Woodland Mills Sawmill Leveling and Design Flaws (Sawmill Business)

[@wauhawk]

Mike get a level that is the same or almost the same length as the bunks. Use that as a spacer block from the bunk to the blade. You will see if your bunk is level and if the blade hits the level you know the blade is lined up with the bunk. Should be much faster than all the checking with the tape measure.

[@practicallyIndependent]

That's a great idea! Wow. Thanks!

[@danielebrparish4271]

Love this video. Thanks for making it and sharing it with us. I think it would help to tape some card board as a curtain onto the back side of the saw blade carriage to make the laser show up better all across the width of the carriage. A possible solution for the turnbuckle would be to wedge something between the frame and the end of the turnbuckle. Some metal washers, a large metal nut. The too long bolt can be cut off with a hacksaw but It really doesn't matter which side of the frame it is inserted. It does the same job from either direction. I can't see that the turnbuckle covers have any useful purpose other than to make the machine look nice. There are no moving parts in there and the cover will accumulate sawdust, dirt, snow and ice in the winter and is a great nesting site for wasps, spiders and other insects. I'd put it in storage if it were mine.

[@practicallyIndependent]

Thats a great idea. Thank you.

[@leesherman9483]

I have a new HM130MAX and I agree that the cable mechanism is maybe a weak area that they need to improve. They don’t have the removable cover over the adjustment bolts now, but they still use the same hardware which is not easy to adjust.

[@practicallyIndependent]

I'm definitely still happy with the mill. Great deal for the money for sure.

[@OakKnobFarm]

Do you have a welder? Zap a little triangular gusset on the side of that bent bracket.

[@practicallyIndependent]

I thought about doing that.

[@denismorissette419]

Good idea, this angle seems to be a little bit weak.

[@johnkoehler4834]

Did you see the red fox in the background?

[@chriscox6598]

Mike Looks like the laser level worked great for ya. I used a 12 in machinists level last time. I noticed that the rails wasn’t true and flat . Had gotten a bow in one of them. Next I had to shim the bunks to get them level and correct height to the rails after I leveled the rails. The bunks had gotten bent and was not the same anymore. I never put the cover on the sawmill head adjustment just left it off since day one. Tip. Buy some ratchet wrench for adjusting the cables and be sure to keep the bolt and cables from twisting using a screwdriver stuck in the link on the bolt head. The cables will stretch over time

[@practicallyIndependent]

I think I have the same issue with my bunks. I noticed after that they are not the same height. They should probably made them out of thicker metal or reinforced them better. As time goes on I realize that these Mills sure have some quirks. Still seems like a good value for a hobby sawmill.

[@chriscox6598]

Dillons Woodworks I agree totally. I haven’t regretted buying mine at all. I think any budget mill would have similar problems

[@TheMonkdad]

My Woodland Mills HM130 seems to constantly need re-leveling. It’s always noticeable when the head rolls to the center. I have tried the laser but in my opinion the beam is too fat and hard to see in daylight. I now use the string and blocks method.

[@bespokefencing]

Great video, hard to do with only a half dozen jacks, I think to be perfect you'd really need a pair of levelling jacks under each bunk. I had real fun trying to level a 7 Metre Logosol B751 with a laser, each bunk adjustment slightly altered the bunk in front and behind!!!! A fun way to fill a Saturday afternoon!😂

[@wauhawk]

So what did the fox say?

[@roygiehtbrock9124]

When you were first using your tape measure. In the background there was a fox walking by.. funny!

[@practicallyIndependent]

I noticed that when I was editing the video. Funny how it walked by and I never noticed it, lol

[@leesherman9483]

I saw that too😝. I wondered if it was a pet.

[@JSmith-tb9mi]

Level the bed left to right then front to back. Then make sure the power head is same distance left and right on the bunks. If you crank the mill levelers without checking the level, the power head will be unstable and wobbly. Nice setup. Just a bit of advice. Stand your cement blocks up with a piece of pt board under and on top. Wouldn't want to see those blocks crush under load and send the log rolling towards you.

[@practicallyIndependent]

Thanks! I appreciate your advice and support! Always learning!

[@hangtownmill2975]

Very nice I'll have to get one for my HM126. That's a nice quick way to level up.

