Best Sawmill Alignment Secrets! Can You Pass the FIRST FIVE TEST (F5T)?

Does Your Sawmill Pass the First Five Test (FFT) of sawmill alignments? These are the best and most impotent alignments of your sawmill. Secrets of the Pros For Both Manual and Hydraulic Sawmills.
Other videos reference in this video: • Saw Flat and Saw Fast!...
Welcome to Hobby Hardwood Alabama - a real, professional sawmill lumber production business, ranked by a national website as producing the highest quality wood in Alabama. We started with a chainsaw mill, upgraded to a portable manaul sawmill, then a production bandsaw mill. We are not a video company, but we are a real lumber company, and want to show others some of our money making and business sawmill techniques. We are not a video company, but we are a real lumber company, and want to show others some of our money making and business sawmill techniques. This video is another example of sawmilling for our business, Hobby Hardwood, Alabama. We show how we mill logs, dry them and other things on our outdoor farm. We use our amazing fleet of hardware and tools, such as our custom New Holland Tractor, Wood-Mizer LT-70 sawmill, as well as our Cantek planers, Baker edgers, and SLR machines in action, operation, milling and while sawing logs to lumber. The Woodmizer LT Super 70 sawmill is the the biggest, fasted and most automatic bandsaw mill Woodmizer makes, with joystick control and Diesel engine. Very few sawmills are this fast, including Baker, Morgan, Harbor Freight, Cooks, Northern, Timber King, Norwood, Woodland, chainsaw mill, and Hudson. It’s not an Amish Sawmill, but the fastest and most modern band mill Wood-Mizer makes and produces the best lumber wood for wood working projects and our lumber business. We also showcase our Nyle Kilns and air drying lumber techniques. Lots of tips and tricks to make sawing and drying easier for beginners and professional woodworkers to keep our sawmill turning trees and logs into gold instead of firewood. My buddy, Nathan Elliot, of Out of the Woods Sawmill, OTW, convinced me I needed to start filming our operation, so here goes. Someday I want to have as many followers as other sawmill videos on KZbin, like Nathan and Outdoors With the Morgans. We show how to make money with your sawmill and pass on our how-to tips and tricks for better sawmilling. Watch us use our sawmill, chainsaw mill, band saw, and bandsaw, compact track loader and other Kubota and New Holland excavators.
#woodyoda , #sawmill, #planer, #woodworking,#lumberkiln, #Hobby Hardwood, #hobbyhardwood
Joe Maine [phone] makes my bands for me, using WM Turbo Silvertip stock, 0.055" x 1.5". He is in Georgia but can ship anywhere. The best I have used.
Go check us out on our other pages! Mail Address: 237 Shady Trail, New Market, Al, 35761 Email for Business Inquires: [e-mail] OUR WEBSITE: www.hobbyhardw... PRODUCTS WE USE: www.hobbyhardw... FACEBOOK:

[@normanburns-ko4ro]

If you own a sawmill. This is the most important video to watch. Hands down.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks!

[@samadams9557]

Couldn’t agree more. I’m new to this so I’ve been all over KZbin and the internet. This channel is by far the number one resource for one-stop knowledge. With a side of humor!

[@870wingmstr]

Northerner here. You don't talk slow, I just watch you at 2x. 😂 Thanks for all the helpful videos!

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Do I sound like Alvin and the Chipmunks at that speed?

[@870wingmstr]

Not quite. It's a little faster than people here in Wisconsin normally talk though!

[@f_1367]

Yes, please make it a series. Your information is gold.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks!

[@davidmuncher1920]

Thank you for posting your knowledge for us to learn. Just ordered a lt 40 wide. Watching your videos every morning before it shows up in 9 months. My dad’s side of the family is from Alabama.

[@brentjenkinsdesigns]

I'm a recent subscriber. I must say, I sincerely appreciate your educational style and last but not least, is your magnificent sense of humor! Keep up this awesome job!

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Welcome aboard! I appreciate it, I will keep making these as long as people keep watching them, or until I win the lottery.

