What I DON'T Like About My Woodmizer LT15 Sawmill

[@bluethunder1951]

When I had the same problem of trying to keep the tracks level, I got a 20ton flat deck trailer took off the decking where the tracks fit in and mounted them directly to the frame of the trailer problem solved and now it’s portable too.

[@marshvegas1973]

I’ll never use an LT15 or any other saw mill… but after a day of office life corporate bs there’s nothing more relaxing than a Wilson Forest Lands video

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you Ed. I always appreciate your kind comments.

[@kurtlanford1448]

Thanks for the honest review! One day I hope to own a mill of my own . Keep up the great work sir !

[@JudsonBrundage-cf5qe]

I’ve seen some really great KZbin videos lately, this is definitely one of them. Really appreciate the honest review.

[@pettere8429]

If you have not fixed the log stop yet I would suggest sticking one of these split spring washers between the nut an the frame, that way you get more even spring tension on the join. As for the levelling feet, mill up some square blocks of some hard, rot resistant wood and then saw them into two pieces with about a one to ten slope. Use the opposing wedges you just made to get finely adjustable feet for the bed and then lock them in place with a couple of woodscrews.

[@merlemuhe668]

I have the Lt 15 but had you mounted it on some 6x6x20' beams and anchored your legs to the beams you wouldn't have any issues. Also the right side has dowels in to help with the alignment. I live in Alaska and have to reset my mill every yr after breakup. Oh on the beams I used 3' x1/2" rebar and drilled thru the beams and drove the rebar into the ground. It is rock solid. Blade change open the guide wide open and work from one side to the other. That way you can control the teeth from hitting things

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you, those are very good tips. Mine doesn’t have any kind of dowels on the right, only on the left. I set up one for my dad that is the same way. I have seen some videos of LT15‘s that look like they may be different than these. Maybe the differences in the Start model.

[@ozarkscarguy540]

I currently run an LT15, LT50, and lucas slabber mill. I've ran a boardwalk Jr, baker, and played around on various other mills. Yes, the LT 15 has quirks that are slightly annoying but it is still my favorite sawmill. If I could only own 1 sawmill it would be the LT15 wide. They just keep working and working well.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Good comment, aside from the annoyances I too am happy with the mill.

[@rakersdownnz]

A very balanced overview of this mill, I think you've been very fair to it, possibly, you use it far more than you expected at time of purchase ( how to tell🤔) , because it is branded, it has a resale value, a great step in for someone else if you decide to upgrade. Its always important to think about the kerf width of a bandsaw VS circular saw mill, bandsaws great for making wide, but slim boards, swing blade mills better for thicker, dimensioned timber at tailing out, lots of chip to clean up tho 😐 but great for putting around fruit trees (me and the line trimmer are not friends) but I love my chainsaw.. Still appreciating your subtle, dry humour, its like, I have to listen, understand, think, then laugh, I like that process.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thanks for the kind comment. I don’t regret buying this mill at all. It has served me well, and like you say, it would be easy to sell.

[@pvtimberfaller]

Personally I don’t like woodmiser, I know they are the standard for small band mills but if I were just going to cut occasionally I would go woodland or horror freight. If I were cutting a lot? Baker or TimberKing with full hydraulics & an edger.

[@pvtimberfaller]

If you were nearby I could solve a lot of those issues.

[@douglasbattjes3991]

What great video, about time someone did one with the exact questions I had, notice how the unit flops all over when you engage the blade, and if it does the then, what about going down the rails. Sure enjoyed the video, and the adjustment legs are a joke, think I saw a LT 15 Wide with trailer jacks on it. If you upgrade, maybe you can sell this one, still looking but no impressed with this unit anymore, The HD 35 Hyd. is what I think would be a great mill, old guy by me had one but retired, an he use to cut lots of wood for me. 👍👍👍👍

[@howardkettner]

Fellow LT15 owner. Your comments are right on the mark on all points. The tricycle is my biggest complaint. Second is those crazy spindle legs. And on mine (2011) the fuel tank is also up top. What idiot thought that was a good idea.

[@TheMonkdad]

I don’t have that saw but e would agree that being unable to achieve near perfection when tuning up the saw would make me stressed. It all seems insignificant until you get problems with blades diving or some other finished product. It’s difficult to diagnose the problem when you can’t even tune up the saw any longer.

