Saw it in a couple places that Wood-Mizer has a new choice coming 3/31.
They have been putting teasers out. Anybody have the scoop?
New Mill?
Dave
I saw this as well.
Before we find out the "what" lets speculate and assume!! :D ... LT15Wide Hydraulic with Trailer ;D ??
Maybe hydraulic feed? Steve
My wild guess is that is when the new Wide versions start shipping. I messaged with someone that is getting his 40 Wide April 3.
You're all way to cold! :-X
Accuset 2 for the LT10.
😂😂😂
Thanks to some internet snooping, I think I know what it is. But should I ruin the fun by posting it?
[spoiler]you could use the spoiler button to post it[/spoiler]
Quote from: Ga Mtn Man on March 28, 2017, 07:54:46 PM
[spoiler]you could use the spoiler button to post it[/spoiler]
Good idea, but would WM or Jeff be mad at me? I guess if it's publicly accessible on the web, it's fair game?
A driver less sawmill. One sits under the shade tree sipping a cool one while the mill does the thinking and work.
If Uber can do it I'm sure WM can. :)
;D
It has to be a battery powered sawmill (engineering by Tesla).
So does this [spoiler]new mill[/spoiler] spell the end of the [spoiler]WM monorail design[/spoiler]?
Figured I'd stir the pot a little by being vague. ;D
A sawmill with a gas engine that does not require software to repair?
It's a mod kit that allows your mill to resharpen blades as you mill.
Second blade to let you saw coming and going and optional Skil saw mounts to edge at the same time. ;)
Final guess: slabbing mill
I bet that if we wait 3 days we'll find out what it is lol
Man, that's no fun!
I like GaMtnMan's "final guess" - a slabber.
8)
It says it's their new choice, maybe they're gonna change their self identity lol
Woodmizer has been approached by both Coke and Pepsi. But Woodmizer will always stay with Orange Soda .
Engine runs off of the water jug.
KD boards come out of the edger
I added a banner at the top for them. I told them I could keep a secret. The reply? SO CAN WE! :D :D :D So, I don't know either. I guess we all find out Friday
Got my attention.
Things that make you go hmmm.... :D
Hello,
I should have one coming in soon. But I can't tell you what it is. smiley_anxious
Should be here at our location for open house on May 6th
And owner day May 5th.
I know it does not help.
Marty
Cupholders
An air conditioning option for the LT-30
A new feature that sharpens the blade - as you saw with it
Imitation is the sincerest form of 4-Post flattery... :D
How about a 6 ft slabbing mill. ;D
I might know what it is... I have heard talk about what I'm thinking about.
Portable WM1000 with F550, escort car, diesel genset included?
I guess I'll wait to order my next mill until I hear what's new.
It's the all new Wood-Mizer Grill attachment.. so you can cook as you cut. ;D
Computer controlled hydraulic self leveling LT40HD :D
"What I'm about to say will rock your world, I like the cup holder"
Dale, King of The Hill.
I'm going to guess they are following Henry Ford. You will now be able to get your mill in any color you want. As long as it's orange. :)
I see you are not the midget doctor any more.
I'm not?
All mills will now come with robots to load, off-bear and clean up at the end of the day and the BIGGY is they bring you coffee. 8)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39553/at_your_service.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1490912304)
Let me take a wild guess . A new mill that takes a double sided blade that saws coming and going.
My guess is a two rail mill, not that I'd want one. Just a guess.
Seems like I read somewhere WM was working on a molder-planer. 4 sided if I remember right.
sorry just looked under your picture :embarassed:
Quote from: VictorH on March 30, 2017, 10:37:10 PM
Seems like I read somewhere WM was working on a molder-planer. 4 sided if I remember right.
Hmmmm. That could be interesting.
I have it on good authority that they(wm) are releasing a motorcycle, that when strategically parked, powers a bandsaw, cantilever of course. It has a horn that doesnt actually honk, it just screams "PULL MY FINGER" when you press the button. ;D
We decided that we get so many emails and inquiries for 'Wood-Mixer', that we should launch a Wood-Mixer line (not to mention Google search terms!!!).
It mixes wood. Not sure why, but with such an tremendous demand, we should sell a lot!
smiley_roller
Perfect! It will go well with a wood stretcher as an added product on a different super secret Friday. :)
And there you go spoiling the surprise! bat_smailey
Quote from: Jeff on March 31, 2017, 04:10:26 AM
Perfect! It will go well with a wood stretcher as an added product on a different super secret Friday. :)
I thought they would announce it 12:01 am Friday morning . . oh well back to sleep
Yep, it's Friday here at 5:55 am, still no news. Oh well, time to go to work...
