B 7 Shanks???

redprospector · February 03, 2016, 09:23:46 PM

Ok, I'm going to expose my ignorance again. So if you don't want to see it, turn your head now! :D

I brought home a Morgan Mini Scragg Mill a while back. I messed with the 4B Cummins a little and got it running good. So now I've turned my attention to the blades.
It has 2 36" blades with B 7 stamped on the shanks, and one of them is missing. There are a few of the bits that are broken, or damaged pretty bad too.
I've done a little bit of searching on the internet, but haven't found any B 7 shanks. Lots of B 8's, some B 9's, but no B 7's. :(
Being new to circle blades, I'll be the first to admit that I have no idea what I need to do here. What does the 7, 8, or 9 designate on the shank? I am assuming it's the gauge, but I know what happens when I assUme.

Can I use #8's on these blades? Or do I have to find #7's?

Please excuse my ignorance, and educate me.

4x4American · February 03, 2016, 10:13:23 PM

Taint no shame in asking questions!

redprospector · February 03, 2016, 10:31:17 PM

Especially if ya don't know the answer. :D

beenthere · February 03, 2016, 11:27:21 PM

redprospector
Take a moment to give our sponsor Menominee Saw (left column) and talk to them... member "peach".. good one to visit with and say "hello" from the Forum for us.

We have other members who may also have the answer too, such as boss Jeff, admin Ron Wenrich to name a couple.

redprospector · February 03, 2016, 11:57:47 PM

beenthere,
I have every intention of contacting Menominee Saw. I just wanted to ask here, and maybe have an idea what I was talking about when I do call. ;)
Besides that, being on the forum it might answer the same question for someone else. I've found the answer to a lot of questions using search, but if the question hasn't been asked, the answer probably isn't there. ;D

Ron Wenrich · February 04, 2016, 06:00:53 AM

7 is the gauge of the shank. You should be able to buy them from Menominee. You're saw is probably a 6/7 gauge with the eye being heavier than the rim. My big saws were 6/8. The 8 gauge is a thinner shank but should still work OK as long as you're running the right size tooth.

How wide of tooth are you running? 7 gauge is 3/16", so I'm assuming you're using a 3/16" tooth. Otherwise your shanks will be rubbing on the log and causing some heat in the rim. The 8 gauge is 11/64". It's a little thinner, so the tooth makes up for the thinner gauge. If you put all 8 gauge in the saw, you may have a problem with the gullets spilling dust, and that heats the saw.

redprospector · February 04, 2016, 10:55:51 AM

Thanks Ron,
That explains a lot. I did measure the edge of the blade at 3/16". When I get back to the mill later today I'll double check the teeth on it, but I think they are 5/16". I also think that they are carbide, which I think I want to change out.

redprospector · February 04, 2016, 03:21:48 PM

Teeth are 5/16" at the edge.

Here's a side view. Are these carbide?

A friend has about 40 or so BF teeth, but he thinks they are 1/4". Do you think they would work?
I'm seriously taking advice here, because I really don't want to learn the "hard way". Thanks in advance.

Ron Wenrich · February 04, 2016, 03:57:59 PM

They certainly look like carbide. Take a flat file to it and see if you scuff it. If not, its carbide.

I think 1/4" will be okay. Your shanks look in good shape, so they'll take away the dust. The 1/4" won't make as much dust and your side clearance should be okay. A lot would depend on how hard you feed the logs through. If you went to a regular bit, they'll be 9/32, so there isn't that much difference. It does't cost anything to give it a try.

redprospector · February 04, 2016, 04:22:49 PM

Thanks Ron,
I'm going to give Menominee a call now and see if I can get a replacement for the missing shank and a couple of spares.
The teeth on it are evidently carbide. A file won't scratch it.

dgdrls · February 04, 2016, 07:04:52 PM

Make sure you order a shank/bit wrench as well.
If you try the BF Bits replace them one at a time,
not 100% certain on a 36" blade but I understand on larger blades
moving around the shanks will affect the blade tension.

