Newest addition to my collection

[Radar67]

Dan,
     The counter weight was added to the saw when I got it. It is a used saw, but is only a year old.

The trailer I'm building is going to be a ladder setup out of 4 inch channel (3/16 thick) turned on edge. I'm going to mount the track to it channel frame permanently and add a homemade extension. I'm going for a 16 foot bed.

I would think you could install a larger engine, you may have to give up a little of the cutting height, or refab that part of the head frame.

I agree with you about the band being used to break logs down. I have a real nice 10 inch tablesaw for cleaning up the edges, and if I want the surfaces smooth, I can invest in a 12 inch planer. I have a woodworking background, finish and frame carpentry with some cabinet building.

What brand and size blades are you running?

[Dan_Shade]

i'm running timberwolf now, but i'm not real impressed, my next batch is going to be from menominee, i've gathered that the monkey blades they sell are excellent.

can you take a picture of the counterweight that's on your saw?

[Radar67]

I can get you a picture of the counter weights this evening when I get off work. It's a pretty simple setup, rather than explain it I'll let the picture do the talking.

To the best of my knowledge, the blades that came with my saw are the WM brand.

[Radar67]

Dan,
     Below are the pictures of the counter weights on my saw. Each one weighs 50 pounds.












The center bar looks bent, but is an optical illusion.

Hope this helps. The weights are suppose to take the side to side motion out of the saw. It definitely makes it ride the rail smoother. I had the weights off to unload the saw and it didn't feel very good riding the track without it.

[Bibbyman]

To the best of my knowledge, the blades that came with my saw are the WM brand.

I think you’re right.  I’ve heard the WM guys talking about Hud-Son putting a sticker on their mills stating to use Wood-Mizer blades.  I think they’re the only non-Wood-Mizer distributor of WM blades.

A lot of owners of band mills other than WM use WM blades and their re-sharp service.

If you live near the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area,  and need blades, the Wood-Mizer guys are going to be setting up a temporary service center there.  It’d be a way to save some shipping on blades as they’re bound to have a stock of them or could ship them there for pickup. 

Check their web site for contact details.

[Rancher]

When I got my Oscar36 last year it had the WM stickers on it and the number for the resharp service. The Hudson site sells the WM blades for about the same price as the WM store.

[Radar67]

Hello All,
     I cut my first real log today, thought I would share some pictures.


Log on mill ready to saw.


The first four slabs off the mill.


Close up of the grain (Water Oak)


Lumber stickered and ready to dry.

I did have a little blade wave, but mainly around knots. I will also admit that the blade has been used by the previous owner, so I need to change it. Overall, I think it turned out okay.

What a way to spend your birthday, making sawdust!!!!! 

[Timburr]

What a way indeed. HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEW 

[DanG]

Well I'll be DanG!  It IS yer hatch day, ain't it, and a biggie at that!   Welcome to the world of adulthood.

Congrats on whacking up your first log, too.  It's a good feeling, ain't it?

[Radar67]

It is a good feeling DanG...it also made me cut up a bunch of stickers, more good practice. 

[Woodcarver]

Happy Birthday, Stew.  Great way to celebrate. 

[Dan_Shade]

hey stew, happy belated BD. 

does your saw have the clutch on the winch to raise/lower the head?  if so, always make sure you set it in place by cranking back up, or the head will slide down while sawing.  i.e. always undershoot your mark, then crank it back up.

nice boards, ain't it fun?

[Radar67]

Dan,
     Not sure what you mean by the clutch? My winch has a screw gear that turns the rod to lift and lower the head. I do undershoot the mark and come back up. Mine also has a thumb screw to lock the winch once it is in place.

Yes, it is fun. I've already loaded my ready ramp with three more logs and have a few small pieces to try out. MORE logs on the way. The bug definitely has me. 

[Dan_Shade]

ok, you're winch is different than mine.  mine has a winch that will free spool backwards when you turn the crank back.  it has a clutch setup that tightens when you crank it up.