[@practicallyIndependent]

So far it's worked out pretty good. Thanks for watching

[@scottmorse4917]

Set the laser on a stump a bit higher than the track turn on the horizontal beam take a narrow stick flat mark the laser on the stick now move the stick to judt infront of each bunk and adjust the track up or down until laser and line on stick line up that simple

[@gary24752]

Rare that a redfox would appear around a human. It came out behind him at 6:07. I would have used chimney blocks filled with concrete rather than the blocks which crack very easy.

[@practicallyIndependent]

Good point. The mill is bow on solid ground, so shouldn't be an issue. I like the chimney block idea. Thanks for watching

[@johnmoyer5515]

I experienced that problem too but somehow I got it off & adjusted. I usually use my laser since day 1, but it's hard to when sunny. I have the trailer hm130. I check my bearing gap & guide blocks sawhead constantly. Can cut some really thin consistent pcs.

[@practicallyIndependent]

So true. Thanks for watching!

[@kennkid9912]

The fundamental issue with the Woodland is the pieced to gether rails. Yo have a stiffener under your mill and adjustable height or depth jacks? Your problem is your base is on blocks. Those will push in with the weight of a log. Mine is set directly on a concrete slab and My issues with leveling are something else. That handle on the right looking at the mill sticks down so low on mine it hits the log or even the bunk. Yours points up,mine points straight down. My cam log dog doesnt work.Good idea to level with the laser.

[@practicallyIndependent]

Since this video we actually moved to Tennessee. In one of my latest videos you'll see I have the frame sitting on 6x6 beams that are anchored in concrete. You are correct. Without a solid base these mills will constantly move.

[@kennkid9912]

@@practicallyIndependent The leveling is super important. How do you find the cam dog? Mine wont work. It has a square point and not enuf ooomph to bite into the log. I called Woodland. They want a video...Its a bad design, my opinion.Tenn? How is it there. Wifes cousin lives near Knoxville.

[@practicallyIndependent]

This is the second woodland Mills Sawmill that I've owned. The cam clamp works okay for me, although I would prefer one that screws in instead. It's not bad enough that I'm going to go out of my way to change it. I know many people with woodland Mills sawmills and don't know anyone else who has that issue. I wonder if you could just take a grinder and grind it so it's sharper and then it would stick into the log better for you?

[@kennkid9912]

@@practicallyIndependent It just doesnt move enuf forward. I can fix it. Woodland didnt believe me,evidently.

[@pstoneking3418]

Woodland definitely needs to use a thicker piece of angle iron on the leveling adjustment. Also that bolt needs to be lowered in or to remove the turn bucket cover. Possibly would never need adjusting if thicker angle iron was used so it doesn't bend.

[@practicallyIndependent]

I agree... Thanks for watching

[@Spindrifter86]

I'm considering a woodland mills 130 but not the trailer, I've seen many videos where the mill moves side to side etc when a large log is loaded. It seem to me that in is a better mill sitting on some solid bunks or concrete. And if you really need to move it then for 2,000 you can just make a better trailer. Also the cables are definitely a compromise, which is what is making me consider the EZ Boardwalk 40, although the price is a bit more. Thanks for making the video, It's gotta be tough sweating away milling and having to worry about cameras and foxes. Cheers

[@practicallyIndependent]

I love the HM130. Trailer is nice as it lets me move the mill around the property and I can do mobile sawmilling for others. I tried doing my own trailer, but struggled with it. I'm not very mechanical, lol. Thanks for watching

[@HookJohnsonTanHorse]

OK everybody ! reality check know matter what brand of Mill you Have you absolutely 100% always guaranteed that it is going to be hell to keep everything level ! I’ve been around sawmill my entire life ! So remember you’re not going to be playing with pillows it’s logs and they’re going to be heavy !🤷🏽‍♂️ So with having said that for the money I don’t think you can beat Woodland Mills 👍

[@CedarTrailsLiving]

Great video, thank you. I was debating trailer for a mill and curious about how you support and secure the mill during transport. Don't have one yet but that was my first thought when seeing that bent angle. Is there a way to take the weight off those cables when you transport the mill?

[@practicallyIndependent]

@@CedarTrailsLiving I havent thought about the weight on the cables. that is a very good point. I usually lower the head all the way down and put a strap on it. I think lowering the head completely would take the strain off of the cables. Maybe I will do a video of the trailer the next time I move it. I will go over how it works and what I do when I transport it. Thanks for watching

[@stephanecome4234]

@@practicallyIndependent That's the reason I got a trailer too. I can roam the property with it, whereas it might not be efficient to move logs back and then full of mud/dirt. Nice setup! Keep the vids coming. I hope to make some myself.