Friday afternoon here but Friday is the weekend. Nothing happens on Friday here.
Steel wheels.
Electric.
Think WIDE
Happy Friday! 8) 8)
so... anything you want to talk about? ???
Clash of the Titans?
popcorn_smiley
PC
WMs Facebook has a Titan post this morning, but Titan was announced quite a while ago.
Wasn't the 4 sided planer-molder leak from Will Johnson. If so, that's woodmaster, not woodmizer.
STAY TUNED! SNEAK PREVIEW HERE FIRST!
And no, I still don't know either. :)
smiley_trap_drummer smiley_trap_drummer smiley_trap_drummer smiley_trap_drummer smiley_trap_drummer smiley_trap_drummer
The delay is not fair to those of us who do not have smart phones and have to wait until I can get back to the computer.
LONG EXTENSION CORD.
Look for the new banners!
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34562/LX450_BestActionWeb.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1490968538)
Choice is Here! Introducing the Wood-Mizer LX450 Twin Rail Sawmill
With many of the proven, robust features of Wood-Mizer's LT40 and LT50 sawmill models, the LX450 is designed to accommodate those who simply prefer a twin rail design. With the new LX450 sawmill, you now have more options than ever from the world's largest portable sawmill manufacturer. Stationary or portable, manual or hydraulic, standard or wide, monorail or twin rail. The choice is here, the choice is yours, and it's only available from Wood-Mizer.
Visit woodmizer.com/us/portable-sawmills/lx450-portable-sawmill (http://woodmizer.com/us/portable-sawmills/lx450-portable-sawmill) for sawmill specifications, photos, video, brochure, and more!
Nice looking mill.
Nice - and its lower priced than the LT40 or LT50!?! Not that I have $38k laying around ;) And it is rated at 700 bf/hr. That's 3 times what I produced in a day :D
My initial reaction is one of disappointment. After all the years of the promotion of the cantilever head and it benefits........ It appears as if Wood-Mizer is branching out to ever increase sales. New models and announcements are becoming the norm. Too bad that the engineers aren't completing one project before moving onto another. My case in point are the new wide-head mills that still don't have a de-barker that will work with smaller logs. This is not an anti-woodmizer rant, I love my LT40. The new stuff that is coming out just hasn't impressed me enough to upgrade. I realize the new mill announcement is targeted to new customers.
Well...there you have it..... 8)
That looks great. it looks like it'd be a competitive industrial-er mill. I have to ask, why no dragback board steering fingers? I can see in the video that the log end was not trimmed flush/square when it was loaded on the mill, and then after the board probably kicked off to the side they realized it had to be trimmed flush so it would drag back straight. I think the steering fingers are absolutely necessary and worth the extra $. I had to build my own for my 40 super and wish that it was a stock upgrade because I would have just got them to begin with. Sawing lower grade stuff you need quantity and you don't really have time to square each log butt. I think a big heavy duty roller at the end of the table would be smart to, help with dragging back beams and cants. Sharp looking mill, love the sawing capacities. What length blade? And what are the engine options? (Hoping for a 50hp option) ;D
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34510/IMG_1290.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1490971920)
I'm in love 8) 8)
I won't sleep good at night till i have one of them :D :D
Going to have to start working over time :)
Nice job Woodmizer
Woodmizer, that's a good looking mill! 8) Definitely like the wider cutting capacity of the LX450 compared to my LT40 Superhydrualic.
Got a "failed to connect" message when I tried the WM link. You guys must be overloading their servers :D :D.
For all you die-hard WM monorail lovers, don't be too critical until you have a really close look. Four-post mills and monorail mills each have certain advantages, so at first glance WM is just broadening their market.
However, from a designer's perspective, any time a radical new approach is taken to a well-established product, there's an opportunity to introduce a lot of new features. If you look closely you will probably discover a few nice features. I've already spotted a couple just by looking at the picture ;D.
I couldn't see in the video
is it driven on both sides or only one
Quote from: DGK on March 31, 2017, 10:55:13 AM
My case in point are the new wide-head mills that still don't have a de-barker that will work with smaller logs.
I don't know about the 40/50, but our 2015 LT70 wide has a debarker with sufficient reach. In fact, it's the prototype, and the LT35 has the same design. Keep in mind that engineering is only half the battle. They have to do enough field testing to make sure the production model won't become a warranty headache. And the wood-splitters and Titan line were purchased from existing companies, so not a lot of engineering required besides picking the right paint scheme.
And I might just need to buy one of these for when the log pile is on the wrong side.
Engineering a debarker to mount on this machine will be quite a challenge with the blade cover hinged on top and tilting up. Why LX and not LT?
