Mod to WM LT15 w/pics

[AndyB]

I removed the nylon rope from my LT15 and replaced it with 3/16" aircraft control cable.  I miked the drive pulley so that I can observe any excessive wear by comparing the original reading with subsequent readings.  Have not observed any abnormal wear after 2000BF.

This is a pic of the way I clamped the cable to fit into the slots at both ends of the mill.



This is the drive pulley w/cable installed.



I just used hand pressure when tightening the cable to install the clamps.  There is approximately 1" deflection of the cable when I press down about mid-rail. There is no noticeable slippage when sawing.

Has anyone else made a similar mod and if so what is your results ??? ???

 

[Tom]

I had always thought that outboard motor steering cable would be a good option because of the Plastic coating.  It would offer a fairly non abrasive surface and be protected from corrosion as well.

[Kevin]

I haven't had a need for a change, the rope works ok and is easily adjusted.
You may see some wear on the pulleys in time, not sure.

[jimbo]

   I also have made a littel change in mine. i added a plate to the other end of that bolt  for a posive stop. and sure enoff it worked  frist time i unloaded it by myself  lol couth the head from running off the end. also added a small screw at the back side of leving blocks to help aline the track when seting it up alone. hust loop a stran over the screw and streach it to the other end  ald do the same thing

[jimbo]

  i have also drilled holes in the lower edge of the track near the den and senter  and added a set of 4in steell rollers thay make it a lot easer to load and undoal i move mine on a 10ft tilt trailor nith littel effort at all  

                                                  thanks jimbo

[whitepe]

AndyB,
I like your modification. I think that I will give it a try on
my LT15.  I too have had slippage problems when the
rope is a little wet.  Thanks for the idea.  

[AndyB]

Whitepe:

I got my cable from the Surplus Center in Lincoln, NE. The description is 3/16" 7X19 Gal Aircraft Cable.  The problem with that source is it comes in 250' spools.  Cost was  $51.03 including shipping.  If you'd like I can cut a piece off and send it to you.

So far it has worked really well.  After the initial installation I adjusted the cable one time after it had been run for a few hours.

I didn't have problems with the rope but the DanG knot was a pain to get untied when it needed adjusting.  My mill is under cover so have no experience with it getting wet.

[Kevin]

I didn't have problems with the rope but the DanG knot was a pain to get untied when it needed adjusting

Andy, I tie an adjustable hitch to take up any slack, works real good.
I agree the knots are a big pain.
I've seen the WM boys use a piece of wood with two holes in it for adjustment.
There's a thread on this somewhere ... ?