[@howardkettner]

Thanks for your candour. Wry useful info. New subscriber. Here’s to the hobbyist sawmill community. Collectively we resolve these issues.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you Howard. Welcome to the channel.

[@HoneyDoHomestead]

It's been a year.. I'm not sure much has changed with the LT15. They have an LX line now, but I think those are targeted to be more budget than the START.

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

Lmao I can't believe they haven't put the filler hole on top of the blade lube😂the engineers are sleeping

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Nicely done! Do you leave your mill exposed year round?

[@theshadow4292]

Sir, you have produced a very good video with lots of very great information for potential buyers. I also fully understand your frustration with the sawmill's design flaws. I have only two questions, (1) has the sawmill allowed you to recoup your original investment (2) has it been profitable for you?

[@WilsonForestLands]

Yes I was able to take advantage of the extremely high lumber prices in the past couple years and pay for the mill several times over. It has been profitable. I have a video about that too on my channel. Thanks for the comment.

[@MsdMakingSawDust]

Our Norwood was a 4 post 4 wheel design and that thing was solid, now for the bunks I was the worst thing I’ve ever seen , you couldn’t keep the bunks level if you wanted to, Unless you are like me. After taking it apart quite a few times and countless times readjusting I finally welded everything . I call there bed design a LEGO SET. I think if you had supports under the bunks like a railroad track track system you could forget about the legs. And for the side track and extra roller I would be adding some extra design 😂 I do have plasma cutter, welder , torches, a lot of metal and rollers… 😂😂😂😂 I learned how to spell modifications before my own name 😂😂😂😂 thanks for sharing your in and outs. Take care. All yea LT40 wide with Diesel 😂

[@WilsonForestLands]

The bunk under the tracks is probably what I will eventually go to. Metal modifying tools can definitely be the solution to a lot of problems. Getting an LT 40 seems to be the consensus in the comments. When I watch the videos of those of you who have them, it is definitely tempting.

[@2010joshh1]

I'm so glad i seen this. I want be buy the wood-mizer LT15

[@seitzwoodworking5102]

Sounds to me like it would be cost effective to upgrade the weak spots on the mill you spoke of and you would have a great machine. Bigger and better footings. Weld some pieces on the rails to make them “lock” together. Maybe just mount high quality hydraulic jacks with large foot plates where the screw jacks are. Just my thoughts

[@southernadirondackoutdoors]

Good video. Haven't had the feet problem yet, perhaps being on concrete helps reduce that movement you mention. We have experienced the same as you with the log supports and we keep a wrench at the mill just for that purpose.

[@WilsonForestLands]

I always liked the look of your set up, thinking that would probably work better with this mill.

[@TheOldManAndTheSaw]

Check out Professional Homeowner. He also had an issue with LT50 bed sections and, I believe, WM replaced them. In my opinion, having uneven bunks may be the worst thing you mentioned; you never know what accuracy you have on board thickness. As you know, the LT15 saw head is a cantilever design and not as stable as a true 4 post design. Informative video. Dave

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thanks Dave, I will check out that channel. Usually the logs straddle that lower middle rail so hasn’t been too much of a problem. I forgot to mention in the video I helped someone else set up an LT 15, those rails were off the same as mine. That’s actually how I discovered it.

[@TheOldManAndTheSaw]

@@WilsonForestLands Sorry about the error. Ravi has an LT15 NOT an LT50. Sorry.

[@TheOldManAndTheSaw]

@@WilsonForestLands Also........just found out that WM was at the guy's house just last week to make the section swap.

[@paultrevvett]

Our LT15 has a different engine so this may not apply to yours...The exhaust pipe turns down and enters the muffler. Problem is the exhaust pipe is smaller diameter then the muffler inlet so unless you have it undercover, rain will get into the muffler. Hasn't been a problem but it is a little disconcerting when we start the engine and water comes out the muffler.

[@WilsonForestLands]

That hasn’t been a problem with mine but I could see that being disconcerting. The exhaust is something I haven’t had a problem with on this one. I have been impressed with how well it vents the exhaust away nicely and I rarely smell it while running it.