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

A little fiddly to adjust, but not bad for 2 years. That bracket is flimsy and could use a gusset. I noticed your cement blocks on their side. The strength of a block is when the holes are vertical not side to side. I know you need the flat surface, but a piece of hardwood would suffice there. Not sure what kind of weight you're dealing with so it may be a moot point. Would replacing that bolt that interferes with a carriage bolt give enough clearance with its smaller head height?

[@practicallyIndependent]

I was thinking about a gusset. I will probably do that. I definitely need to move the block. Maybe even do something better for support.

[@practicallyIndependent]

As for the bolt, I tried turning it around and even the bolt head gets in the way. I may leave the cover off for now or just cut an additional groove in the cover .

[@gatorsworld]

So you probably have the only woodland mill that has bin micro adjusted....I think you get these tight tolerances with the price you pay for the mill but sometimes you can save a lot of money by customizing your own equipment to your specific needs and keep the money in pocket,,,, CHEERS

[@practicallyIndependent]

Lol, yeah. I dont expect the world from it, but when you have spent $7-8,000 on something you hope they would try to make improvements. Cheers my friend

[@denismorissette419]

Very very interesting!! Use an hacksaw and cut the bolt that is too long. It's gonna take you 2 minutes maybe less. Good job!!

[@practicallyIndependent]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@mattcampbell4135]

Cut off the wimpy piece of angle iron on cable adjustment and replace it with a piece of 2” box tubing. Can’t bend then. Am anxiously awaiting my HM 130 Max, and glad I watched this. Should save me lots of frustration because this is a potential problem I never anticipated. Going to use a shorter bolt and grind the head down a bit before installing

[@practicallyIndependent]

Thats a great idea. I have actually since sold my mill and got a new one, but the 130 was a great mill.

[@brianlane5479]

Hi like the video. I have a woodland mills with trailer driving me crazy. Directions wrong Nothing went together correctly from the get go I am sure I can make it work in hindsight should have built my own trailer. To give woodland mills said they would take trailer back. ANYWAY check out the video where you are measuring blade to bunk. In the background there appears to be a red fox photo bombing you. 🦊🤣

[@whytho1]

Ya get what you pay for. This is still a great sawmill for the price point

[@practicallyIndependent]

I agree. I really love my HM130! Happy Easter!

[@brett9860]

I like your attention to detail, but at the end of the day your not building a piano. That's why its called rough lumber.

[@practicallyIndependent]

I may build a piano some day. We have since sold this sawmill and bought 2 Woodmizer mills. Also building a larger sawmill for big logs. We have been busy, lol

[@zates2272]

Man are you losing weight? Looking good. I like that you pay attention to detail.... what about working on your sound or microphone set up? I dig the vids man. Just a suggest. Not trolling sir. You're years ahead of me. I hope to start milling soon.

[@practicallyIndependent]

Thanks! I lost 80 pounds this year. I feel awesome! I do have a much better camera and microphone setup, but I'm always in a hurry trying to get work done, so I don't usually have much time to set it all up. Things are starting to slow down with work, so I may have more time as winter gets closer.

[@AdamA-ht9nw]

@@practicallyIndependent I had to go back to an old video to make sure it was still you!! What are you doing to shed that much weight?

[@practicallyIndependent]

@@AdamA-ht9nw Thanks! I had been doing IT work for almost 20 years and gave that up, so I am now a lot more active. I also don't eat too many carbs and only eat 2 meals a day. I also fast for about 12-18 hours a day. Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@eddiep5676]

Funny to hear you say 4 3/4 centimeters. You’ve created a hybrid convention.

[@practicallyIndependent]

LMAO! Yeah, its like the Spanglish of measurements.

[@meinradsigner203]

Imagine you say 47 millimeters on one side and 50 millimeters on the other. No average American can understand such sophisticated language. Lol. But yes, 4 3/4 centimeters is a good start into the metric system. MS

[@harrykirk7415]

It would be interesting to compare your lumber product with lumber from other producers. It seems like you're going to beat them after these adjustments in terms of board flatness and uniformity. If not, I would really have to wonder what's going on.

