Used LT40 Pictures...should I buy?

[Paschale]

Hi everyone,

I posted a message a couple of weeks ago about a used LT40 for sale.  I was able to check it out and took some pictures, so I thought I'd post them in a new thread, and see what all of you think.  I can get this for $1500, and everyone said I should jump at it.  Here's the pictures, and I'd sure appreciate a little more imput from people more experience than I am with refurbishing used Woodmizers.  It's had 252 hours on it, and I believe it's from the 1980's.  It was last run in 1996.  The rail appears straight, but as you'll see in the pictures, it's very rusty!  Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[Paschale]

Here's a couple more pictures.  

[Paschale]

A couple more...








Thanks for your opinions ahead of time!

[shopteacher]

It appears you would have some serious derusting to do, but here we can rent a compressor & sandblaster for 130.00 a day. Black beauty media is about 8.00 per 100Lb.  So for about 200.00 all the rust should be gone and already for a new paint job.  As to the rest of the machine you will have to go over it piece by piece and see what's salavageable and what needs replaced or take to WM for a platium servicing.  I think for a couple thousand and some work you could have yourself a practically new machine. Does it run?  If it last run in 96 it might take some doing to get it running, if at all. However, it could kick right over and run like a champ.  Sure would be easier than building one from scratch.
 Well for what it worth, that's my take on it.    Good luck!

[Fla._Deadheader]

 Gotta agree with the Teech. Having built one, I would not hesitate buying that one. Just buying a few parts would cost $1500.00. Place an order for a quart of "Rust Reaper" and that thing will loosen up just fine. I would bet "MM" that rebuilds WM's would take it in a heart beat. You can add features as you go, like hydraulics and stuff, once you get it running and sawing.

 The 2 blade wheels cost $400.00 alone, not to mention the frame. That would run 2 grand to build.

[slowzuki]

You could get out some emery cloth and phosphoric acid and have that blade cleaned up in a few hours

Seriously I think it could be repaired fairly easy, time consuming maybe but worth it!

[sparks]

5th picture you show a power feed control unit. That style unit has been replaced with a solid state one. Don't recognize the engine. Would be a fun project to restore to like new. If nothing works, 2 grand seems kind of high.

[raycon]

I'd buy it -- I think the worse case scenario is you turn around and resell it for what you paid for it.

[D._Frederick]

Pas-,

If it is just surface rust, sand blasting should get it ready for paint. I would get a welding slag chipping hammer and see how much metal is left on the tubing that makes up the frame, if you can punch through, it may not be such a bargain.

WM must not have used a very high quality of paint to have it completely gone. Is the mill close to salt water?

[Paschale]

Thanks for all the replies already.  Since I don't have a ton of experience restoring old equipment, it's good to hear that it's not going to be as daunting as it appears!  My dad's an old hand with fixing up old equipment, and is really good with small engines, so I think he'll have fun working to get the engine up and running.  Everything else appears to just be rust.  And to answer D._Fred, I've got a friend who's going to be able to check out the mill--I'll have him test the frame.  That's a good suggestion.  And it's not near salt water--it's in the U.P. of Michigan, but being outside for about ten years didn't do it any favors!

I did notice that the cast iron wheels are rusty too, and they're not moving at all.  I suppose that's a fairly easy fix too--a little work, but I'm sure I'd be able to get it up and running somehow.

I'll keep you all posted, and thanks!

[raycon]

For what its worth my mill had the same amount of surface rust in the log clamp area,log bunks,and on the guide rail. Its thick wall tubing it's going to be solid.
Luckily my head had been shielded from the weather and all I did to put it in service was lube everything,put air in the tires, replace the belts and milled a few red oaks...good luck.
If you're trailering it home check the tires/wheel bearings.

[MM]

I will agree with sparks. 2k does seem kinda high. But, I would buy it for the shear fact that it's all there. The engine on it is a kohler. I think a 14 hp. I looks to have  some added features. The engine matcheds the vintage of mill. A mill of that era that runs would be worth around 5k. In my expereice, I would buy a new motor. messing with the old one is time consuming and parts for those can be hard to find. time to time. Like sparks mentioned. the power feed unit would need repaced. I think around $400 for that. There is not many costly parts on that mill and it would be worth it.

[Paschale]

Hmm...sounds like $2000 is high--I can get it for $1500.  Does it seem worth it for that?  This is a family member who owns this--my great uncle, who's quite elderly, and I want to give them a fair price, since they need the money.  

Glad to hear in Ray's message that he had a similar experience.   Everyone seems to make it sound like this is definitely redeemable and worth pursuing.  I'll keep you all posted on what I decide!

Dan

[Haytrader]

I was gettin ready to ask if you generally give what someone asks for somthing then the "uncle" part came in the picture.
That makes it tough. On one hand you need to buy it as cheap as you can to allow for unforseen repairs and one the other hand, you stated it is relation and they need the $$.

For some people, fixin and repairin are relaxing. Then there are guys like me. I have enough things break down and have to fix em so I sure as heck aren't gonna buy somthin that says what those pictures say.

My first mill was a manual electric demo model and cost $3400. All it needed was turned on.....

[Swede]

Sand blasting.....ehhhhhhhhhh! Be careful with that stuff. You get sand inside evrything. I think some different grinders and.......do you say phneumatic nail hammer?....is good tools for removing rust and old painting. You need access to a 5,5HP air compressor for them tools.
Iīve seen some guys been unlucky after blasting machines and vehicles without taking everything apart first. The sand goes in everywhere and when you think itīs gone there is double up left where you canīt see it. Everything will wear out in a short time.

Think You can buy that mill and rebuild it if You have the time and think itīs fun. Try to spend some $$$ in modern tecnology, change all moving parts and that saw mill will be much better than in the -80:s.  Try to find a stronger engine by the time.
Good Luck!

Swede.

PS. If You just want the sawing job, donīt buy it!  

[Fla._Deadheader]

 Swede gives excellent advice on Sand Blasting. We cleaned up a WM with a wire cup wheel on a 4" hand held grinder. Dusty, but, air blows away the rust dust and a wet solvent rag will wipe it clean enough for the primer to stick very well.

 If ya can't buy the thing, Let me know where you are and I will make arrangements to have it delivered here. Someday, we are going to have our own Deep South Sawing Show, and we can demo it and sell it.

[AtLast]

 

[Furby]

HEY, WAIT JUST ONE DANG MINUTE!!!!
I'm closer, but I'll trade ya for the Home Mizer.  

[Fla._Deadheader]

Furby, you don't NEED a sawmill. You got that apprenticeship course going in Plumbing. Can't sawmill UNDER the house.    I can use it to saw them dinky logs. Had a guy call today and wanted us to saw some limbs.  It gets better.
He will deliver them to the mill, 160 miles away  

 And Y'all are complainin ya cain't get sawing jobs.  

[Furby]

 



I'd rather be sawmilling, under the house then the plumbing!