[@freespirit9981]

What I do not like is no idol option for edging boards! I modified my mill so I can detect the throttle cable when engaging band to edge boards. Saves a ton of money not feeding that thing with gas running wide open for edging boards.

[@WilsonForestLands]

On mine it just has the manual throttle lever on the engine. I can hold it wherever I want. The problem I had with it was if I let go of it, it springs back toward idol. If I tighten it, it works for a while, then loosens up again. I got into the habit of having one hand on the push bar, the other one holding the throttle where I want it.

[@wildandliving]

They make a trailer that might fix all the isuses with the feet you were talking about you just adjust the stabalizer.

[@integr8er66]

Just weld the square nut in place, that would stop the side to side motion that messes up the threads

[@twistedlimb4053]

I disconnect the water hose from my lube tank and undo the bunji straps and just remove the tank. Leave the frame on the post.

[@RhinoSawmills]

Very interesting.

[@hobbyfarmer62]

All you issues seem like they should have been changed by now, why the 3 wheel set up makes no sense, and the high adjusters for the bed shouldn't have tge threaded sections passing through frame sections the way they do. But over all I think it seems good quality for the price, but the cost could be high for anyone not using them a fair amount.

[@-infinity0infinity61]

very nice! i have the same opinion as with your issues. the wheels, the rail wearing from the one wheel, the vibration during a cut, etc. my biggest problem was from the backlash of the pull starter handle due to the valve adjustment and the internal problem. my wrist is still injured from this. i love having a mill but.. a square cant takes a whole lot of careful measuring and adjustment of the individual side cuts. i went with woodmizer after much research and being made in the usa. a less expensive object should be due to fewer bells and whistles not reduced quality. also wish there were more service techs. in the field. i really hate to offend but as thomas payne said if you are afraid to offend you will never tell the truth.... maybe woodmizer will be listening. a good quality mill would have made my entire experience so much better. every log i cut open every one is like opening a gift! the mill should go hand n hand with the experience. thanks

[@WilsonForestLands]

That was well said. I have had the same problem with the starter backlash. One time the handle came back and broke off the on off lever. My dad has the same mill, his did the same. The local Kohler service dealer told me to bring it in so they can adjust the valves. I just haven’t done it yet.

[@whistlelips]

I have a woodland max 130 and the Kohler engine nearly broke my wrist as well. It has electric start and I added the battery. That is the cats meow.🙂

[@piotrknapczyk103]

Dziękuję za film. Okazuje się że wood-mizer LT15 to bardzo drogi śmieć. Dziś nawet husqvarna to drogi śmieć!

[@WilsonForestLands]

I wouldn’t call it junk because it works well but could use some improvements.

[@galenplummer302]

How many clutch springs have you broke? I can’t keep a spring in mine

[@WilsonForestLands]

I broke two of them. The last one has lasted a while. I have been expecting it to break any time. My dad has the same mill I have and his broke too. He just runs it without it. I talked to Woodmixer about it and they made it sound like this is not a common problem.

[@raymondabsher3285]

You can take the hose off of the lubricant feed by unscrewing the fitting just like a garden hose and then reach over and take the two bungee cords off and you can take the tank off without removing the metal that holds the tank

[@Datsunz-cf1ly]

Since you are such a design critic, perhaps you should you build one and make millions of dollars!

[@pvtimberfaller]

Or just screw a T into the cap where the faucet is & add an extension to the top of the tank.

[@sunataye3377]

Who is this price

[@whistlelips]

The springs break because they aren't made properly like things were made here in the US 50 years ago. Steel from another country!!! Wow, shakey Mill. and why you have to snake the blade through that small crack is beyond me. I have a Woodland Mill that will cut 30" wide with only a 6" depth. and for the money it is a good mill. More stable than this Mill. Your not knit picking, the bed should be even. I was wondering if I should get this Mill, pay an additional $6K to gain 5" on on the width of a cut and an increase in depth of cut. The design of the cantilever head Woodmizer makes it much easier to cut level. The four post heads with the bigger footprint require a much more level bed.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thanks for the comment. From what I have heard from people with Woodland Mills they all sound happy with them.

[@woodstyler]

nice video

[@thurmanturner7399]

is the mill really worth the 3000 they ask for it

[@WilsonForestLands]

This one was more like 6000 with extra track segment and shipping. It was worth it, it has paid for itself many times over. But if I was to do it again, I would go with a higher end mill.

