Seeing double!

brdmkr · December 19, 2007, 10:30:25 PM

I have lamented that wide boards are just too difficult to make with the Lucas. In fact, I have been really wanting to purchase a band mill, but I may have come up with a work-around. I definitely can provide proof positive that I am crazy!

You are not seeing double. I recently came across a used Lucas 618. I figured I could put the carriages face to face and double cut without having to turn the carriage 180 degrees. I can say that it works. You can see that I have already cut one side and positioned the second carriage to complete the cut.

Before you think that I have really gone off the deep end, I should explain my plans. I hope to actually use the rails from both mills to allow me to mill long beams for a timber frame construction. Once I get these beams milled, I'll likely sell one of the mills. (Actually, the wife says I will sell one, but we'll see.) Another option may be to sell one swinger and buy a band ;D. Heck, I may even see if I can trade for a band

This approach still has some issues. I will have to adjust the mills to the same point. Right now they are about half of a kerf off. It is also a bit of a pain to shut down one saw and start up the other. Offbearing is also difficult with one end of the mill closed due to the presence of a second carriage, but given that I will only be doing this for beams, I don't suppose anything will be 'easy' regarding offbearing.

The new-to-me mill is in great shape. I don't know how many hours are on it as the hour meter is not working, but I would be surprised if it has over 200 - 300 hours.

DanG · December 19, 2007, 10:39:37 PM

AHHHH! So you've come out of the closet, have you? I'll Google to see if there is a 12 step program for this addiction. ;D :D :D

Get me an inside dimension of those rail extrusions. I may have something that can be used to couple them together. ;) I can see some challenges, but I can also see success in the future of this venture.

brdmkr · December 19, 2007, 10:48:23 PM

I'll get you the dimensions. I think I may (I say MAY) need some help with my addiction. Normally, I'd say you need two of everything (So you can race'em), but I can't race these if they are on the same rails!

Seriously, I do think this will work. BUT, like you say, there will be a few issues to overcome. Then, I'll have to figure out how to move long logs and beams. I have found a way to get a truck unloaded. I have a fellow within a couple miles of me with a knuckle boom loader. I figure I could get him to unload for me on a weekend for not much $$$$

Nate Surveyor · December 19, 2007, 11:04:09 PM

Maybe you just need to replace the rollers, so they all are worn the same. Maybe....

Well, something tells me that a youtube video of this in action, would be cool to watch! ;D

Nate

brdmkr · December 19, 2007, 11:24:12 PM

Nate,

I don't think that the wheels will make the difference. I think I will be able to adjust the blades to make everything line up without too much trouble. It should not be any harder than doing a full adjustment of the cut.