sawmills with electric clutches

[xlogger]

Question for other owners of sawmills with electric clutches. I have a TK2000, I leave my blade running on return back for the next cut, but looking at a video from TK it looks like they restart the blade on each cut. I also leave it running when turning a log unless it going to take some time to get it right. Also do you guys try to reduce your rpm's when starting the electric clutch also? Not sure if running the blade and maybe causing early brakeage is cheaper than wearing out the electric clutch, which I can tell you is over $500(don't ask me how I know that).

[ozarkgem]

I disengage my clutch(electric) when I end the cut. My power plant is 20 HP electric so I don't slow the motor down. My mill was used when I got it in 99 and still has the same clutch. Mine is a Mighty Might.

[bandmiller2]

"X", compromise, when gigging back as in cutting a cant leave it engauged, when turning a log or disposing  of slabs stop the band, if anything for safety reasons. If you leave the clutch engauged its good form to throttle back the engine. Frank C.

[bandmiller2]

Question for you studs that have electric clutches are they the same as automotive air cond. clutches, and can you replace the friction pieces.?? Frank C.

[ozarkgem]

Question for you studs that have electric clutches are they the same as automotive air cond. clutches, and can you replace the friction pieces.?? Frank C.

not sure on that. Mighty Might does not use these any more and they don't stock replacements. Mine is about 8" in diameter and is 12 volt. There are lots of this type clutch used in industrial applications but they are pricy. I thought about lawnmower clutches since they handle 25 hp routinely. I don't know if you can get 2 groove pulleys or not on them.

[Ga Mtn Man]

Since they've added a remote throttle control to the 2000 TK now recommends having the engine at idle when engaging and disengaging the clutch.

[fishpharmer]

Question for you studs that have electric clutches are they the same as automotive air cond. clutches, and can you replace the friction pieces.?? Frank C.

My WM lt40 super and I think all the lt40's use the pivoting slight tilt of the engine to pull the drive belt onto the drive side pulley.  So wear is only a matter of replacing the belt.  Autoclutch, which I have, is actually the mechanism that tilts the engine at the flip of a switch.  It is a geared electric motor that turns a cam attached toa pivot arm.  Works very well.  The tilting of the engine also simutaneously causes the throttle cable to be pulled which automatically increases the rpm's of engine to cutting speed.

I leave blade engaged when gigging back. Not when turning a log.   

[backwoods sawyer]

Not running an electric clutch, I have a simalar set up to the LT-40 but no motor tilting involved.
I disegage and throttle down (one toggle switch does both) any time the saw is not in the wood. 

[uler3161]

No auto clutch here unfortunately, but I agree with the comments on safety. I think stopping the blade anytime you aren't in the cut is best for safety and there's no $ price you can put on that. Also for me, I often end up returning back through the cut instead of raising the head and returning. Leaving the blade running in that case would probably be a bad idea.

[Chuck White]

No auto clutch here unfortunately, but I agree with the comments on safety. I think stopping the blade anytime you aren't in the cut is best for safety and there's no $ price you can put on that. Also for me, I often end up returning back through the cut instead of raising the head and returning. Leaving the blade running in that case would probably be a bad idea.

Definately not a good idea!

There's about a 99.99% chance the blade would be pulled off of the blade wheels and be damaged by contact with the blade wheel covers!  :P

[bandmiller2]

Ozarkgem, like you said, my neighbor has an Arens yard tractor with two electric clutches. My own bandmill has twin "B" belts and an over center idler for a clutch. I would have used the rocking engine clutch but I also run a hyd. pump for feed and head lift  and I need that when the band is stopped. Frank C.

[Larry]

My band runs all the time except when loading or sometimes when turning.

I bought my mill before TK had a remote throttle so I built my own.  I always start the band with the engine at idle.  If my remote throttle ever quits I'll buy TK's version as it is a retrofit and looks quality built.  I think it also comes with remote choke and start, something I do not have.  It would be a worth while investment if you don't have one.

[JB Griffin]

Frank, I couldn't find any two groove 12v clutches at all. :'( Talked to a guy at the lawnmower and small engine shop and he said he has never seen one.

[Joe Hillmann]

I have a homemade mill with an electric clutch meant to run the blades of a lawnmower.  On the opening cuts of the log and any time it is going to be more than a few seconds between cuts I shut the clutch off.  Once I have the cant made I keep the clutch engaged  and just lower the engine rpm as I back up the carriage.  I used to disengage the clutch after every cut but if making fast cuts with lots of engaging and disengaging the clutch eventually got so hot the parts in it expanded and it would no longer disengage until I let it cool.

Also when engaging the clutch I have the engine just a bit higher than idle then raise it up to full throttle once the blade is spinning.  I figure that puts the least wear on the clutch (the clutch on mine is from the 80's and I don't know if I can get a replacement for it if I burn this one out so I do everything I can to prevent damaging it or wearing it)