Sap sucks

kkcomp · June 16, 2024, 07:44:41 AM

I mill mostly for my own needs and that seems to need a lot of dimensional lumber. Having access to lots of SYP has been a good thing. However, the sap seems extra heavy and thick recently and has caused quite a struggle to keep the blades clean. I have tried Dawn, Pinesol, Simple Green, and even diesel with limited success. Yesterday I think I stumbled upon a seemingly effective set up. A few weeks back I milled some Oak and Gum. Needing more sticklers I figured why not throw the fletches on with the cant I was making 2x6's out of. So I randomly put the hardwood on both sides of the cant and made a SYP sandwich. Grabbed my spray bottle of diesel and started cutting. For some reason the sap was way less and came off much easier. I was able to get about 60 2x6x12 without having to stop and scrape goo off the band. Not sure if that is a long term solution but I see a lot of sticklers being made in my future.

scsmith42 · June 16, 2024, 09:57:53 AM

I've had very good results with Cotton Spindle Lube mixed in Water. Many folks also like the diesel drip.

This thread is where I learned about it.

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=77805.msg1182271#msg1182271

Stephen1 · June 16, 2024, 10:29:11 AM

I wonder if the hardwood was scrapping off the sap?

kkcomp · June 16, 2024, 01:38:19 PM

Quote from: Stephen1 on June 16, 2024, 10:29:11 AMI wonder if the hardwood was scrapping off the sap?

That was my thought so I will keep doing it until it stops working

doc henderson · June 16, 2024, 03:58:58 PM

great idea!

esteadle · June 16, 2024, 08:27:56 PM

Yes, the sandwich trick is good. I works great the older the hardwood. Plain old water works well too if you don't have extra hardwood laying around to be dimensioned. Juice it to 2x or 3x your normal drip rate and give it some extra time at the end of the cut before you pull the mill back. Take your time. It'll be clear by the time it enters the cut.

dogbo2013 · June 18, 2024, 08:26:14 AM

I cut quite a bit of pine and have struggled with pitch build up as well. I have tried almost every product and found that cotton picker spindle lube or diesel work the best. I recently upgraded my mill with a Lubemizer that delivers a controlled pulse/spray of lube/diesel intermittently. This cured my problem of pitch build up. I'm not familiar with Norwood Mills, but I would assume you could do some type of drip system. I have a Cooks diesel drip system and never used it, but It gets great reviews.