[@brettkrouse4574]

I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience! As a new sawyer I watch a lot of milling videos. Your channel is the most instruction focused channel I have found. Your content has certainly shortened my learning curve and is helping me become a better and more knowledgeable sawyer

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Wow, thanks! I like to think I'm helping people, not wasting either yours or my time.

[@bayoubloodkennels6590]

I’m just getting started milling and I’m glad that I came across your video because it has a lot of useful information that can really help out

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Great to hear! Don't forget, we are a professional sawmill, and I give out real info as if I was training an employee on how to mill wood and maintain our equipment, to our standards. No spandex and no fluff here. Thanks for the comment.

[@dave-jj8rw]

I have my 40+ year old woodmizer (one owner) and am enjoying your videos and cutting wood . . . slowly. Having fun!

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

That's great to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@ajkolodziejski118]

Awesome! Just in time. I have an unknown brand of mill,40 years old or older. Heavily modified and still has a bunch of shortcomings. This video ticks all the boxes. Been using it about ten years with ok results but always looking for better performance. Thanks

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Glad to help!

[@906sisu5]

Good information, thank you

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Glad to do it!

[@TheMakersMarkTSF]

I hear "Southern" so I understand you perfectly! As far as types of videos, I love the ones like this. I like them all, but on these I always learn a little something. Episode #2: items 6-10; Episode #3: items 11-15; and so on,,, Starting a series and you didn't even realize it.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Glad you like them, I feel guilty when I made the video, I never even turned the sawmill on.

[@Keto-Cheato]

​​😂@HobbyHardwoodAlabama 1John 3:20 When our conscience is against us.

[@misterp158]

Good stuff, cut my first log on my new cooks yesterday. I really enjoy your videos. Very informative. I am guessing the belt tension has some say so also, thanks for sharing.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Hey, congratulations! Yes belt tension is crucial! Have fun sawing and dumping the sadust out of your pockets!

[@gregwaters944]

Don't run a sawmill but I am a woodworker and I enjoy your videos. You taught me some things to look at when selecting wood for my projects, so keep the info coming.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Glad to help. That is one reason I do these. My lumber buying customers watch and see how lumber is supposed to be made, as opposed to when they buy from "not so caring" sawyers.

[@jamesgleason9501]

I have never seen any of this information It was really interesting and informative Thanks

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks!

[@bryanhenderson5926]

good info sawmill Yoda. may the "forks" be with you at the project! thanks, Doc

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

It was a fun weekend, wasn't it? Thanks for the demos you did!

[@gregforster5913]

Greg from northern Michigan. Great content ! Love the way you are able to talk about complex subjects in simple to understand terms for the non-engineering crowd. I was a noise and vibration test engineer for a large green tractor company working on all product lines (ag, industrial, marine, and OEM engine powertrains) and retired in 2017 with 39-1/2 years of service. As such, i can see the gears rolling over in your mind as you speak on the videos. Engineers are trained in root cause analysis and to always look for ways to improve the overall operation and efficiency of any machine. You also excel in this area as well. Your wife is also 'top drawer' as well and a key part of your operation. What kind of engineering work did she do for NASA ? I also watch Nathan's 'Out in the Woods' KZbin Channel as well. Take care, keep your wings level, and keep the excellevt videos coming.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks! I appreciate the compliments, it means a lot to have respect from a fellow engineer, so again, Thanks! Yes, both Martha and I are retired Mechanical and Aerospace engineers, she worked at Lockheed then NASA for 30 years in Propulsion, Structures, and other stuff and had some space hardware on Hubble and even did some stuff in Antarctica. I was the Chief of the Advanced Technology Weapons Development and Integration Directorate, Fabrication and Testing branch, and worked on things, analyzing, evaluating and giving feedback to some of the biggest missile and space companies in the world, as well as even briefing and providing intelligence reports for Congress and the staff of the Secretary of Defense. If you Google my name you will find a patent or two that can be published in open literature. Nathan is a great guy, we talk or text all the time, I've known him for years. He is also one of the few KZbinrs who actually like running a sawmill, and would do it if he was filming or not. Every now and then, you will see him filming while wearing one of my Hobby Hardwood hats. He will call me up and say he was running his mill while wearing my hat and he felt like he was sawing like "Superman." He's as nice in person as he is on the videos. Just don't tell him I ever said that or he will get the big head.

