheads. Maybe WM should take note😊

[Stephen1]

I consider the WH necessary. After you go larger its like everything else with a sawmill ,more power, you never regret it. I can see making a decision on what you needs are now. 

[SawyerTed]

Oversized logs are doable with a standard width, even an LT35.  I do have opportunities to saw large hardwood logs which makes the wide head more useful/justifiable. 



This was a big Red Oak in the 38-40" diameter range.  Challenging but doable.  

Here's a big walnut log on the LT35






The wide head simplifies and speeds up the sawing of those big logs.  One log like that on the LT35 would take an hour or more.   On the LT50 wide. they take minutes in comparison.  In part the wide head reduces the nudging and adjustment of the log in preparation for sawing, of course the additional hp and chain turner make some difference.  

The LT50 Wide rarely gets hung up on taper or butt flare.  There are more options for customers wanting wide products.