How many log stops

sully · December 31, 2012, 07:25:39 PM

I have a tk 1600. I removed the manual log stops and am replacing with hyd stops. My question is I am trying to figure out how many to install. ideally would be three to four but I was wondering how many of you only have two? My mill is a 2009 so it only can saw around 16'8" and most of my sawing is done around 8-12 ft. The stops are kinda pricey from timberking so I am trying to keep it reasonable. thanks sully

Kcwoodbutcher · December 31, 2012, 07:37:41 PM

I have a 1600 and I only use two. If I have a short log I just throw a 4x4 between them for support. Four stops just got in the way when raising or lowering because of nubs and knots getting hung up in the process. I didn't know TK offered hydraulic stops for the 1600, how much do they want for them?

sully · December 31, 2012, 07:53:15 PM

They are for the 2000 but I am making them work. They want $553 a piece. I am thinking of putting them so that they will be on each side of the loaders so they will only be aprox 5.5' apart. thanks sully

Magicman · December 31, 2012, 08:03:59 PM

My sawmill has two powered side supports and two that are manually operated. I occasionally am forced to use one or both of the closer spaced manual supports on short stuff. Other than that, the two powered supports fit my needs. For me, the additional supports would only magnify the opportunities for them to hang up on knots, etc. when lowering them for sawing.

There are sawyers that may regularly saw short stuff that can justify powering all 4.

drobertson · December 31, 2012, 08:09:25 PM

two, if the log is positioned right.

Slab Slicer · December 31, 2012, 08:14:17 PM

I've only ever used 2 at a time on my LT15. I'm sawing mostly 10 - 12 ft logs, and put the same 2 to use. The others are just there for shorter, or longer logs. That's my take on it anyway. ;D

Magicman · December 31, 2012, 08:19:46 PM

Quote from: drobertson on December 31, 2012, 08:09:25 PMtwo, if the log is positioned right.

Correct, which brings up another point. It is much easier to properly position the log on the ground before loading, than trying to wrestle with it on the saw bed. If it is not right, roll it back off, reposition it, and reload it.

Brucer · January 01, 2013, 01:02:25 AM

It really depends on what you plan to saw.

Bibbyman basically invented the "4 hydraulic side stop" system now available on Wood-Mizers. He had to modify the center two manual stops and show us the process on the Forum. That got so much interest that Wood-Mizer made it an option on the factory mills. Bibbyman saws a fair amount of short stuff.

My Wood-Mizer came with the extra two hydraulic stops, even though I didn't ask for them. After using them for half I year I swapped them out for the original manual stops. I hardly ever saw anything under 8'.

hackberry jake · January 01, 2013, 01:47:37 AM

I have "roll your own hydraulics" I have two powered backstops spaced about 6' apart and they handle most of the logs I saw. I have two manual backstops spaced about 4' apart that are down from the hydraulic ones about 8'. I use the hydraulic stops for anything in the 7'-14' lengths and smaller logs use the two manual backstops/clamps. Anything in the 14'-22' area I use the two hydraulic backstops and one of the manual stops. It works well for me. $553 a piece seems pretty steep to me, I built my whole system for about $1,200. Maybe you could look into building what suits your situation best.

bandmiller2 · January 01, 2013, 07:48:38 AM

Really 95% of the time two are fine,you only use them to make opening cuts on logs and when turning cants.Once you have a square edge its agenst the 1/2" lip on the bunks.What is real handy is the ability to partially raise the backstops to open small logs.On my bandsaw I have two coupled togather with the handle on the front for manual operation. Frank C.

vfauto · January 01, 2013, 09:06:06 AM

I was thinking of doing this also. Can you guys post some detailed pictures of your set up?

Frank

taylorsmissbeehaven · January 01, 2013, 09:26:35 AM

I rarely use more than two on my LT 15 but its nice to have the others when cutting crotches and the like. All manuel could be a bit of a workout if you needed all 4,Brian

scully · January 01, 2013, 10:28:19 AM

I bought my mill used and imediately installed the 4 back suport system . All 4 of mine operate with the hydrolic controle . I had to replace the hym link anyway so I just put the mods on to operate all 4 . They do catch nots sometimes but that hasn't caused me any pain . I'm not so sure I like the locations to much and have looked at the posability of just makeing my own mod . Maybe even a seperate lever to run the 2 x-tra suports . At this point I would rather have all 4 than just 2 .

sully · January 01, 2013, 12:38:51 PM

thanks for your input. I will have to search to find more pics of the mods you guys have preformed. thanks sully

Larry · January 01, 2013, 01:00:28 PM

The TK 2000 has four powered log stops. Three are in a neat little group which works perfect for the normal hardwood logs I saw. The fourth one is way out in left field someplace. It worked great for the 20 foot logs that I almost never have to deal with. Another use is knocking my band off when I try to run the carriage and log stops at the same time >:(...I took the Dang thing off. Perhaps if I were coordinated....

terrifictimbersllc · January 01, 2013, 01:06:30 PM

For short logs I often use an 8' oak 1x5 as a fence, placed against the partly raised hydraulic powered backstops. Just as easy to get out and place, as raising and lowering the manual stops. Seems to work better too especially for putting the first two flats on smaller diameter logs.

Ga Mtn Man · January 01, 2013, 02:51:54 PM

Quote from: Larry on January 01, 2013, 01:00:28 PM
The TK 2000 has four powered log stops. Three are in a neat little group which works perfect for the normal hardwood logs I saw. The fourth one is way out in left field someplace. It worked great for the 20 foot logs that I almost never have to deal with. Another use is knocking my band off when I try to run the carriage and log stops at the same time >:(...I took the Dang thing off. Perhaps if I were coordinated....

And I thought I was the only one dumb enough to do that. :D I've done it three times...at least.

drobertson · January 01, 2013, 04:22:26 PM

I guess I just don't understand, why would one need more than two, especially all hyd. Not knowing the other mills besides wmz, which has two hyd ones, and two manuel ones that are in close for short logs, it just seems like if one were sawing logs with allot of nubbs the more back stops would be a pain, I guess it is all what one gets use too, I have cut plenty of twenty foot logs with the two factory back stops with no issues what so ever. david

terrifictimbersllc · January 01, 2013, 04:44:44 PM

You need enough so that there is one at each end of the log.

Will_Johnson · January 02, 2013, 09:45:59 AM

Larry remember that with the TK system it would be pretty easy to move that fourth stop in closer if you want to.

Or you could sell it to Sully! I'm serious -- you guys should connect.

The hydraulic vertical log stops on the 2000 are not a simple retrofit to the 1600 because there are additional hydraulic lines to be run, additional valve sections etc. But if I've learned one thing in all my years in this business, no sawmill is immune to the ingenuity of sawmill owners.

thecfarm · January 02, 2013, 10:36:12 AM

I can't add much,I have an all manual mill. But I have 4 on mine,but only use 2 at a time. Just depends on the lenght of the log. I think it would be better to have more,but I know the money factor. Awful isn't it?