[@michaelhansen6861]

I gotta send you a big thank you for this video. I run a Timberking 2000 and have been having some issues with wavy cuts especially in white pine. Your tip about the adjustable guide needing to be rock solid was the answer for my problem. There was very little slop, but taking that out of the equation doubled my speed and eliminating 90% of the waves. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Glad I could help!

[@jeffsatterfield6398]

Please make a video with more tips for cutting flat wood. Also please address when the cut is thick and thin

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Will do!

[@jackbaskin371]

Just came across this video and liked it. Thank you for talking "Southern", that is the listening speed with distinct words and pronunciation that is easy to understand. Might irritate Yankees but those of us in the West appreciate people who are not racing to finish a sentence. Have a question, the alignment tool you used slips on the blade and I like that, could you please tell me/us where to get them? Thank you.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Glad you enjoyed it and my accent! Funny story, I was in a room of Austrailans one time for business where I was giving a speech, and after a very short time, a new guy walks in the room and they all start laughing. So I ask what's going on, and they said they had to send out for "Southern American" translator because they couldn't understand a word I was saying! It was hilarious! I told then if it would help, I would talk even slower and it was a lot of fun. They were great group of guys who were a lot of fun. Anyway, the tool is available from Woodmizer for about $20 bucks.

[@LogHewer]

We run this mill at work. I'll be shaking that arm tomorrow, Wood Yoda. 😅

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Look closely for any movement, tug and rotate it hard, it should feel like it is welded on, with the band off. Thanks for watching!

[@kenferguson2341]

Thanks for your time and sharing your vast experience

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

My pleasure

[@lesterg46sawwood]

I don't have two of them blade level bar. I have just one of them and just it one at a time and measure from the bar to the bunk. i will buy one more. Thanks

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

It will speed things up!

[@Flierted]

Great video as always! This should be required viewing for anyone buying a sawmill.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks! Tell that to Woodmizer and the others!

[@chriszorn2142]

Can’t believe you’re not over 100k… best place for all parties to learn how to saw. Series please… Merry Christmas from sweetest onion in world, vidalia, Ga.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Maybe one day!

[@b.s.2194]

I don't even own a band saw yet and love your shows. I did, however, just buy a chainsaw for milling though. I figure I'm just learning correct information for when I do get my bandsaw.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

I was hoping to do a chainsaw milling trick soon, on an upcoming video. I used one for years.

[@timothychristian9140]

Always enjoy your videos. They are very entertaining and informative. That little tool at number 7 looks similar to a drive belt tension gauge lol.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Yes, you nailed it! Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@faithblinded]

You are an excellent teacher of this stuff. You should have an ongoing "So You Want to Be a Sawyer" series. It's awesome to hear you started with a 2 stroke like many of us getting started today. I'd love to hear your thoughts on chainsaw milling. I've been studying channels like yours and Nathan's since before I had the first board cut and stickered. Running the chainsaw mill has me shopping for bandsaw mills already, but I get the feeling I'll be starting with a narrow unit, so the chainsaw mill will have to stay to keep large logs and crotches on the menu. I'd love to see what you came up with for a first cut system, as that(and good sharp milling chain) seems the foundation of making good wood with the 2 stroke beast. Great stuff as always. Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge. This yankee appreciates the cheeky attitude.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

I will do a chainsaw milling How To, I have done some things I haven't seen on the Tube to make it easier. Great comment!

[@rodneygunderson3043]

Thanks that was one of the most informative sawmilling videos ive seen yet that looged like a tension guage in the end there

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Yes, a drive belt tension tool.

[@dubya2514]

Great video, a wealth of info that a lot if new mill owners don't know, thanks for sharing.👍

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Glad to help

[@tonyworkman3042]

Love watching your videos and I don’t even have a sawmill, but hope to soon, thank you for your time and knowledge ❤

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

My pleasure!

[@TheMakersMarkTSF]

I'm confused! You said Joe Maine makes your blades, then you said that you run the Woodmizer Turbo 7. Did I miss something in between?

