Angled blade cut - like EZ-boardwalk- advantages?

JohnnytheFish · February 22, 2023, 02:27:00 AM

I am curious whether there are significant advantages to the angled blade on the EZ Boardwalk so that rather that cutting exactly 90 degrees across the log the cut is angled.

Does this really help pull the mill through the log? And is this noticeable?

Also are there any other advantages? And any disadvantages?

ladylake · February 22, 2023, 05:26:59 AM

A Amish mill near me said sometimes he has to hold the head back when using s sharp 10° blade. Steve

justallan1 · February 22, 2023, 07:19:33 AM

I had an EZ boardwalk Jr. and loved it.
It will pull itself into the log some with sharp blades. For whatever reason it was more noticible when you have a cant 6-10" wide, you can usually push the mill with a finger or so.
I could be 100% wrong on this, but I think you'd get the same effect by running more tooth angle. Just my thinking.
I can say for darned sure that if you accidently run a 10 degree blade into hardwood that it will grab fast and pull itself into the log with a quickness! :D :D
I think EZ Boardwalk makes some great mills, are great people to deal with and are plenty honest.
The only reason that I sold the EZ Jr. was that I built my own mill last winter and wanted to use the money to help pay off my house. Other than that I would have kept it forever.

moodnacreek · February 22, 2023, 12:31:10 PM

I didn't know a band would self feed. On the circle mill with the smaller hardwood it sure will.

kelLOGg · February 22, 2023, 12:40:57 PM

Does it "know" how fast to feed? ;) Proper feed rate is important for straight cuts. Does a conflict arise?

hilltopper46 · February 22, 2023, 08:13:37 PM

Quote from: kelLOGg on February 22, 2023, 12:40:57 PM
Does it "know" how fast to feed? ;) Proper feed rate is important for straight cuts. Does a conflict arise?

No, it does not know how fast to feed. With a sharp new blade it will pull itself into the cut and stall the engine. The amount of pull depends on how fresh the blade is and what the angle of the teeth are. I run mostly 4 degree blades and the self feed is almost negligible, especially after the first couple cuts. With 7 degree blades one has to be very careful with a fresh blade and the effect is still there after the blade has some time on it.

TroyC · February 22, 2023, 09:54:03 PM

I have the EZ40 and yes, it does pull with a new blade. I've only used 10 degree blades. Instead of pushing, you have to determine how fast you want to cut and control the feed rate. If you have to push much, time to change blades! I am not aware of any disadvantage. Changing the blade is quick and simple.

I've always sort of thought another advantage with it is like splitting end grain wood with a knife blade. You would start the knife blade on the corner of the wood, not in direct contact with the full blade. Just my thinking

LeeB · February 22, 2023, 10:07:30 PM

I've never run one so I can't say but it seems to me that on wider logs it would be loosing HP due to more blade in the wood. Any comments?

longtime lurker · February 23, 2023, 05:08:50 AM

Neah it's a thing: same with ripping a log with a chainsaw...the more angled the cut the easier it feeds even though there's more bar in the cut. Circle saws are the same, a larger diameter saw will cut the same log easier because the cut is further away from square.

I don't know why it's a thing, when you really think about it what's the difference because whether square or angled you're still cutting at the same angle to the wood fibres? But it's definitely a thing. I wonder why?

Nebraska · February 23, 2023, 08:08:46 AM

I sold my Jr mill and I had a similar experience as Alan. IF I wasn't paying attention with a brand new blade it would get ahead of me and would pull the motor down. Was worse with 10 degree blades, I got better results with 4 degree Kasco's. It does pull itself into the cut a little... I don't think the longer cut due to the angle of the blade made much difference in engine performance.

If I could get an EZ Boardwalk 40 with a full hydraulic package, a 21 ft length of cut, log loaders, a permanent trailer package with adjustable out riggers and a 30+ hp diesel engine.....

Simple, tough, well built little sawmills they are, that is their niche.
.

TroyC · February 25, 2023, 07:52:31 PM

Quote from: LeeB on February 22, 2023, 10:07:30 PMI've never run one so I can't say but it seems to me that on wider logs it would be loosing HP due to more blade in the wood. Any comments?

I doubt the angle of the blade adds half an inch to a 12" cant. I think my mill has the 24 hp Honda. You can slow the engine in a wide cut but 12" cants cut easily. I've slabbed a few 20-22" logs in pine and oak and that will slow it down!

Downstream · February 26, 2023, 08:34:05 PM

I had one of the Jr's for 4 years and cut a bunch of max width logs for my live edge woodworking business with no problem getting through any of them easily with the std Honda 13hp engine. With a new blade on a small to medium log it would definately pull into the wood and I would adjust by pulling back ever so slightly. At times it was almost effortless to cut or just "1" finger push. I never cut with anything else but also liked the fact that the blade entered the log at that angle vs trying to enter across the entire end of the log at the same time.