OK Furby...Here is the scoop

hawby · December 12, 2005, 08:48:19 PM

OK everybody I have dropped a few hints, but Furbster has chewed on my ear so here is the scoop for all of youse guys!

I have been subcontracting to a logging firm for a few months sawing pallet lumber and other misc. functions. One of the several mills that sawed grade lumber for the firm, went bankrupt. This left a large capacity problem, so... I was able to purchase the used LT40 Super that was onsite AND I also bought a BRAND NEW LT70 Electric. In addition, I purchased a nearly new Woodmizer two saw electric edger.

The beauty of the deal is, I do not have to do any logging, buying of timber, or mudbogging. The BEST part of the deal is I don't have to sell any lumber. I am just a "service industry". Quite a wonderful deal from my point of view.

I'll post some pics as soon as I get the proper programs loaded on the new computer so I can optimize them. I want to thank those of you that encouraged me back in January. I had a few months that I was just a little worried that I might have made a mistake leaving the evil "Corporate World." No such thoughts now....

Merry Christmas !!!!!!

Furby · December 12, 2005, 08:53:09 PM

;D ;D ;D
Glad to see things are looking up!
Was kinda hard waiting for ya to break the news on this, and I'll be waiting for them pics!!! :D

Tom · December 12, 2005, 09:05:02 PM

Way to go Hawby! If you get rich, write us a book. I want to know how. :D

hawby · December 12, 2005, 09:10:41 PM

RICH!?!?! :D :D :D

Now that there is funny!!!

sprucebunny · December 12, 2005, 10:26:08 PM

Congratulations, Hawby 8)

You've taken some big steps !!

Paschale · December 13, 2005, 12:07:13 AM

Congrats Hawby! This is good news! 8)

Don K · December 13, 2005, 03:33:21 AM

Congrats Hawby!! It's nice to see someone make a move that requires stepping out on faith and it coming to fruit. 8) 8) 8) 8)

TN_man · December 13, 2005, 05:29:13 AM

Way to go Hawby 8)
I would like to take that step but I am having a hard time finding a steady log supplier. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I am glad to hear that things are falling into place for you though.

sparks · December 13, 2005, 07:42:20 AM

Congrats Hawby. Make sure you give us a call here a Wood-Mizer and we'll get the equipment you bought registered into your name. 1-800-525-8100.

OneWithWood · December 13, 2005, 08:14:06 AM

Way to go, Hawby 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

Norm · December 13, 2005, 08:35:01 AM

Way to go Hawby! I'm green with envy....well actually this time of year I'm more like pale white. ;D

I'm looking forward to hearing how you like the electric LT-70.

Corley5 · December 13, 2005, 09:28:30 AM

That's 8) 8) Congrats

beenthere · December 13, 2005, 09:35:05 AM

My congrats too, Hawby.
Will be looking forward to hearing more about your venture.
Will 'Dad' be helping you out? Enjoyed meeting him with you at the PiggyRoast.

johncinquo · December 13, 2005, 10:31:40 AM

Congrats again Ken. I would bet that this whole deal is going to work out great for you. Good things do come back around for folks who deserve it.

Hey I got a question, did ya ever get that kitchen finished? Cause now I dont see it ever getting done with you running that operation full steam ahead!

Anybody who ever met Ken back when he was working in the chemical cave would be surprised to see him now. He has lost a few Lbs, is bouncing off the walls with excitement and energy, has a much better outlook and attitude about all of life. When things start going good the little things that go wrong don't seem like anything, when your down and just, tired of where your at and how things are, everything seems to pile up on top of each other. Now a downpour would roll off the guys back like rain off a duck.

Kevin_H. · December 13, 2005, 01:33:05 PM

Alright way to go 8)

maple flats · December 13, 2005, 05:34:45 PM

Fantastic! Most of us wish we could find a similar deal and the wisdom to recognize it as such. You did great and best wishes on this venture. I know from experience that it is real good to get out of the corporate world, I have never regreted it nor will you.

hawby · December 13, 2005, 08:48:04 PM

Thanks everbody ! It has been a little scary at times, but as someone said, ya have to recognize when an opportunity slaps ya side the face. I could not have scripted a better setting to operate in. The facilities are top notch, four miles from home, and set in a woodsy environment. I had 10 deer within 25 yards of the mill today. I have had as many as 9 tom turkeys walk within slingshot range while I was sawing.