Quote from: Bluejay27 on March 31, 2017, 12:38:22 PM
And I might just need to buy one of these for when the log pile is on the wrong side.
A left handed mill. :D
I would have to see it up close and watch it work.
Quote from: DGK on March 31, 2017, 10:55:13 AM
My initial reaction is one of disappointment. After all the years of the promotion of the cantilever head and it benefits........
That is what I thought.
WM has sold a lot of mills with 2 rails lt10,lt15,go and 15 wide A lot of them on the market
Only makes sense to make a bigger one just my 2cents
Bruno
Quote from: Brucer on March 31, 2017, 12:24:16 PM
Got a "failed to connect" message when I tried the WM link. You guys must be overloading their servers :D :D.
For all you die-hard WM monorail lovers, don't be too critical until you have a really close look. Four-post mills and monorail mills each have certain advantages, so at first glance WM is just broadening their market.
However, from a designer's perspective, any time a radical new approach is taken to a well-established product, there's an opportunity to introduce a lot of new features. If you look closely you will probably discover a few nice features. I've already spotted a couple just by looking at the picture ;D.
Like that chain turner. Plus vertical log stops. Steve
Some people got it in there head that they just don't like monorails.
So I think WM is just going after that market.
Nice lookin' mill! 8)
Looks to be very solidly built! 8)
I dont think that is it.
I am holding out for the announcement of the ALL NEW WOODMIXER!
PC
Quote from: Bluejay27 on March 31, 2017, 12:38:22 PM
Quote from: DGK on March 31, 2017, 10:55:13 AM
My case in point are the new wide-head mills that still don't have a de-barker that will work with smaller logs.
I don't know about the 40/50, but our 2015 LT70 wide has a debarker with sufficient reach. In fact, it's the prototype, and the LT35 has the same design. Keep in mind that engineering is only half the battle. They have to do enough field testing to make sure the production model won't become a warranty headache. And the wood-splitters and Titan line were purchased from existing companies, so not a lot of engineering required besides picking the right paint scheme.
And I might just need to buy one of these for when the log pile is on the wrong side.
From what I have been told by the Wood-Mizer dealer that I work with, is that the de-barker on the wide-head mills will only work on logs 12" and larger. I do a lot of 7-11" logs as well as large ones that exceed the capacity of the mill hence the interest in the wide-heads. Maybe the information given to me is not correct.
I was sitting in a meeting this morning when the email popped up debuting the new mill. Like some other posters, I too felt a little disappointed to see an orange twin rail machine. It was kind of like watching your favorite truck manufacturer copy another manufacturer's design. But WM is just going after an un-served market. That market is the guys who are die hard twin rail mill operators that like orange paint!
Until now WM had no product out there in this space. This will no doubt increase sales and put more WM mills on the road. I want WM to be around to service and support my LT40 for a long time, since I plan on running it for a long time. If they aren't profitable, they won't be here to do that. So hats off to WM for expanding their market!!
Looks like a heck of a nice mill! I was kind if surprised, but I think WM was counting on that.
At first I thought it should have Zebra stripes, but Bengal Tiger stripes are better.
I think Woodmizer is about to turn around over the next few years and knock the socks off y'all and the rest of the North American manufacturers. Thats what happens when you (they) get out of their comfort zone and look at what the rest of the world is doing.
The expansion into Europe and the purchase of the Multisaw (now Titan) lines exposed WM to what the rest of the world needs in a sawmill, and compared with the Euro guys what they and every other North American manufacturer makes is ... I'm not saying inferior in build quality becaue they are well made... but its like comparing a BMW with a bare bones Crown Victoria . All those things you dont realise how good they are until you got them... auto adjustable tensioners, onboard edgers, integrated scanning and setworks. Remember when A/C was a big upgrade and AM radio and bench seats was standard?
Simple truth is that "futuristic" from North America is a Select double sider... and thats pretty much bare bones by European standards. Which is not a criticism of WM or any of the other North American manufacturers in terms of build quality etc etc because what they build is a good entry level product. But a guy like me wants more then that - I want A/C and Satnav and leather bucket seats and the ability to cruise down the autobahn at 130 mph like she was riding on rails.
A cantilevered head is a finely balanced engineering marvel and theres nothing wrong with that. But what its not is a 4 poster, which is the engineering equivalent of a house brick. Many of those "futuristic" euro type options would be difficult to achieve on a cantilever because they upset the balance of it.
I reckon that more then just appealing to the diehard 4 post market they're building a testbed. And the first manufacturer from an english speaking country (so I can talk with the parts guy direct) who builds me a bandmill with 3 or 4" band and onboard edgers gets to sell me a sawmill.