[@practicallyIndependent]

Absolutely. I used to work for a big mill and they run for speed and productivity. Its definitely a while other world. Thanks for watching and for your support.

[@tedmelinn4233]

Nice Red Fox in the background at about 6 minutes 19 seconds

[@otija7017]

Nice

[@MrRackinroll]

I know this is a small thing, but you're using the wrong terms. Most people don't understand plumb and level. What you're realling talking about is flat. Yes the mill needs to level from front to back and from one end to the other, but the real issue is it flat from bunk to bunk in relationship to the blade. So as to get a consistent thickness of the board. I cringe when I hear level but I understand what you're saying. This is just FYI and no judgment. Have a nice day

[@scottmorse4917]

Then move blade to top of any bunk measure the distance from bunk to blade it should be perfect

[@Average1212]

In all honesty for the price point of these mills it's surprising you can even get them as level as you did.

[@practicallyIndependent]

I actually just ordered their newest version of this mill. I look forward to setting it up.

[@Average1212]

@@practicallyIndependent Would love an initial impressions video, I have been looking at the order page for a while. Just have to convince the wife.

[@practicallyIndependent]

@@Average1212 Sadly I broke my ankle the day it arrived, buy I should be back up and running in a few weeks and plan on getting back to the videos again.

[@Average1212]

@@practicallyIndependent sounds good, if you make it I'll take the time to watch it.

[@mikelamothesr.8998]

Fox gives nary a thought nor a damn that you even exist. Mike

[@practicallyIndependent]

Lol, yep. Funny I didn't notice it until I was editing the video.

[@chriscox6598]

Thought I was seeing things. I had to back up and look again 👍

[@jackbaskin371]

Some things do need to be improved. Now, you are cutting lumber with something that is mounted on a trailer you move around, adjustments are going to change to some degree almost every time it is transported just from being bounced, twisted etc. while moving. Again, you are cutting lumber, not getting the Hubble Telescope into perfect working order. Yes, you are being a bit too picky..

[@practicallyIndependent]

Sorry, I appreciate you setting me straight. I will try not to be so picky.

[@craigbielsky115]

Put the bolt in the other way....lol....nut on outzide.

[@billathighwoods4289]

Fox in the background checking your mill out

[@doubleagent6951]

I'm glad wood is soo cheap rate now. I just go down the road an visit one of the three Mills in town.

[@practicallyIndependent]

I sell my wood fairly cheap. I like to keep it moving. It's always fun to see what people make. Thanks for watching

[@topchoppers7980]

STOP OVER THINKING SHIT is the mill deck level, and even, is the frame bent, warped, bowed, twisted, have you done your set up properly, !!!!!!!!!!

[@practicallyIndependent]

I appreciate your advice. I will definitely double check all of that and think about how I can do it better. Have a great day.

[@khajmi]

leveling the saw machine is hard work,,,i hate it :P

[@practicallyIndependent]

Me too.

[@l3eaver]

Made in china 🇨🇳 & an economy copy of another brands economy copy of another brands design 😆 you can find them for 1/3 the cost. Then another 2k shipping to buy 1. However if you buy a stuffed shipping container full of them then the shipping cost per each goes way down. Ide gamble they double their money after all expenses

[@practicallyIndependent]

I'll bet you are right. We since sold this machine and bought 2 Woodmizer sawmills. Our business has really grown since this video.

[@l3eaver]

@@practicallyIndependent happy to hear about your growth. I want to do the same. Its a big step and would be a big step for us. We have a a small business in a city. We bought half a quarter(30ac native pasture & 50ac boreal Forrest). Its just raw untouched land. I want to build out there. The mill would be great for that. The RM doesnt need/want the lumber to be certified in any home or structure which is a bonus. My biggest concern is our land is 4hrs from where our business is. The possibility of something happening to the mill while we are away is not good. 😭 ugh just stuck in my thoughts

[@scottmorse4917]

He made it way too complicated

[@practicallyIndependent]

Im very good at doing that. :)

[@sirwallygator565]

Woodland Mills does not build these mills, they just buy them from a Chinese company so asking Woodland Mills to change the design lol won't happen

[@practicallyIndependent]

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate the advice.

[@eonblue54]

Sir Wally Gator Actually they design them and provide specifications to the chinese factory.