Let us know
Dan

redprospector · February 04, 2016, 11:58:48 PM

Well, Menominee Saw will be sending me 4 shanks tomorrow. ;D
I'll post more as I make progress with this little mill. I've got to fill a few orders first so I can pay for the progress. ;)

dgdrls,
I've borrowed a wrench. I want to be sure this mill is going to do what I want before I totally outfit it. I've heard the same about 1 at a time. That's the way I do most everything anyway. One at a time. ;)

I'm working on my edger too...and my band mill...and...I've got a lot of irons in the fire right now. But that's the way I like it. 8)

Gearbox · February 05, 2016, 07:58:10 PM

The b7 is a 7 mm the b8 is 8mm . you can mix them I have used 8s when I couldn't get 7s from Rice saw shop

dgdrls · February 09, 2016, 07:06:42 PM

Quote from: redprospector on February 04, 2016, 11:58:48 PM
Well, Menominee Saw will be sending me 4 shanks tomorrow. ;D
I'll post more as I make progress with this little mill. I've got to fill a few orders first so I can pay for the progress. ;)

dgdrls,
I've borrowed a wrench. I want to be sure this mill is going to do what I want before I totally outfit it. I've heard the same about 1 at a time. That's the way I do most everything anyway. One at a time. ;)

I'm working on my edger too...and my band mill...and...I've got a lot of irons in the fire right now. But that's the way I like it. 8)

RP, your shanks arrive??

Dan

redprospector · February 09, 2016, 11:56:59 PM

No, it's a long way from Menominee to New Mexico. :D
They did call me yesterday with a total (with shipping) charged to my card. So I figure that's when they shipped.

redprospector · February 23, 2016, 09:44:21 PM

I finally got around to changing the bits out on this saw. I went ahead and picked up some 7 gauge bits that were 5/16". I figured if everything is like it's supposed to be, if I have a problem then I don't have to eliminate something I did to save a buck.
Changing bits on a scragg mill is kinda like wrestling a bobcat. Wear heavy gloves. :D

I was going to try her out, but it had a busted hydraulic line. Maybe tomorrow. ;D

redprospector · February 24, 2016, 10:35:54 PM

Ok, lets give this video posting a try here.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3XPQj96xnn8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Feed's kinda slow, but it was my first, well actually 2nd log through this machine, and you've got to put it on autopilot to shoot a cell phone video when you're by yourself. ;)

Kbeitz · February 24, 2016, 10:49:09 PM

Now thats different...
Looks like it's working good...

hacknchop · February 24, 2016, 11:02:18 PM

Good deal nice to see it working for you.

redprospector · February 24, 2016, 11:09:25 PM

I've still got some work to do on it. Mostly on the hydraulics. Set up the sawdust chain, and log deck, and then I can start making something out of all the small diameter stuff we get out here.
But first I have to take the Timberking to a remote job to pay for some more hydraulic hose.

hacknchop · February 24, 2016, 11:23:37 PM

Your maybe like me they tell me i'm all work no play but actually i find that my play does'nt seem like work to me, when you get that scragg going you will find it to make big difference on your whole operation.

redprospector · February 24, 2016, 11:36:44 PM

Quote from: hacknchop on February 24, 2016, 11:23:37 PM
Your maybe like me they tell me i'm all work no play but actually i find that my play does'nt seem like work to me, when you get that scragg going you will find it to make big difference on your whole operation.

Hahaha! It might even inspire me to get the Fastline going that I got with the Morgan. :D

redprospector · February 24, 2016, 11:52:49 PM

Finished product.

Good square 4x4's. These logs aren't big enough to put on the band mill, and everybody and his dog (old saying) is selling firewood, so it's too cheap to get excited about. 2 passes on a 7" log and you've got a 4x4x8. Hopefully I can get a marketable product other than firewood from these logs.
This little Morgan will cut up to a 10" cant, 10' long right now. I'm thinking about extending it to cut 16' long.

Ron Wenrich · February 25, 2016, 05:04:00 AM

That looks like it will give you a lot of material in a short amount of time. Can you split the 4" into 2" stock? Also I would check into landscape ties. You may only have to do 1 pass and make a 4" cut and leave the other sides round. Bark may be a problem.

redprospector · February 25, 2016, 11:44:18 AM

Ron, thanks for your help on this (and everyone else too).
It won't make 2". It will only go down to 3 1/2". But a resaw could solve that. Hmmm.
The landscape ties don't sound like a bad idea.
They are buying softwood RR ties for the Mexican rail road, but they pay like we live in Mexico. Then there's always pallet cants. Maybe between all of the above I can keep the small diameter stuff moving.