Congratulations Woodmizer.
I like the look and would surely get used to it.
Not a bad idea getting into other markets.....when you can produce a good product, go for it.
As sawyers, we try to cover as many markets as we can with our lumber.....I commend you for doing the same.
Thanks again for your sponsorship on the Forestry Forum.
Don't see how it is an improvement over the cantilever design, but I guess it will bring in more sales. Actually, it should be an incredibly rigid frame. If they're using two beams that are as heavy gauge as the one on the monorails, that thing should have virtually no flex.
Personally, I'm quite happy with my 22 year old LT40, though it would be nice to have a two plane clamp..... and a chain turner.......and roller toe boards...... and a wide head......... ::)
The sawmill I deliver logs too has a bandmill that edges as it cuts, I have not seen it in action as they have removed the edging attachment for now, but I wonder if woodmizer is thinking along those lines with the four poster.
I had to go back and watch the video again. I don't have a loader so it didn't register with me that it is on the "wrong" side! Maybe they are going after the European market :D
What I thought was odd is the controls are on the head (so you have to walk with it) and you are eating sawdust. Are all WM like that? If not, its probably because it has the loader on the wrong side. ;) I clicked on the Build It link but you can't - it just gives you the standard build. Wonder if you can get the remote controls - or whatever its called - so you can just stand (or sit) and cut logs.
Yes, it said that Command Control, AccuSet, and Debarker would be future options.
The only real difference that I see is that you operate this sawmill from the rear and toward the hitch.
It's design would not work for me because I quite regularly have to deal with logs in the 40"+ class.
I love the new mill, but can't understand why they didn't put the 35 hp diesel motor in the first line production. As far as the de-barker, not too much of a problem as long as you stay on the open face while cutting. I do like the log turner, which will make staying on the open face much easier. But once again (broken record here), why not put the wireless controls on the mill now?? I guess they need to hear and see feedback before going into full production, but it sure would have been more impressive with those options now! Fine adjust outriggers are the cat's meow, and woodmizer quality will surely make the mill dependable. I have an LT 40 and love the bed frame, robust log clamp and rock solid log stops. But darn, 4 LOG STOPS on the new mill would have been reaaaallll nice to have. Just my two cents. I'm willing to wait until the upgrades come before putting down money,,,but it is real tempting.... ;D ;D
I don't see the cupholders on the new rig. :(
Times are a changin!
I hope that change involves an edger that cuts as wide as their competition.
http://youtu.be/H0PT-e1gciU
Don't get excited. After all, it is April First. :D
Everything changed when the Chicago Cubs won the world series.
Bibbyman, I was also thinking of an early April 1. For us seniors, I was also reminded of the Ford Edsel!
You can be sure WM is reading all this and taking it all in...
The whole reason I went with the 2 rail LT15 platform was so that I could have the MP100 planer (I only plane I don't mould). I use it to plane timbers and re-flatten cuts that I get a wave in while sawing. I also use it to flatten slabs that will fit, and re-flatten curved timbers after they've stabilized for a year. My one complaint about the MP100 is that I want it to plane wider. On the LT15 I also would like a chain turner and electric toe boards.
This new mill would solve a couple things for me - chain turner, toe boards, De-barker is a nicety. But I'm betting they will not adapt the MP100 to it. If they did, they could make it slide more to cover wider slabs and curved timbers.
I don't know how Woodmizer does their market research to determine their direction. I've never seen any kind of survey from them.
So when this mill is rear ended, the first thing to get destroyed is the hydraulic controls..
When I think 4 posters, I think of a Baker Mill, Those things are a Rocket!
I'm calling Ross to see if I can see one at the open house.
So Brad-bb, If Wood Mizer made a planner, 36" wide to sit on the mill frame like what you have now. That would work nicely , I wonder if the tongue comes off so a guy can add 20 more feet to it?
Think of having 3 or more heads on the rails.
Saw, planer, and a molder, All on the track on the end out of the way of sawing logs.
It'll be interesting to see if any Woodmizer LT25-LT70 mill owners would ever go for a two railer. I doubt it.
I can see Woodmizer taking sales away from other mill manufacturers.
Back when Mary and I went to a lot of forestry shows, we visited with all the vendors. They all exalted on their 4 post, 2 rail mill and found fault with Woodmizer "wobbly head". I commented that Woodmizer could easily build a two rail mill but they couldn't build a cantilever head mill.
Quote from: Tom L on March 31, 2017, 12:37:42 PM
I couldn't see in the video
is it driven on both sides or only one
There is a chain running along the rail on both sides (you can see it when he is unhitching).