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Yes you are correct. Joe uses coils of Woodmizer blade stock but they fit, weld, and grind the bands in house, and do a good job. Unlike most, they stress relive the weld correctly (usually), and grind it flat, so that rolls smoothly over the band rollers. The sound of a properly welded and ground band vs a "not perfect" WM band is noticeable.

[@timothychristian9140]

They use Woodmizer coil stock to manufacture the blades from.

[@roncrismon6245]

Lets see 5 - 10 next. Would also like you to talk about rough sawn thickness targets and what you target for thickness after joint/plane. I would like to know if you have a rough sawn thickness guideline for really wide boards. I go 1/16 to 1/8 thicker depending the type of wood and flatsawn or rift/ quarter. Thanks.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

That's the plan! Thanks for watching!

[@make-somedust]

Two blade guides makes sense to me… Master Yoda,,, I’d like to see a video on the proper use of #7 tool.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

It's coming shortly, its on my list!

[@duck-n-cover477]

Don't have a saw mill, but I think I'll try that cotton picker spindle cleaner on my saw chains when I service and sharpen. Thanks!

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Sounds good!

[@midwestsawyer754]

Great information I appreciate it and would like to come visit your operation, and Yoda says HI.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Sounds good!

[@ExcitedPopcorn-yb3cu]

Love your videos keep up the great work!!!

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thank you! Will do!

[@KathyAndrew]

Thanks very much for all the information.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anthonyboudreaux3675]

I am currently use a solar kiln. I really want to move to something more controllable. The research I have done isn't for someone who is trying to understand the process. I know you can get into the weeds really fast with drying lumber. But any knowledge you can pass on would be very helpful.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

You are correct, and there is lots of snake oil and bogus information out on the web.

[@SuperThemarioman]

Great stuff! Keep it comin

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks! Will do!

[@robertwoelk26]

Thanks Robert great content. I am going to check this out

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Good to hear from you and let me know how it turns out.

[@douglassiemens4245]

BGATs are the sawyer's version of winding sticks. Thanks for being straight forward with your slow, Southern talk. It's much better than engineerese (I am fluent in both😂😂)

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Yes the BGAT's are invaluable. As you know, one of the hardest things for an engineer to do is relearn how to talk like a "normal" person. Every now and then I slip up, but when I see people's eyes glaze over, I know to revert back to Alabama Hillbilly to get people to wake back up. However, being an engineer gives people like us an advantage, not only do we know what is happening, we know WHY it's happening, and that is huge when trying to improve a process or product, or explain it. Thanks for watching! Old joke "What did the one engineer say to the other?" "Nobody knows except them."

[@gslope1]

Master Yoda knows these things. His job it is.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Try I do!

[@rexhavoc2982]

Put the BGATs back on the blade and measure down to a 6 foot alumimum level resting on the bunksmeasure both ends of the BGAT to level the blade with the bunks. Your test just tests the that the rollers are at the same angle with each other. Do you taste what Iam cooking? Have you ever cut fast enough to make the blade sing?

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

As I mentioned, these are things I look for when someone calls and is having trouble they can't diagnose. Everyone knows to measure to the mill bed with a straight edge, it's generally the first alignment step they take, and I even mention that the band must be parallel to the bed in the video. However, it doesn't always mean the idle side and drive side are in parallel alignment and the band isn't warped or twisted, simply because even using straight edges on the bed, many times, the bed rails are misadjusted or are bent. Sometimes, measuring to the bed makes the band twist worse. The bed must be in alignment before the band can be checked to it. However, bed alignment, backstop alignment, those things to check are the 6 through 10 video I'll make sometime. So using two BGAT's at once and quickly sighting down them answers the issue of the band not being twisted and out of shape which is a very common problem and takes only seconds to check. As far as hearing the band sing, I speak about it a lot in my videos, it's usually an E Flat. Not sure what it has to do with food, but thanks for watching!

