Author Topic: Lubrication or dry cut (Read 1050 times)

Arkyrick · « **on:** July 20, 2018, 08:43:01 PM »

This may be an old discussed topic but I cant seem to find it, I always run water on my WM LT 15 blade when I cut it just makes sense to me to lubricate and cool the blade. I never cut dry but many times I see videos of sawyers cutting dry. Opinions would be appreciated.

Arkyrick · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2018, 08:47:09 PM »

well heck ! as soon as I posted this 4 previous posts on the subject came up sorry about that.

firefighter ontheside · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2018, 09:22:47 PM »

I cut hardwoods dry and conifers with lube.

Lawg Dawg · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2018, 09:27:15 PM »

I usually run a good drip on most wood, sometimes I even squirt a little diesel on it. I like a good SLICK blade

bandmiller2 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 21, 2018, 06:59:27 AM »

I worked as sawyer for a guy with a LT-70 Mizer and we never used lube of any type and had no problems, w. pine and oak. Try cutting without lube. On my own band mill I use a wick and whatever oil I have around, never a drip just a thin sheen on the band. Frank C.

DPatton · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2018, 11:58:21 AM »

I find myself running a dry blade more and more of the time. I have been using diesel in my drip which allows me to saw for days and days without going through a tank of lube. If I am sawing something with much pitch in the log then I will turn it on to a single drip once every three to five seconds. Otherwise I only turn it on to occasionally clean the blade. It works for me and saves me from having to fill the lube tank daily or more often like I did when using water and additives.

DR_Buck · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2018, 12:14:05 PM »

I have a lubmizer system on my LT40. I use it all the time. Whenever I see any gunk sticking to the blade I increase how often the spray comes on. I use only water and Pinesol. I add extra Pinesol when I mill sappy pine.

Peter Drouin · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2018, 12:14:54 PM »

I cut dry all the time. Maybe for one or two cuts to clean the blade.
Only water.

PA_Walnut · « **Reply #8 on:** July 22, 2018, 05:31:45 AM »

Have used all kinds of concoctions :

Pinesol+Dawn+water (works for most wood, needs significant drip)
Orange Cleaner+dishsoap+water (works on some wood ok, builds up on some)
Windshield Washer fluid (in winter, so doesn't freeze. Works great)
Water with methanol. (like cooling effect on blade for BIG cuts).
CottonPicker Spindle Grease + water+soap (current favorite--nice shiny blades).

bandmiller2 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 22, 2018, 06:56:15 AM »

My band mill is located in a building on a smooth concrete floor. Water and sawdust makes a mess, diesel and sawdust is a fire hazard and stinks. Most of the time lube is not needed. As I said try without, and save some hassle. Frank C.

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