Quote from: Brad_bb on April 01, 2017, 09:34:17 AM
I don't know how Woodmizer does their market research to determine their direction. I've never seen any kind of survey from them.
There is sooooo much knowledge and experience here on the FF, they would do very well to have a focus group from a number of you guys. They would probably have you guys sign a non-disclosure agreement so they could keep it under wraps until ready to release. Hey, I would even volunteer to be a rookie test subject ;) :D
Quote from: ljohnsaw on April 01, 2017, 12:14:01 PM
... There is sooooo much knowledge and experience here on the FF, they would do very well to have a focus group from a number of you guys. ...
Maybe they have ;D ;D.
Quote... They would probably have you guys sign a non-disclosure agreement so they could keep it under wraps until ready to release. ...
Maybe they did ;D.
Peter, if you click on the WM link for the mill it lists a schedule where the mill can be seen. Ross's open house on the 15th is one of the dates.
Thanks, I will look.
Quote from: Brucer on April 01, 2017, 12:54:48 PM
Quote from: ljohnsaw on April 01, 2017, 12:14:01 PM
... There is sooooo much knowledge and experience here on the FF, they would do very well to have a focus group from a number of you guys. ...
Maybe they have ;D ;D.
Quote... They would probably have you guys sign a non-disclosure agreement so they could keep it under wraps until ready to release. ...
Maybe they did ;D.
Weeellllll, from the comments above (some really great ideas for improvement on this new release), maybe they didn't listen or talk to the right people... ;)
I think WM has thus pretty well figured out, in terms of what people will buy. It's one thing for us to armchair coach the tgings we'd like to see, they have to look at it from the perspective of what they can design, build and sell, all at a profit. 2 very different things. These mills are built to serve an already existing market, it looks like. 2 post or 4, they can serve it up any way you like now, with WM parts and service to back it up ;)
I think it was Longtime Lurker mentioning the difference between European and North American manufacturing. I can't speak to mills (other than WM mills must work well in Europe for the personal mill market, or they wouldn't be selling over there. They do have to be modified for Euro safety standards in some ways though, for instance the debarker turns away from the operator. I think they should all be like that) but I have seen the difference between Euro and NA forestry equipment. If you get out of a Ponsse machine and go jump in a Deere skidder or something, of the same vintage, you will immediately notice the difference in comfort- ergonomics, noise level, etc. On the flip side, Euro CTL equipment that went to the American south didn't fare well, American skidders and bunchers are built heavier duty and you southern loggers destroyed the Ponsse's :D
John s I also thought about the Edsel.
Cantilever mills work great, if it aint broke
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/3284415109_ebbd38a340_m%5B1%5D.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1269864927)
Edsel? Did someone mention Edsel? How about this 1959 Pink Convertible that Pat & I Eloped in?
Very nice MM! Is it still running? I remember the description, "a Mercury pushing a toilet seat".
Quote from: barbender on April 01, 2017, 02:55:37 PM
I think WM has thus pretty well figured out, in terms of what people will buy. It's one thing for us to armchair coach the things we'd like to see, they have to look at it from the perspective of what they can design, build and sell, all at a profit. 2 very different things. These mills are built to serve an already existing market, it looks like. 2 post or 4, they can serve it up any way you like now, with WM parts and service to back it up ;)
All business must innovate to survive: yours, mine, WM's. Thats just the way of things in business, the old "if it aint broke dont fix it" mentality is good to a point but ultimately if you dont improve your product and your competitors improve theirs then you wind up like Cat did for many years - complacency led to a loss of market share and share value because they felt they could rest on their laurels.
WM have been with the thin kerf band thing from the start and have ridden it about as far as it can go in many respects. They have innovated, they have branched out into different markets etc etc and along the way they've built a reputation for customer service, build quality and all those things which do matter: If I had need of a narrow band mill I'd have no hesitation in buying a WM product because of that reputation.
Thing is that in this thread we've seen a bit of a look at various wish lists of features that customers existing or potential want to see on a bandmill. Most of those features are not impossible (well maybe the cup holder... the cup holder is hard... not so much the cupholder itself but the screen that keeps the sawdust from your cup without ever getting in the way...
that would be hard.) and some of them have been done elsewhere. Maybe not at the same price point as the base model units but WM aint just about portable mills anymore.
Looking at what your existing customers want - or think they want - is never a bad thing for any business. Doesnt always mean its practical or possible but it's still important to do so. Looking at what other potential customers in any industry want that you don't do is just as important: asking the question of "why you bought from them not us". Again, it doesnt mean that you can necessarily meet their needs but if you get the same answer enough times it at least gives you a place to direct R&D money to. And theres at least a couple guys who frequent this forum that are working around the upper productivity limit of their equipment, asking "what would you need to take it to the next level" is also important: a happy ex customer who praises your product but outgrew your product line is still an ex customer.
