Introduction...question

[Red Elk]

last one today...
tracking adjustment...I hope...


 

[Kbeitz]

The third picture... Is that the blade guide wheel ?

[Red Elk]

Yes, that is the blade guide. Here is a picture of the other one...directly across from it on the blade


 

[Red Elk]

these were taken while moving the mill up on to the tracks. The dead grass is just a momentary event. Apparently the guide wheels are some sort of small wheel/with boat grease hubs on them?
This is a real redneck deal...

[KirkD]

Seems like those blade guides would take the set right out of the blade. Maybe the ride further forward than it looks?

[Kbeitz]

Now that's what I would call some real down pressure with your
blade guides. If you would raising them up you could cut a larger
log and I would think have less problems tracking.

[Darrel]

Those blade guides look more like band busters to me. I don't intend to be insulting to the builder, but I don't see how a band could last with that much down pressure and being taken over that tight of a radius twice each time around.

[plowboyswr]

The blade looks more like one we use on our shop band saw to cut metal with. And is the belt running on the tread of the drive tire? I would question the blade speed on it. Those "guides" would have to go if it were mine.

[Ox]

Yeah.....those guides won't work the way they are, unfortunately.  Good idea using timing belt idler bearings for part of a guide, though.

[Red Elk]

I really appreciate all the info and comments. No insult to the builder taken. It is just what I am starting with...will go from here until I can build another. I figured what I learned fixing this one would just help me on the next one.
I will look closer at what you all have said, and try to get some more info as to your questions.
re

[Red Elk]

here are a couple more pictures...track, right wheel adjustment, motor and back side. 

  

  

 

[Red Elk]

last few photos I have currently...


  

 

[Ox]

The good news is it looks like most everything you need is there and looks rugged enough.
I think the funky guides are an attempt at a poor design regarding blade height off the deck when it's as low as it can go.  This is what I had to do with my first mill attempt when using basically no plans at all.  It was a piece of junk and embarrassing to look at.  It worked in theory but as far as long lasting results - wah wah wahhhhh......
BUT - I also accomplished what I set out to do and that was to build a mill that would cut an accurate board for basically no money layout.  I spent less than $100 total I think... and it looked it.  :D

One thought for you:  you might find it better to put your money and time toward a used, cheaper manual mill like a Woodlands mill.  People buy and sell all the time and good deals are pretty easy to find.  I see a lot of time and money to make your mill perform well.  Perhaps even more than half the cost of a good used entry level mill.

Unless you just love tinkering and freeing up stuck and rusted machinery.  Then you're in the right place looking at that mill!  ;)