Bent Legs On LT15 Wide

[Pepe_Silvia]

I deal with some pretty large logs and max out the capacity (35.5") on my LT15Wide pretty regularly.  Several times now when trying to load or turn a log I've got it caught on a leg and bent the leg, probably to a 45 degree angle or so.

The mill is mounted on beams and I started the legs at their lowest setting when I leveled it, so there is quite a bit of extra thread.  The highest point of the leg is maybe 1/2" below the cross members, so a nub on a log can easily catch them.

Is the proper response to this:

a. I need to be more careful and avoid damaging the legs.
b. It doesn't really matter if top of the legs are damaged once the mill is leveled.
c. I should have, and still should, cut the excess thread off to keep it from hanging.
d. Other.

[Brad_bb]

I would like to see a picture of the bent leg and your mill set up in general.

My thinking is that you shouldn't have your legs screwed in so much.  They should be long enough that you don't have this problem.  You'd have to adjust your "beam" set up so you're using more of your legs.  To remove you legs now I'm thinking you'd have to cut the thread off, or heat with a cutting torch and bend(can't do it cold), but then you'll burn some of the surrounding paint.  Other option would be to just cut the to thread off, but then in the future if you moved it and just wanted to use the legs you couldn't without buying new legs.  Same goes if you sold the mill.  A new owner would probably want the proper legs.  

So If I were you, I'd cut off the thread and use as is, AND but new legs to replace them so you have them.  I'm thinking they shouldn't be that much....  

[Pepe_Silvia]

I would like to see a picture of the bent leg and your mill set up in general.

I don't have any pictures right now of the bent leg up close.  You can kind of see it in this picture.  It's on the near side, the second one down from the front of the carriage.  Let me know if there are any other angles of the mill you want to see and I can dig through my album.

 

My thinking is that you shouldn't have your legs screwed in so much.  They should be long enough that you don't have this problem.  You'd have to adjust your "beam" set up so you're using more of your legs.  To remove you legs now I'm thinking you'd have to cut the thread off, or heat with a cutting torch and bend(can't do it cold), but then you'll burn some of the surrounding paint.  Other option would be to just cut the to thread off, but then in the future if you moved it and just wanted to use the legs you couldn't without buying new legs.  Same goes if you sold the mill.  A new owner would probably want the proper legs.  

So If I were you, I'd cut off the thread and use as is, AND but new legs to replace them so you have them.  I'm thinking they shouldn't be that much....  

I actually did buy one and replaced it the first time it happened.  There was enough room that I was able to get it with a 4.5" grinder with a cutoff wheel.  It was just under $20 for the leg and two nuts.  I think I will take your suggestion - cut them short for now, but have them ready to replace.  Ultimately my plan is to mount it on 2x6 steel and put an axle on it.

[busenitzcww]

I haven't had any trouble with mine, but mine aren't sticking up as high as your's as my ground wasn't very level and I wanted it higher anyway. Hoping to get a cement pad poured and throw it up on some blocking, as bending over is no fun. But it looks like you might be hand loading everything?

[Pepe_Silvia]

I've got a small tractor with a front end loader I use to lift the smaller logs onto it and the larger ones I use the tractor to push or roll on however I can.