My customers are mostly builders... asking questions has led me to look at things a long way from hacking logs into boards like gluelam, and prefabrication because my customers are looking for solutions. I might not be ready or able to go there yet but at least they know I'm looking and I cared enough to ask, and I can say that a result has been we have started to gluelam and pre-prime a bit on order.
I'm not a builder, I'm a sawmiller - I wouldnt know what the issues were if I didnt bother to ask, much less find a solution.
WM's customers are sawmillers, and the way to find out what sawmillers want and why is to ask sawmillers. WM have done so and because of it they've recently released two new product lines - the wide heads and the two railers.
Kudos to them for doing so.
Very interesting sawmill. I read somewhere that stated the price tag was around 39k, Not verified though,
Would love to take a test drive!
It might be in Maine for the open house, Maybe, Will see,
If it is there I will get some pixs.
Seems odd they put the controls on the rear unless it creates clearance problems with the towing vehicle.
Would there be a problem designing it with the sawdust exhaust on the opposite side from the controls? Looks like it would keep it out of your face a little better.
So did they put the controls on the "other end", and the log loader on the "other side"? Or did they move the hitch to the "other end" and shift the axle accordingly?
;D.
Like Will Johnson said, "Imitation is the..." :-X
Hello,
What company or person was the first to make a portable narrow band four post design? I am sure there have been many changes through the years.
M
A lot longer ago than you might think. Here is an example in a book I have, published in 1922.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20170404_080951.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1491308058)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20170404_081032.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1491308076)
it's odd Jeff but we having exactly that conversation the other day. There's been no real new sawmill concepts since the 1950's with the first circular swing mill designs. Chainsaws in the 1940's I believe.
But before that... circle saws have been going since the industrial revolution I guess. Bands probably about that old too. Sash saws since who knows when in antiquity, but at least the middle ages. Hand saws and axes since forever.
We might be refining the technology and tweaking it... but theres no truly startling innovation at all. Chipper canters I guess but thats really a chipper head in front of a gang saw isn't it?
What we do today and what we do it with hasn't really changed that much in a couple hundred years.
Is that guy riding just like MM?
My First response to it is; WHY??
Any experiance I have had with a 4 post type mill has been less than stellar! But I have only been milling for 10 years.
The new wide head mills are very appealing to me though.
Jeff,
Didn't realize you were publishing in 1922. you're older than you look in your photo. :D
Oh, the power of a comma! :) (which I since inserted.) I am a proponent of the Oxford Comma, and yet, so it seems, I can't even grasp the use of the normal comma. :D
I guess I was taught to use the Oxford comma. I didn't know that there was another accepted form or that there was such a thing as the oxford comma. The things you learn if you hang around here long enough. :P
Quote from: Ga Mtn Man on April 04, 2017, 06:52:37 AM
Like Will Johnson said, "Imitation is the..." :-X
Since Will was the only one that made a correct guess before the official announcement, I bet he is on that Woodmizer focus group Brucer alluded to.
Well maybe not. :D :D
Makes you wonder if he has a spy planted across the street. :D
I would never suggest anything like that. :o ;D :)
Quote from: uler3161 on March 28, 2017, 09:31:07 PM
So does this [spoiler]new mill[/spoiler] spell the end of the [spoiler]WM monorail design[/spoiler]?
Figured I'd stir the pot a little by being vague. ;D
No, this guy was the first guy to tell us what it was, Will prolly read this like I did and knew at that point. Was suprised how many ppl missed this
Quote from: 4x4American on April 04, 2017, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: uler3161 on March 28, 2017, 09:31:07 PM
So does this [spoiler]new mill[/spoiler] spell the end of the [spoiler]WM monorail design[/spoiler]?
Figured I'd stir the pot a little by being vague. ;D
No, this guy was the first guy to tell us what it was, Will prolly read this like I did and knew at that point. Was suprised how many ppl missed this
I found it by looking around their website + Google cache. Everything except the photo that is. But once I saw the photo it really wasn't what I thought. I didn't want to give away the surprise.
Well if you're a four post mill fan this one is all you . I've seen it for the past month or so but have not run it . I like a bunch of the features on it and the head is nothing short of impressive . It's always cool to see whats new with WM and this is the coolest thing in a while as far as mills go . For me personally I will absolutely be staying with a single beam mill . I feel that bar none the LT40 LT50 series are the ultimate in portable milling and produce as good if not better lumber than anything else . My reasons are simple really ,it just comes down to user friendlyness in portable milling situations . I can say at first sight my jaw dropped a little , they didn't hold much back on this one .
