Programming WM Accuset 2 - pattern mode

[Bibbyman]

Here is a step by step instruction on how to program the “pattern” mode on the Accuset 2.   

We will program pattern #1.   When we start,  it is programmed to 1-1/4” all the way to the deck.  When we’re done,  we will have it programmed to saw 1-1/8” boards down to 6-1/8”.  (We are sawing grade lumber off the sides of a log to make a beam 6-1/8” thick.)

Power up the Accuset in accessory mode. (It can be done while engine is running too but why waste fuel?)





Start by pressing the "Pattern" button.

 



We will be programming the pattern #1 - Note it's now set to 1-1/4" all the way to the bed.

 



Press the "Pattern" button again and you will see that the top number in the display reverses color - that is, turns to a black background.  That means this setting is ready to be changed.

 



I then use the up/down arrows to change the setting.  In this case,  I'm changing it from 1-1/4" to 1-1/8".

 



By pressing the "Pattern" button again, all six setting will change to be the same as the one above.  In this case,  they changed from 1-1/4" to 1-1/8".

 



Push the "Pattern" button until the bottom setting is "reversed immaged" and ready to modify.  Then use the up/down arrows to adjust the setting to, in this case, 6-1/8".

 



Now we have to "save" the pattern.  Press the manual button.

 



Press the up arrow to get the configuration menu.

 



Press "Save" twice and you've got Patter # 1 programmed.

 



Now when you poke the "Pattern" mode button, the #1 program will make 1-1/8" drops (plus kerf) down to 6-1/8". 

Now you have 15 other pattern mode program memory positions you can program.  It’s done the same way except you have to go to one of those numbers once you first press the “pattern” button.    We often saw 4/4 grade off of 7x9 ties and have two patterns programmed – one for 1-1/8” down to 7 and another 1-1/8” down to 9.

[sgschwend]

Anybody ever heard of or have put an Accuset on a different brand mill?

I would be interested in seeing a schematic.  I  assume their is a device that measures the position of the saw.

[backwoods sawyer]

A series of pictures is worth a thousand words. Thanks Bibbyman.

It uses a transducer rod to track the head position, with a little of patients and some good electrical skills, sure it is do able. You could also use a tempo cylinder, or an indexing screw drive to track the height. Then just interface the computer set works with it.

[moosehunter]

Thanks Bibby, I was trying to get my program memorized yesterday and was not succesfull. Your pics will help! ( I didn't have any problems with the original accuset)

mh

[woodmills1]

thanks  looks like the screen but slight differences for the original accuset, like not shaded for setting has  < instead.


Am I correct from my reading that on pattern mode the original accuset does not include kerf?

[MartyParsons]

Thanks Bibbyman, Good job!

[Hi-Country Orange]

what do you suppose a guy should do with an old accuset
that was functioning fine before i updated ??

[Bibbyman]

thanks  looks like the screen but slight differences for the original accuset, like not shaded for setting has  < instead.


Am I correct from my reading that on pattern mode the original accuset does not include kerf?

Old Accuset and Accuset 2 always included kerf.  If it's not, then the kerf setting is at 0.00.

I think the Simple Setworks didn't include kerf.  Maybe that's what you're thinking?

[Bibbyman]

what do you suppose a guy should do with an old accuset
that was functioning fine before i updated ??

I just gave it back to the local Wood-Mizer service center.  I figure maybe some parts can be handed down to someone that needs to repair and old Accuset.  I had no use for them as I'll never go back.

[woodmills1]

ok I just reread the section  "....remember to include the kerf....if you want 1" set the increment to 1 1/8"....."   

but later at the end of the paragraph   "The accuset can be programmed with an automatic kerf setting if desired"


If all goes well I should have enough leftover time today to finish the service on the mill. Then, set the accuset to 12" and try a pattern program and cut.

[MartyParsons]

Old Accusets should be discarded. I have seen them on E-bay.  There will be no parts available for Accuset 1. The new Simple Setworks does not have a kerf setting. You add the kerf to the drop desired. The old Set works did have kerf setting and you can change them if needed.
M

[Bibbyman]

Thanks Marty for clearing all that up.

If you want to set the kerf...

I think they suggest setting the kerf at twice the blade thickness – thus, .045 blade would set at .090 and .055 would be .110.   To be exact, you’d have to figure in the blade thickness and blade set.  We set ours at .100 and figured that was close enough.

Once the kerf is set and saved, you only need to program in the thickness of board you want - vs. the board thickness + kerf.

The problem with thinking you can just buy an old Accuset 1 and install it is that you won’t get nearly all the components you need as some are still used when the Accuset 2 is installed.  What you’ll have is an incomplete pile of parts, no sorce for replacement parts, etc.

Also,  there is not just one Accuset configuration.  There are many variables by date and model of mill – even engine options, etc.  So even if you took all the parts off my mill and put it on your mill, it probably would not work without some reconfiguration. 

You’d be far and away better off just getting the Accuset 2 upgrade kit.  That way you have factory support and warrantee.

The very best way to get an Accuset 2 is to buy a new mill! 

[sgschwend]

I found on the Wood-Mizer site a price for a used encoder tube it was approximately $500.  I didn't see an Accuset 2 replacement kit.  Is there such a thing?

[Bibbyman]

Sparks posted this in the Wood-Mizer section last February.

http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,36205.0.html

I didn't see it listed on the WM web site.  I'll keep looking.  Maybe Sparks or Marty can come on and let us know.

[ronwood]

Marty,

I spoke with tech support at Indy and they indicated that the new simple setworks compensates for the blade kerf.

Have you operated a mill with new simple set works?
Ron

[sparks]

Hi country.....The old Accuset is not servicable and should be smashed and throne away.   

[sparks]

ronwood......Simple Set does not compensate for kerf. You have to add the kerf the the thickmess you program in. If you want a 1" board and you run a .045 blade with .025 set you want to program in about 1-1/8".   Thanks

If your mill has the old Setworks you can upgrade it to Accuset 2 for about $2100.00 for a remote mill and about $1799.00 for a non-remote.

[ronwood]

Sparks,

Thanks for the clarification.

Ron

[Bibbyman]

Everyone using their Accuset 2 Pattern mode? 

Here is a trick I’ve stumbled onto after installing the upgrade to Accuset 2.   That is,  I most often just program and use Pattern #1.  It’s the default pattern when you poke the pattern mode button so it’s the fastest to get to – no additional poking required.   

When we saw 7x9s,  I program 1-1/8” down to 7" on Pattern #1 and 1-1/8” down to 9” on Pattern #2. 

When we saw something else – say 6x8 beams,  I reprogram Pattern #1 and #2.   Sure there are 16 sets that can be programmed and saved but having to cycle through to get to them takes time and I sometimes make a mistake.  It’s so quick and easy to program I just find it works better to reprogram #1 and #2 when required.

We have a few patterns set and saved to like 3” all the way down and 4” all the way down.  We saw some blocking out of junk cants so when we get one on the mill, we’ll often saw them down to 3x4s and get them off the mill.  Some are good enough to market and some we cut up for our own use.  The rest is racked up until winter when it’s made into firewood. 

[woodmills1]

my accuset seems to work very well why would I have to smash it?