[@rexhavoc2982]

@@HobbyHardwoodAlabama Yup-, I tell people to spend a day adjusting the mill, it's not a 10 minute job. I have a old super 40 with the 50 HP Cat diesel 8000 hours, everything but the seat. I feed my chickens the sawdust hoping they will lay a 2x4,.nothing yet. Have you seen the felt wiper with a diesel drip just behind the drive side guide roller? I would think moving it ahead of the adjustable guide roller to keep it cleaner.

[@danmaciosekmaciosek6166]

Where did you get the 2 blade alignment tools?

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Woodmizer sell them

[@hpw59]

First time I have seen those...mind sharing where you got them?

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Woodmizer sells them for a few bucks apiece. They are invaluable.

[@benjaminabadeer9489]

WM's website says $20.95 each, but if you want to cut "good wood" that's flat, it's worth it and saves time checking alignment with 2 of them.

[@alembicrush5556]

Teach us more Yoda, thank you

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

More to come!

[@Peter-od7op]

Iam just getting a mill ty so much. I am getting a entry level mecmaxx kinda new on market. I am 67 and want to get some land in va to hunt on and built a poll barn. Any thing you can do to help us out we these low cost mills. Lol please dont say dont get one. Been milling with chain saw mill and iam just getting a little old for this type milling

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

That's great. I had a manual mill, they work very well. Sawmill alignment is critical in manual mills also. I will try to make a video that relates to manual mills.

[@markdean3327]

You have a opinion on a cooks sawmill ?

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Yes, some people like their equipment, some not so much. I have never run their mill, but I did own some of their sawmill related equipment, and I have since sold it all and replaced it with better.

[@mattwernecke2342]

My big hurdle is moving logs without heavy equipment.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

That is a real issue, logs are heavy.

[@dannyturner182]

How do you mill those spiral stickers?

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

I buy them, they are patented and I don't want to get an infringement claim. Send me an email if you want to know where I get them.

[@dannyturner182]

@@HobbyHardwoodAlabama Thank you for responding. I’m brand new to milling lumber. In fact I haven’t even assembled my LT15. I find your content very informative and helpful.

[@nemloc]

Great checklist. How do you make that diagonal pattern on your stickers?

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

I pay a guy who has a patented process to do it. I could do it also, but as a business, want no part of patent infringement!

[@nemloc]

@@HobbyHardwoodAlabama thanks! is that a local or someone that does/sell/license across the country?

[@cecilchristopher5092]

Where in Alabama are you located?

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Near Huntsville, North Alabama.

[@carsonfancher5889]

Blade tension guage

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Drive belt tension gauge.

[@Hamsquatch1973]

I love your videos….but…I’m hung over, please use the tripod more 😅

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

That's funny! I love it! I will if I can find it. I think Chip picked it up and is using it, he wants to start a Dog Channel!

[@Tom-su8qq]

Keep the information coming I love the channel and think it’s the most informative sawmill channel on KZbin!

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Well, that's a great compliment! Thanks!

[@stacyharmon5865]

Appreciate your time and effort to educate us. A video of the next five would be interesting. As a new sawyer i really find your videos where you attack a log and give your reasoning for cutting it the way you are as you go very helpful and educational. Thanks !

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks for the compliments and comments!

[@TomBTerrific]

Funny guy. Meant that in the most positive way! Haha. I’m old and new at all this and I appreciate the advice you’re providing. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. That doesn’t mean old but those who have been at it longer. Thank you for sharing.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

I appreciate that!

[@timodell9994]

Truly enjoy your video's, been a sawyer for a few years, I always learn something new watching. I vote for more content like this.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

I'll do it, thanks!

[@kitb9948]

Hey Robert, thanks for another outstanding video, can't wait to hear the next 5 things. I've been saving your sawmill videos in a file and they really are forming a curriculum for aspiring sawmill operators like myself! This is the kind of video I value the most, so much more helpful than endless footage of people running their sawmill. Thanks for taking the time to produce this kind of content!

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Glad you like them!

[@OutoftheWoods0623]

Good stuff

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks! I hope at least some folks are "Yoda" commenting on your channel!

[@OutoftheWoods0623]

@@HobbyHardwoodAlabama they are

[@pezrok1]

My blade guides are blocks not rollers. My blade guide arm doesn't have the ability to be rock solid I don't think. I have a Woodland Mills HM 130 Max. Thoughts?