Impressive looking mill. I'd love to have one!
The cantilever mills aren't going away though. As far as I am concerned, they are still a great option for the "not so perfect" shapes and sizes that we sometimes (or often) have to deal with.
According to the video, there were a lot of requests for a 4-poster mill. I guess it warranted another Woodmizer mill option. We'll see how they develop this one.
I believe someone mentioned a Select sawmill in an earlier post. They have a 4-post design intended for industrial applications. The WM3500 would be competing in that market. I find it interesting that Woodmizer kept their cantilever design with that mill.
Seems like sawdust shute should be on the other side so you don't have to walk thru all that dust
If they did that the sawdust would be dumped on the loader arms and the on-deck logs.
That plus everything else also would be wrong. To saw against the side supports which is "normal", they would have to be moved to the other side so now the clamp is wrong. Oops, now you are loading against the log clamp instead of the side supports, so lets move the log deck to the other side so that you can now trip over that as you saw. Gotta also reverse the engine so that it is turning backwards. :o
On second thought, I would much rather deal with the sawdust, which is what I already do. :)
and on the LT-35 I got to run it was nice to have the sawdust to walk on. I even shoveled some back to the operators area to smooth out that area. :)
Quote from: Magicman on April 10, 2017, 01:25:44 PM
That plus everything else also would be wrong. To saw against the side supports which is "normal", they would have to be moved to the other side so now the clamp is wrong. Oops, now you are loading against the log clamp instead of the side supports, so lets move the log deck to the other side so that you can now trip over that as you saw. Gotta also reverse the engine so that it is turning backwards. :o
On second thought, I would much rather deal with the sawdust, which is what I already do. :)
Well, the "easy" solution would be to just have remote controls so you don't even have to walk. Second best, add a seat on the loader side of the head and put the controls there. You would be riding above the loader and not getting in the sawdust. You've got a 4 post mill there so no issue with the weight of the rider (like maybe it would be on a cantilever head?).
:D 8)
I sit corrected, just watched YouTube video of LX450 with a new design debarker on it. Shows how much I know.
Quote from: John S on April 13, 2017, 11:29:11 AM
I sit corrected, just watched YouTube video of LX450 with a new design debarker on it. Shows how much I know.
Looks like they put on the dragback steering fingers too. And an electric motor. Getting warmer WM!
Had one in Maine,
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1250.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492304406)
Some pics.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1246.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492304331)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1245.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492304309)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1247.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492304350)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1238.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303995)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1237.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303930)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1222.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303523)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1236.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303899)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1235.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303861)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1234.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303824)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1233.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303794)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1232.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303777)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1231.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303757)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1230.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303736)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1229.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303714)
36 horse gas.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1228.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303695)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1227.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303669)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1226.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303631)
Maybe a thing to hold the guide fingers.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1224.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492303596)
And spent some time with Mr Bouchard ;D
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/SAM_1249.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1492304371)
I love it, think it's great. Thanks for all the close up pics Pete, the WM site leaves more to be desired. I think with a RA, D55, and conveyor outfeed it would be a great little mill
Thanks, Peter. Those pictures are great!
I see lots of familiar parts along with some new ideas.
Quote from: Peter Drouin on April 15, 2017, 10:06:02 PM
... Maybe a thing to hold the guide fingers ...
I think that long pin might be to hold up the dragback fingers (notice the holes in them -- right size and right position.
Perhaps the rod is to pin the fingers in a up position during travel so they don't swing back and forth
WM does a super job of custom fit and finish. Not sure how the rollers raise? A motor and chain?
Well, I finally got to see the new LX450 up close and personal. I went to the Woodmizer open house / training event in PDX over the weekend. Frankly for me the marketing seminar and training was a waste of $$$. And if you advertise a $40 fee for those that sign up online, you should charge that, rather than the $50 you charged at the door... Apparently the $40 fee required prepayment, yet there was no way to prepay online. I'll just make sure they take $50 off my next mill purchase and I'll be happy.
On the plus side, they had the entire range of mills available. This was great, sicne it allowed me to grab a tape and see how big a log I could really stuff through the mill. I bought my LT35HYD because it suited my needs at the time and after running manual mills, I wanted the hydraulic log handling. After running it for a while, it was obvious that I needed to be able to handle larger logs. I was planning on upgrading last year, but got sidelined when I went into Hepatic /Renal failure and spent 6 months in and out of the hospital, ultimately ending up with a dual transplant. Liver and Kidney ver 2.0 are doing fine, and now there are more options on the table, and it's time to upgrade.
