Ez boardwalk question (debris port on same side as operator)

jmac72 · May 25, 2020, 07:01:14 PM

Just have a question for you ez boardwalk owners. Does the dust port on the same side as the operator make you inhale a lot of dust? I have been looking at this mill a lot seems to be everything I want except for the dust port on the same side as the operator as this could be a deal breaker. Would love to hear every ones comments on this.

thecfarm · May 25, 2020, 09:08:21 PM

I have a Thomas that does that. I walk on the sawdust. I don't saw a lot, but enough to know I don't mind it. sawdust is kinda like smoke from a fire, it's always in your eyes. ;D
I don't move my mill, so it's good it discharges on that side. Much easier to clean up on that side. If it was on the other side, I would have to load logs on the other side. Be a bother to clean around the skids that the logs sit on.

Magicman · May 25, 2020, 09:28:20 PM

I am not an ez owner, but the simple fact is that the sawdust has to go somewhere and I believe that it exits on the operator's side on most sawmills. If the operator is moved to the opposite side you could be walking/stepping over the log loader, log deck, or the logs. If the blade cuts opposite the operator, then the sawdust will cover the above mentioned items.

I always wear a dust mask when sawing because regardless of which way the sawdust goes, there are dust particles floating in the air. The wind direction will affect how much dust you are exposed to more than which direction the sawdust goes.

Crusarius · May 25, 2020, 10:04:52 PM

I built mine with the operator on the opposite side of the discharge. I have toyed with the idea of changing it. My thought is I will get less sawdust blowing in my face on that side since it will blow straight to the ground and not swirl right there. On the other side it seems to always be in your eyes from the swirling.

Walking on sawdust is probably much better than tripping over everything else on the other side. Plus I have never been a fan of walking between the mill and the log pile.

WV Sawmiller · May 25, 2020, 10:32:30 PM

Lynn,

Let's face it - you are riding over that sawdust pile in your fancy seat anyway and not walking on it. :D :D

The chute on mine throws the bulk of the sawdust far enough away it does not get in the way until I have sawed a thousand bf or so. Of course longer logs means the sawdust pile is spread out more while short logs means a shorter, fatter pile of sawdust. If the ground is unlevel the sawdust actually helps even out and improve the walking conditions. If the sawdust is going to be a problem, such as in a yard, I often throw a tarp or two down and drag the sawdust away before it gets too deep. In remote locations if the pile gets too big and becomes a problem the customer drags it away with a tractor blade, shovels it away or we use my leaf blower to scatter it. It looks to me like it would be a bigger problem if it were on the log loading side.

Somebody showed where they had 4-5 long totes staged end to end such that the sawdust chute emptied into them and they emptied the totes as they filled. I haven't tried it but may do so one day and if it works out I may just routinely take them on mobile jobs with me for customer convenience.

Nebraska · May 26, 2020, 07:48:45 AM

@jmac72 If you use a section of mudflap or a stray lid from a small plastic tote and a hinge. You can use the little round rare earth magnets and make a little deflector that drops the saw dust straight down at your feet. (I made one don't have a picture) It could also deflect into into a container such as a bucket but you have to build your platform up tall enough to allow that to work or your bucket won't clear the ground when the head is lowered. Next time I buy a mill I'll know that. ;) That being said I like my mill (EZ Jr) very much it's super simple and very stout my only regret is it's not the bigger verion( I had a buget and I mill for fun). If the wind is strong out of the southwest I can eat a little sawdust the way my mill is set up. But I wear a mask and a clear face shield (or sunglasses) when sawing so it's not a big deal. If the wind is bad enough that direction there's always something else to do.
Welcome to the forum, if you have any other questions feel free to ask.

Woodpecker52 · May 26, 2020, 08:31:55 AM

No problem chute carries it away on woodmizer, also I like walking in a dust trail.

btulloh · May 26, 2020, 08:48:47 AM

My mill discharges on the non-operator side. All in all, I think it would be better if it was on the operator side. As mentioned above, discharging on the opposite side creates issues organizing material flow. Also as mentioned, no matter where it goes it will find you. A big fan behind you can help with that if you can rig it. Too bad the sawdust just can't disappear magically into another dimension. It takes a bit of planning to get material flow organized no matter where the discharge is.

terrifictimbersllc · May 26, 2020, 08:57:41 AM

Leave the windows open on your truck, most of it will go in there. :

Magicman · May 26, 2020, 09:20:09 AM

Good reminder about the windows and that also goes for the truck toolbox.

I always wear a leather welder's waist apron to keep sawdust out of my pockets and that also keeps PatD happy. ;)

SawyerTed · May 26, 2020, 09:45:32 AM

Blowing sawdust is a reality of running a sawmill. Most sawdust goes out the chute. What typically gets in the air is sawdust blowing away as the blade exits the cut.

Nebraska · May 26, 2020, 12:23:17 PM

If someone figures out the interdimensional saw dust escape system. (not currently offered by EZ).... I would be game to try it.

I must have one but it only works on random things, like full cups of coffee in the office, left handed gloves, socks,10 foot log chains (the one that lives on my tractor??) and an orange handled hammer... ;D :D

jmac72 · May 26, 2020, 01:41:14 PM

Thanks for all the great information as I am new to sawmilling looking to buy my first mill. Some sawmills like Norwood are on the opposite side of the operator and I did not understand why there was a difference. Now I completely get it thanks again.

Wintergreen Mountain · May 26, 2020, 01:56:09 PM

The Turner Mill I have discharges opposite the operators side. Sawdust will always follow The operator if I doesn't ,as stated earlier, find the open truck window first. :D

Leon

Stephen1 · May 26, 2020, 07:31:18 PM

Sawdust on the operators side, as WV says, helps levels the ground, easy on the back walking on soft, also good exercise as the sawdust pile increases in size, almost like walking on a sandy beach. Thats usually when i start the shoveling. I find big logs are the worst, the blade is at eye level and the sawdust always blows at your face. I have used my old ski goggles , but would really like some saftey glasses that are tighter to my face.

Gere Flewelling · May 26, 2020, 08:55:43 PM

I also have no experience with the Boardwalk mills but I do have a similar sized mill. My Cooks MP-32 exits the sawdust opposite side of where you walk. It is interesting how many different designs can achieve the same function. To think the sawdust won't blow back at you when the wind is blowing even when it exits on the other side of the mill is a myth. It is nice to not have to walk in the sawdust though and my mill allows me to load logs on the same side that I walk on and still leaves a clear walkway to work. I guess it's all in what you get used to. I suspect you will be happy with the EZ Boardwalk. I have read many positive reviews. Good luck wit your decision.