Welding Repair to Woodmizer

[AusLJW]

I have got to make a small weld on the blade guide arm of my LT40.  I don't want to take the part off but am worried about frying some electric parts of mill e.g. accuset.  Will simply disconnecting the battery protect the electricals.
I look forward to your advice.
Best regards from down under
AusLJW

[Gary_C]

The problem with welding on the frame of any machine with computer (microprossessor) controlled components is stray voltages or currents from the welder traveling thru the frame and then the ground system. Any stray voltages on the ground side of the machine will harm electronic components including the voltage regulator in the alternator. In a perfect world, the ground on the welder, if properly attached, will not allow any of these harmful voltages to appear on the machine frame. So if you attach your ground properly to a clean surface you will hopefully prevent these problems.

When I have to do any welding on the frame of my harvester, which has a computer control, I believe the book calls for the fuse in the power supply to the computer to be removed, the alternator to be disconnected, and I also unplug the computer connection to the main board and cross my fingers.  ;D

I still have had some problems after welding with some small circuit boards that are remote from the main computer, but I am uncertain if the problems were related to welding.

[backwoods sawyer]

The only time I weld on the mill is when the component cannot be removed.
The guide assembly can be removed with little effort. I would remove it...

[AusLJW]

I think I'll get the spanners out, remove the arm and then there will be no risk.  I'll be able to do a much better weld as well.

Thanks for the input

AusLJW

[MartyParsons]

I weld on the mills from time to time. Keep the ground close to your work and make sure you have a clean weld and ground. Remove the Battery ground. Should be ok. I worry more about fine sawdust and a fire.
M

[Slabs]

Is it that sheet-metal blade guard?  I've gas welded that one.  Seems to be easier with thin sheet metal.

[MaddiesDad]

If it's anything like ours, pull the encoder (feedback device) off the mill, UNPLUG or isolate the power source and keep your ground close. 

[Meadows Miller]

The only time I weld on the mill is when the component cannot be removed.
The guide assembly can be removed with little effort. I would remove it...

I agree with backwoods if it can be taken of take it of.
I find on larger mills KARA Laimet and GIBSON sawmills the setworks computer has  a plug in systm .I just unplug it from the back of the setworks disconnect the power or battrey and start welding . Im not sure how the accuset setworks are setup tho Ive olny worked on early model WMs.

AusLJW Its good to see another Victorian on here which town are you based in and what sort of timber are you cutting  ?

Chris McMahon