Norwood Warranty

Hemlock121 · October 30, 2024, 08:12:04 PM

I'm frustrated so just asking for calmer minds...

My Norwood sawmill is under warranty and has very little use. The mill location is remote and the only way to get to the location is by boat or sea plane. I purposely purchased the Norwood as the components were small enough to transport in my pontoon boat and then assemble on site.
This year when I went to use my mill that has three hours of use, I started it up and let the motor run. Then I loaded up a log and when I went to start the mill again, the key turned 360 degrees so now the motor is dead. I went to Norwood to obtain a new key cylinder and they said the only way they can provide a new cylinder is for me to remove the 13.5 hp Brigs & Stratton (B&S) motor from the mill and then take it to a B&S distributor to have them replace the key cylinder. What a pain! Apparently, there is no mechanism for Norwood to just provide me with a replacement cylinder so I can replace it myself, ever if I agreed to terminate the warranty after they provide the replacement part. I'm sure the part is only $40-50, its just disappointing spending the amount of money on a new mill and now I will have to purchase a replacement cylinder to get operating again... In my minds eye, it would be different if I bought the B&S motor myself and installed it into a Norwood sawmill frame but I bought a Norwood sawmill which came with the B&S motor.
I believe the part number is #594476 which would be a direct replacement. Is there another sort of push button starter I could install instead? I'm not worried about anyone stealing the mill or starting it in my absence as I remove the belt, the blade, battery etc when I am not using the mill.

Southside · October 30, 2024, 08:18:15 PM

Sorry to hear that. Yes a momentary push button to activate the starter and a two position toggle switch for ignition on/off would replace the key switch and cost under $20.

SawyerTed · October 30, 2024, 08:22:50 PM

A generic replacement small engine ignition switch is $12 or $15. If you can get the schematic it shouldn't be hard to find a non-Norwood supplied compatible part that will work without modification.

That doesn't do anything about the lack of warranty parts. That's disappointing to say the least.

Old Greenhorn · October 30, 2024, 08:52:59 PM

The part is available direct from Briggs for 32 bucks. Look HERE ,, Not sure if your mill (and you) are in Canada or AZ right now, so the shipping issues might be different. Best of luck.

Hemlock121 · October 31, 2024, 03:16:47 PM

I'm not the greatest with electrical. I know the yellow and green wire is the ground. How do i know which wires are the battery, ignition and starter?
Thanks!