I sawed approx. 2200 bdft of pallet lumber today. The LT70 is so cool to operate. I had used simple setworks before, but not the full blown system... It has taken a little getting used to the "Pattern mode", but I like it. Saves a lot of number crunching in my head. ( That I ussually either didnot bother with...or I did it incorrect)

Learned a little about the blade guides today. After approx 7 hours on the machine, I had to raise the upper guide blocks a little. I was getting wavy, and the blade was heating up. I first thought it was the blade, but a new blade did same thing. It did not take much, but now it cuts great again.

How did I EVER get along without a debarker? I love that thing. The chain log turner is neat. It is an improvement over the arm turner. There are still situations that don't seem to work right, but I hope to learn the tricks sooner or later.

I seem to be creating a LOT of sawdust. I have a collector but so much seems to come off at the stationary blade guide. It piles up under the mast and I have to clean it off when I get down close to the bed. Have any of you guys encountered this phenomena and how have you cured it?

I especially want to "Thank" Dewwood for putting the "upgrade bug" in my heart. I used his mill earlier this last Summer and I just never liked my old mill after that again. That 2 plane clamping system is like another man helping out. Dewey, ya need to collect your demo fee from Woodmizer.

Yes John, getting out from behind that computer desk and stress factory has been a lifesaver. Down 26 pounds so far and adding some muscle..... The 7 to 6 hours seem long, but I was putting that in plus an hour drive each way...."What was I thinking???"

Now if I could just find a way to get some hours or the $$$$ to finish that kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom..... :

DanG · December 13, 2005, 09:01:51 PM

Well, Ken, I held back on my congratulatory speech, 'cause I figured you'd never make it back to the computer with all them mills and all that work. Since you've come up for air and stopped by for a visit, let me be the first to add my congratulations. ;D That LT-40 is a nice machine, but the 70 is awesome! Can't believe ya got BOTH of'em! 8) 8) 8)

Ernie · December 13, 2005, 09:19:32 PM

Congrats it's always good that when opportunity knocks, you open the door.

hawby · December 13, 2005, 09:47:45 PM

I can't believe I have them both either, DanG. It was one of those gotta make a decision NOW things. I didn't even try to sell my old mill. Woodmizer gave me a fair tradein toward the 70 so... I took it. Could made $3-4k more, but woulda had to wait for a sale and I just didn't have time. Whole deal was 3 weeks from conception to delivery

oakiemac · December 14, 2005, 07:24:40 AM

Hey Ken,

Good news! I'm glad things are going good for ya. I'm still stuck in the corparate night mare. You know what I mean.
I'll be calling you in January for some Maple logs.

Once again congratulations!!! 8)

sawguy21 · December 14, 2005, 07:35:59 AM

Congratulations Ken. I am glad to hear the plan fell into place so neatly at the right time and place. Pretty soon the sawdust will become a basic food group ;D

Furby · March 10, 2006, 08:18:14 PM

Well I finally got around to checking out Ken's setup today, missed seeing Oakie though by a couple hours I hear.
All I can say is that is one nice mill! 8) 8) 8)
It was a real treat to see a LT70 going all out in a production setting comapared to what you see at the shows and such.
Even got to see some of those deer that hang around.
Thanks for the dust fix Ken and keep plugging away! ;)

Bibbyman · March 10, 2006, 08:28:29 PM

Quote from: hawby on December 13, 2005, 08:48:04 PM

I seem to be creating a LOT of sawdust. I have a collector but so much seems to come off at the stationary blade guide. It piles up under the mast and I have to clean it off when I get down close to the bed. Have any of you guys encountered this phenomena and how have you cured it?

Congradulations! What a deal!

About the sawdust buildup. No cure that I know of. >:(

Around here, it's been the offbearer's job to watch the buildup and clean it out when the sawyer is turning the cant.

dewwood · March 11, 2006, 06:37:19 AM

Ken,

I was thinking about you the other day and wandering how the sawing was going now that you have several thousand feet under your belt. How do you like the LT 70? I think the electric would be great and would like to switch to it but my mill is still in very good condition and no real reason to update other than want to. I hope things are working out the way you had planned. Maybe we can get up that way this summer some time and check it out. I made a delivery in Buchanan Mich recently and thought about it then but that was still a long way to go to your place.

Hope things are going well will you and Dad be at the Piggy Party this year?

Dewey