[@christophertomberlin]

⁠@@WilsonForestLands What saw would you go with/be interested in, being post-Covid prices & still wanting a higher end mill?

[@kenlangille9050]

I was going to buy lt 35 but when covid started they had huge increase so i never bought , I feel wood miser over priced

[@WilsonForestLands]

Fortunately I got mine right before Covid on a big sale. I don’t even want to look to see what the prices are now.

[@whirled_peas]

Cost cutting isn’t an excuse for shoddy design. A little bit of bracing would go a long way to make that carriage stiffer, and the adjustable leg design is ridiculous. Threads should not have heavy side load on them, thr legs should be box section inside box section with a screw adjust and separate lock. Cost them $20 more in material. Sometimes I think companies get to a size where they need to invent their own low end products and deliberately hamper their design to make the expensive mills look better

[@WilsonForestLands]

Well said, it seems like it wouldn’t be that much more expensive to do a few things that would make this mill a lot better.

[@bilcoferentine3567]

Sum 1, who can't lift the water tank would not likely be workin with logs.

[@WilsonForestLands]

I know a couple elderly guys who do. They can use mechanical advantage to move logs and cants. They can slide lumber off instead of lifting it high. Lifting that much water up that high could be difficult for them.

[@TheOldJarhead]

You need an LT40!

[@MsdMakingSawDust]

Correction LT40 wide with a diesel as a added bonus 😂😂

[@TheOldJarhead]

@@MsdMakingSawDust well if we're going all out why not just do the LT70 and be done with it lol

[@WilsonForestLands]

It definitely is something I think about when I watch those of you who have the LT40s.

[@WilsonForestLands]

That’s easy for you guys to say when it’s my money we are spending here. Hmmm yeah, an LT70 does sound nice though.

[@TheOldJarhead]

@@WilsonForestLands just as long as you ain't too mobile

[@linzierogers5024]

Woodmizer, like the other sawmill manufacturers, is a capitalist company. It has quality control but more than likely it is geared towards quality control that also saves as much as possible in producing each unit. It also knows its customer base and what it can afford. It could produce a more expensive top notch machine that probably would cost more and cost it sales. It has chosen to cater to its customer's economic possibilities. Toyota gained its position by building top notch, accepting razor thin profits, and doing it over an extended period of time. I doubt it has better engineers and designers than the US big three but they chose to go for the bottom line. I will possibly buy Woodmizer when I buy but will do so with my eyes wide open.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Very well said. I did get the cheaper mill. Even though I have complaints about it, I got what I paid for and it’s still a good machine.

[@MrdoallDoanything]

Lol I want a big dollar machine for little dollars if you want all the bells and whistles, buy it, or fix it . I build my own stuff so I can only whine at myself .

[@WilsonForestLands]

There is a huge gigantic difference between a high dollar machine with bells and whistles and pointing out a few things that could be improved.

[@MrdoallDoanything]

@WilsonForestLands I understand, but with those improvements come cost . I will be building North America's largest homemade band sawmill 100-inch cut capacity, and I will be doing it for under $3800 US dollars .

[@gottabighit1]

Unless you’re an octopus . 😅

[@jimbojames2181]

Woodmizer Step up and answer this

[@anthonybernstein9698]

I dont see the little blondie in hot pants and cleavage complaining, it looks likes she is having a good time.

[@WilsonForestLands]

I don’t know who the blonde in hot pants is. As I said in the video, I do like the mill. I have a good time with mine as well.

[@edcat6587]

One could get a tapered cork,and cut a hole in the top of the tank it would fit into. Then one could fill it up from smaller containers. or rig up a water container,lifted by a couple pulleys for mechanical advantage,in a nearby tree(or somewhere higher than the sawmill tank).with a hose run from it to fill the sawmill tank.... thanks for the videos!

[@MrRackinroll]

I can't give you a like. You would compain about a ice cream cone that someone gave you. I have watched a number of your grumblings about the LT15 , I would hate to be your wife that's if you have one which I would understand why not. Have a great day RC

[@jimroschli9552]

Stop it ! The Lt 15 is a great entry level sawmill. You sir are full of B S