Sawmill Laser Line Changes Everything | Placement and Setup
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- Опубликовано: 28 ноя 2024
- Welcome back to the channel folks. On today's episode I've got something new to show you that is going to change everything. I'm unboxing and installing a laser line on my sawmill today which will eliminate the guesswork involved in making saw cuts. If you've seen my other videos you know that I often have to estimate where the first cut on a log should go to ensure I do not waste material. Sometimes this estimate isn't very good and I end up cutting too little or too much wood. This results in wasted time and lumber. With this new laser line I no longer will be guessing where my first cut will be as the laser projects a line right where the blade will cut. The horizontal green laser line is bolted to the end of my sawmill and powered with a simple battery pack (two AAA batteries) with a switch built in. This laser is small and compact with high-end quality that allows it to be used in commercial sawmill operations. Check out the placement of this laser line on my 2017 Woodland Mills HM130 and the relatively easy installation process. This opens up a whole new opportunity for me to boost my efficiency at my sawmill and I'm looking forward to it. Glad all you folks are along for the ride. Here we go!
All laser parts shown in this video came from the following:
(Green Line Generator Laser Module) AGLL2: 20mw www.apinex.com...
(3 Volt Power Supply Kit) PS-3:
www.apinex.com...
(Mounting bracket for laser module) BRH 20mm www.apinex.com...
Sawmill shown in this video:
2017 Woodland Mills HM130
I have been watching many sawing videos from various RUclipsrs. I always hesitate to make random comments, since I am new to sawing. However, I have always wondered why no one was using a laser line setup while sawing. I mean, you spend thousanda of dollars on equipment, and skip spending a tiny amount on a laser that will help you become tremendously more productive. Glad to see you added this to your setup.
Great to hear you’re liking the video and thanks for your support
Excellent Video and nice upgrade. I think I'll be adding this Laser and a DRO to my sawmill. Thanks Sandy!!
Right on D R! Thanks for watching
About 30 years ago, while working with a mechanical engineer, running a high end Wood Miser. I solved this issue by taking his advise that "the simplest way is almost always also the best way". We discussed the use of lasers, optics, various devices.
I decided to use a piece of wood, mounted exactly as you did with the laser, but I mounted to the left side of mill.
The piece of wood was cut curved on the left, and flat to mount, on the right. I cut a slit through the curve. Mounted with slit at same height as the blade. Just look through the slit to see where the blade will be at the end of the log. The curve was to make it easy to look up the log, not just at the end.
My design does not require a battery, nor adjustment once installed. Simple.
Thanks for sharing that idea. Sounds like a great option!
Just watched your installment of the lazor on your mill. What do u think of putting your power supply an a switch up by the throttle that way it is right there for u to use don't have to reach anywhere else to turn it on an off. Another idea is the bracket for mounting the lazor if it was magnetic it could be taken off very easy.
I,m jealous, what nice " sheds" you have built .... After running into the back stop , the first thing I'd was bolt a small piece of flat bar to the saw cover , lined up so it hit the stop before the saw would . Simple and dirt cheap and saved blades
Great idea!
Love the idea wish this would come standard with new mills! I think welding a small box or L-bracket to the front would be more ideal for mounting with a momentary switch run to the handle. Enough to get us started saving a ton of time. Thanks!
That would be handy!
I’m ordered this laser and I’m going to put it on my Mill. Thank you for the good advice and product info.
Right on! Think you’ll like it
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. When I get my mill I would definitely like to have one of these on the "Stop" side. If the laser hits a stop... so will the blade. As for doing the initial setup, I would get a nice block of wood and use a black Sharpie to draw a line exactly one inch (1.000 ") from the bottom. After making a cut on the log, I would raise the blade one inch higher. I would then move the block of wood all along the surface of the log to make sure the green laser is exactly on the black Sharpie line. That should let me know if any fine tuning of the laser needs to be done. Cheers!
Hi Sandy, looking into equipping my sawmill with the laser. Any thoughts on 20 vs 50 mw? Thank you for sharing, I enjoy your videos and the channel. Cheers!