[@hpw59]

Same here...❤

[@willcoe8419]

Cooks saw mfg sells complete roller guide retro fit kits. Requires some welding but gives you all that adjustment he described. There is a good reason Cooks , Woodmizer and Timber king use roller guides

[@pezrok1]

@willcoe8419 Thank you for the response. What I'm asking is, does the same rule apply in my situation with guide blocks as far as have to have a rock solid guide arm? I'm pretty sure I can't even make it rock solid.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

It depends, do the blocks actually contact the band during normal operation, or are they used as "bump stops" or travel limiters? If they do not contact the band during straight and level sawing, but only if the band goes "out of bounds" then the whole load of the mill is being picked up by the bandwheels themselves during straight and level sawing, and having a clean blade would be even more important to insure proper tracking and not affect the position of the band on the crown of the wheels. If the blocks do contact the band at all times and essentially steers it, then yes, they need to be rock solid. I would be interested to see a 130 in action, interesting question. For example, a WM mill like mine as the band rollers, but then also has what are called "High Performance Blade Guides" which are about 1.5" square, postage stamp looking flat pads of hardened steel, placed about .005" inch away from the band and the only time they get used or contacted is when the band starts to not cut level and they force the band back into position, or at least keep it form getting worse. They do not need to be aligned as precisely as the band rollers. I have never seen band guides that fully contact the band that didn't need to be rigid. If not, then sawing sawing speed and accuracy will be affected. Interesting question. Either way, keep the band as clean as possible, shiney as new. Great comment.

[@pezrok1]

@HobbyHardwoodAlabama Thank you for the response. The blocks are located above and below the band. There is a bearing in the rear. They are all set to be about paper width from touching the band. So, I believe that the entire load is on the crown of the wheels. I was going to "upgrade" to rollers but decided not to because I'd be fixing a problem that may not be broken. That said, the Woodland Mills sawmills are very popular among your fan base. Most of your fans, I would imagine, are running bandsaw mills at the entry level and cost under $10,000. I could send you a video if you'd like the next time I'm running my mill. Thanks again.

[@ThePfirefighter2]

So much good information! Thank you for making this video and sharing your knowledge with us!

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

My pleasure!

[@mlongley]

Great idea with using 2 guides for the blade alignment!

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks!

[@devilsdenmetalworks1809]

New to the sawmill world. Love your content, but, have a Question, hopefully i can explain the picture in my head, would it be better to have one guide tool going in one direction and the other going opposite? Just wondering about the tool twisting the blade.

[@AnthonyMigliaccioSr-fk3go]

Lots of good information I'm a newbie and learning alot watching what others do. Thanks

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks for watching!

[@customsawyer2526]

I was going to say that one of the things I see wrong with most mills is number seven. Of course I wasn't going to call it number seven until you did.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

We can number it to anything you want! It's KZbin, we can do anything! Let's call it number "eight?" Good to see you here!

[@ronnielloyd4514]

You better learn how to maintain the equipment if you are going to own a sawmill.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

That's a fact!

[@ronnielloyd4514]

I enjoy seeing the how to’s on working.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevinbunting826]

I rigged flight controls in the Navy. All that makes sense. Make step 7. I like watching Nathen aswell

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks! Give Nathan a hi from us both!

[@Joe_Maine]

I'd like to order a large pepperoni with extra cheese

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Me too, I ordered one on the podcast, but it never showed up. Maybe Jake ate it. He likes pizza!

[@Chris-qf9qm]

I use a magnetic torpedo level to tell if the blade is level side to side and forward back

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Yes that will work fine as long as its weight doesn't induce twist or deflection in the band. Thanks for watching!

[@tylerjohnson849]

Your info is appreciated. Thanks

[@glensigur2972]

Hey buddy, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. My father in law just recently passed away and now I've been trying to pickup where he left off and continue to mill wood for people. He has a Woodmizer LT40. Old style lol. There's nothing digital or electronic on this mill. He ran it 7 days a week, matter of fact about 2 years ago he put a new engine on it cause he wore the first one out. I've been having problem after problem with the mill but watching your videos is great information. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom with everyone.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Sure, I hope these tips will help you. I will continue to post "real" videos of sawmill setup and adjustment.