The biggest drawback to me is the size of the logs I have available to me. My LT35 is ideal for 18 - 24" logs. Squeezing 40"+ logs is possible, but I spend a lot of time whittling the sucker down to where I can work with it. The stated capacity of the mill isn't as advertised either. I can only cut 23" between the blade guides on my machine, and then only a 4" slab or so before the diagonal brace gets in the way.
My plan was to upgrade to an LT40 to get a bit more room. Now with the LT40 wide version, I'd never consider the standard version. The extra 6" is really nice. Interestingly, the LT40,50, and 70 wide all have the same drawbacks. They are limited in cut width by the distance between the blade guides, and the throat. If you add the board dragback option you lose 2 1/2" under the throat. The LX450 has the most space available of all the machines I looked at if I want to cut a big cant. It can easily cut 34" widths (measured between the blade guides), which is an inch more than I measured on all the other models. It can fit 17" under the throat, and they mounted the dragback arms in front of the frame, so if you pin them up, you don't lose any available room.
I often lower my back stops and hang the log past them, balanced on the log turner and clamp to gain a wee bit of extra cutting room. This trick works on all the machines I saw, but the cantilever design definitely lets you hang an oddball shaped log off the side. Still, I think the LX450 would handle the largest log of any of the mills that I looked at. The real limit is what will clear the frame, which means I could stuff a log 51" tall x 45" wide through this mill before having to resort to whittling it down with a chainsaw. I'm sold.... I know what I want now.
If I wanted a portable mill, I'd stick with a cantilever design. Since my needs are more of a stationary mill, the LX450 fits the bill. I plan to order one up as soon as the debarker and diesel option are available. I can build my own rail extensions, in fact it's much easier with this mill than a cantilever design.
So what's a lightly used (under 100 hours) LT35 hyd worth with a debarker, extra backstops, spare gas tanks, and a couple dozen blades...?
Do you get many oval shaped logs? The log diameter capacity of the LT mills is not the width of the rollers, it is the diameter of log that will fit on the mill without a lot of hassle. I've sawn many 40" and bigger logs on my LT40 with alog capacity of 36", but it's better to quarter them with a chainsaw first if I'm not making a timber.
Just reread this thread from the start and several times I noticed questions/comments about why the sawdust shoot was on the same side as the operator. Just so everyone knows, the sawdust shoot in relationship to the operator station is no different in the LX450 than it is in any other walk along control station from Wood-Mizer, LT15 right up through LT70. The sawdust blows out past the operator, in front of and to his/her left. Never a problem unless the wind is wrong and if it did go the other way it would still be a problem if the wind was wrong.
Also, as there has always been, the two rail system vs monorail system has pluses and minuses either way. As a sawyer, we make our choice as to what best meets our needs. I commend Wood-Mizer for making a business decision that will ultimately meet the needs of more of us.
That being said, the monorail system still does the best job of meeting my needs.
Quote from: Darrel on April 24, 2017, 10:38:34 PM
, the monorail system still does the best job of meeting my needs.
Keep the mill you have, The new 450 don't cut much faster then the mill you have.
Peter, that is my plan.
I'll go with the upgrade, since it cuts a wider slab than all the others, and I'm tired of farting around whittling down logs that are too big. The mill is also beefier for the big logs. Perfect for a stationary setup. Like I said, I'd prefer to keep the monorail if I was doing portable milling though.
I may have scored a huge log deck today. Just need to figure out how to break it down to get it home.
Quote from: Darrel on April 24, 2017, 10:38:34 PM
........ the sawdust shoot in relationship to the operator station is no different in the LX450 than it is in any other walk along control station from Wood-Mizer, LT15 right up through LT70. The sawdust blows out past the operator, in front of and to his/her left. Never a problem unless the wind is wrong and if it did go the other way it would still be a problem if the wind was wrong........
My original comment on the dust dumping right in front of the operator comes from the fact that where I live the wind is almost always blowing, and generally in your face or swirling around the mill....any distance you can get it away from you would help. Unless I wear goggles I can barely see after a day of sawing.
Biggest issue of moving the operator station to the other side would be the loader arms....not too much of a problem when down but I'm guessing most leave them part way up to hold flitches for edging.
As stated....the remote control station is probably the best soluion.
Yes, remote is the only way to get away from the dust, and wireless is the best of the remotes. The sawdust must blow away from the loading arms, and the operator must not walk on the loading arm side. That leaves the operator on the sawdust side. I leave my sawdust chute up on my 40, and it blows a long ways away from the mill, about 25 feet.