[@KnotthomeR]

thanks, really enjoy the educational value of you videos!!!

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks for watching!

[@constantineperatos3676]

Bi golly g molly 5 stars for you again fella😊

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Hey, Thanks!

[@jasongriggs1502]

Thank you Robert....so much great info....please keep em coming...

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Will do!

[@A..n..d..y]

Anything you are willing to teach is very welcome. Btw that was a drive belt tension tester.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Yes, you nailed it. Thanks for watching!

[@douglasbattjes3991]

So enjoy your videos, even if you talk slowly, but you don't in my opinion, You have such great info and so appreciate it and the work it takes to put them together, . Just purchase a LT 15 GO , and it looks like it just rolled of the showroom floor, really. Have so much oak and cherry that blew over in a straight line wind last Sept. 2023, like maybe 35 and average size is around 30" so have my work cut,, ---out , lol , with the LT 15 for sure,. 👍👍👍👍

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks for commenting and have fun!

[@James-ib2kp]

I am a new hobby sawyer. Thanks for the valuable information.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Sure, glad to help.

[@martinandpaisleypryor1697]

I love finding like minded folks. Thanks for sharing.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks!

[@activeair5548]

I enjoyed your video and would love to see the next 5 things I need to know. I just purchased a sawmill

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Coming soon!

[@kianshabestari1523]

Hi there! I recently started working at an Urban Sawmill in Los Angeles. We use an LT70 an I am grateful to have your videos as a reference. Thank you! I had a question regarding the deflection of the blade guide rollers. The manual says 1/4” deflection and I was wondering if you go by that rule of thumb and how you make sure it’s the right measurement. Thanks again!

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Actually, I was going to include that in one of my upcoming videos. Yes, deflection is critical in keeping the top of the band pressed firmly against the bottom of the roller. It provides a positive bias to that band to keep it from wandering, as it could if there was no deflection at all, and the band was in a neutral state. However, the 1/4" rule is not an absolute, especially since the blade guide arm, especially on a wide mill, will yield and flex upward due to band tension depending on how far the idle side guilde roller is positioned in the throat. Every mill I've used will have sweet spot where the band deflection is optimal and perfectly counteracts the stiffness of the idle arm at specific position. That's why you almost never see me adjust the blade guide arm in or out when I'm sawing. When the sweet spot is found, and the deflection perfect, the band will stay pressed against the bottom of the roller guide during high load, high speed sawing. There is a feel to it, but in short, yes, deflection is crital, but no, it does;t have to be exactly 1/4".

[@stevehennessy3588]

Nathan sent me and I understand why he follows you too. I just got my sawmill and I'm just starting to learn how. Any help at this point is great. This was very informative - thanks!

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Yeah, I talk to Nathan several tines a week, he's a great guy. If you look at many of his videos, you can see that he wars my Hobby Hardwood hat in quite a few of them.

[@customsawyer2526]

I would like a pepperoni pizza with extra cheese,

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Yeah, mine never showed up. I think Nathan ate it..

[@Scott_296]

Hey I'm from the good part of New England and yes you talk slow but it reminds me to slow down a bit. So thank you. But my issue is my woodmizer book starts "the blade should be 1/16 or 1/8 of an inch higher on the out side because when it hit the log it dives. I can't recall the exact wording of the book at the moment. From your experience, have you tried to adjust that way? Or do you just run your blade flat? I screwed up back in the spring and took the main blade adjustment bracket off the machine not knowing what it was exactly and now I've been fighting it all year to get it back to where it needs to be.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

That would be a great subject for video. It can be very fiddly! However, I will first make sure I have 1/4" down pressure. Then the idea of setting high is based on the cantilever head pulling down when the saw is loaded, as well as the idle side blade guide arm, but it is very user critical. I depends on how fast you saw, the species and your blade. I will set everything to dead level, and it's important to check it with both the blade guide arm full inboard and outboard, with 1/4" brown pressure on the band. Then saw a few boards and get your rhythm and check the boards to see if you are getting even thickness on both edges, arm full inboard and full outboard. if not, then drop the roller guides until is cutting accurately. If you want to see how much your arm flexes and how much needs to be taken in, tighten the band, run the blade guide are full in, and rapidly release the band pressure and you will see the arm relax a lot.

[@alankay7882]

Hod fo you desolve oil in water to be consistent. Have you ever tried Oilatum? I have used it for years while working in a factory making fire protection sprinklers for testing the leaks under pressure. Couple of drops makes 3 gallons of water milky white and it's oily. Its for people with exema to put in a bath. What do you whink? Worth a try?

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Not tried that, but certainly used other oil and water emulsions and they work fine!

[@FatherOfTheParty]

Good tips, Robert! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks!

[@KPVFarmer]

I haven’t gotten to all of your knowledge on videos yet… In case you haven’t done one, it would be great to see how you set yours up if arriving on a new landing. Also if your setup isn’t the how you would do it again, what you’d change?

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Yes, that sound like a good idea.

[@gavintrousdale7585]

Well; I suspose winding sticks never grow old. A thought on our language qualities in the south ; we have it , every on else is jelious and wants it. But they cannot have it. You have to be by the grace of God born here.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Dang right! We can say more in one word of Southern than in a whole sentence of other languages!

[@James-ib2kp]

How much pinesol do you 0:04 use in the tank ? Is it straight pinesol or diluted ? If diluted, what ratio ? Thank you for your anticipated reply.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

This is a great question and one that I've thought about doing a video on. So here is the real answer. Use enough to cut the pitch. For example, if you get grease on your hands and wash with water, it wont come off. The solution isn't to turn the water faucet higher, the solution is to use more soap. Same thing with Pinesol or any other band cleaner. The answer is not to use more water, but to use more soap until the band starts to get clean. Sometimes is 10%, sometimes 20%, sometimes pour a little Dawn in with the Pinsol, sometimes even a little Window Washing Fluid. I think I will make a video of this process of optimizing band cleaner fluids. Good question!

[@henryolson4985]

Your videos are the most helpful of any I have watched.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks!

[@bigeburris7220]

I appreciate all of the great content.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks!

[@ajkolodziejski118]

Just put some time in on my subpar mill using all the information in this video and tuned my mill into a dream to run. The two alignment tools are key.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

That is great! The info I put in these videos is REAL, and I do it to help people out, and I'm glad you were successful.

[@KevinHefnerxWF]

too many commercials

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Uh, I don’t have anything to do with that, that’s KZbin. You should get Premium, no commercials at all.

[@jasongriggs1502]

great video. Keep the tips coming for all us non-engineers Mr. Wood Yoda

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks, will do!

[@mgbill793]

When everything is adjusted perfectly and the blade will not cut straight. The blade needs to be flattened or rolled.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

There is always a reason, but yes, clastic curvature can be an issue in a high use band, and can easily be detected using a razor blade before and after rolling. There is no reason to roll a band unless it fails the simple test.

[@StuartMcIntyre-yj4ho]

Thanks that was so good. Real good usable info.

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@albertwestphal4344]

Glad to have come across your channel I learned a lot and am looking forward to more from a sawer than the manufacturer 😊 thanks

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Welcome aboard!

[@johnwoody4905]

Good video and job you are one of the best.i would like to see 6 thru 10 have learned lol. Take care be safe and. Well,

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Thanks! Will do!

[@timfeckley1689]

Ok I checked I passed the first five with an A+ ready for five more!😂

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Sounds good!

[@paulmace7910]

I notice that the whole head moves up and down since it is cantilevered off of one side. Does that affect the straightness?

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

Surprisingly, no. The whole system is basically a flexural spring, and is has many advatagoius over a standard four post design. Once the mill gets loaded in a log, it cuts straight as a laser. Good question!

[@thomaswiedemann5261]

I figured you would talk about the blade also being flat with the bed..

[@HobbyHardwoodAlabama]

That will be in 7 -10 but I wanted to concentrate on the head, and there is still lots to cover.