Most sawmill users are satisfied with the 20 mw version.
You're a very clever fellow, there will be many who will use this idea.
I mentioned doing this laser mod in your episode: "Keep an Eye on These Sawmill Maintenance Items". You didn't say much back about it so I thought you probably found it an unimpressive idea. But now one month later and I get to enjoy seeing you have set up a laser on your mill. I mounted my lasers on the doors using 3d printed brackets with trunnions and those assemblies are held on there with strong Neodymium magnets. The magnets pull up from the bottom and from the side. They really hold. No drilling of holes needed. I have one assembly on each side of the mill. My sawmill is on a trailer so I can't easily hop from one side to the other when operating and for checking the log stops. Much of the time it is hard for me to see the log stops. To see them and the laser line on that side I am using a small backup camera/monitor setup. The camera is mounted in the trunnion with the laser on the log stop side. The monitor is up on the other side by the handlebar. The lasers take 5 volts which I get from a DC to DC converter that is hooked up to the 12 volt starting battery. The camera/monitor being automotive is 12 volts so it can also run off the starter battery. I have a small 3D printed box that contains the DC to DC circuit board and the switches needed for everything. It also contains a light which is to help with viewing my other sawmill modification: a digital display which I use in lieu of the scales. There is inline fuse protection for the wiring. I used magnets to mount everything and the 3D printer certainly was a game changer for making it all come together. These mods were quite inexpensive for what I think they add to my enjoyment in using the mill.
a picture of your set up would be nice !
@@ericcourchesne5901 I could do that but I am just not quite sure how/where to post it?
You could always post s video of it, then post the link here as a reply
great video i was thinking maybe a second laser on other side would be good idea just so the backstops would be marked and avoid damaging blades like i have done over the years
That wouldn't be a bad idea either. I could have always just mounted the laser on that left side instead of the right side to also shine on my log stops. Maybe this would be a good idea in the future for me. Thanks Kelly
Great idea, but I wonder if sawdust would be a problem on the other side?
Excellent. You could also extend the wiring from the power supply to the Lazer, and mount the power supply close to the sawmill controls for easier use of the on/off switch.
Great idea Dan!
Exactly what I was going to say. Great idea!
I put mine behind and a little to the side of the stationary blade guide. It runs off the 12v battery that starts the motor. Works great on the end and operator side of the length of the log. I forget what other channel I originally saw the mod on (about a month ago), or I'd have referenced them for acknowledgement.
This could be a good option as well.
Great idea running it off the saw mill.
What a cool accessory. Glad to see you confirmed the door didn't hit it when open. Looks like it tucks in past your push bar too so you won't walk into it. Now to just upgrade the power on the laser enough so you don't need blades at all....Laser cut the logs...lol.
Haha now there’s an idea!
Qué me recomiendas usar: Un láser de 20 mW o uno de 50 mW en un aserradero que trabaja totalmente expuesto a la luz solar . Gracias por tu respuesta.
20mw
You could cut the ground lead to the lasre and run a pair of wires up to your milling handle and install a momentary switch between the two ends of the cut wire . This would allow you to just hold the switch on while you adjust your height and the release it and the laser would be off. no going back and forth to the laser during setup. then turn off the main switch on the power supply when your finished sawing for the day.
I think this is a good long-term solution. Once I"m sure the positioning works where I mounted (I think it's good) then I may do just this. Thanks for sharing!
I was thinking of a lazer just to know where to debark for mud with old chain saw , thank you for your insight , terry
I am trying to imagine a couple of sidewinders with chainsaw disks mounted on the mill to cut bark/mud just ahead of the blade.
This would certainly save time and back muscle.
I also like that you could easily use the laser for better visualizations on those out of round, expensive hardwoods...
You are smart!🤠🥳👍
Thanks for watching Chris
Brilliant, they look like they could be used in a lot of different applications.
I think you're right. From what I've been told these lasers are used all across industries from medical to scientific and sawmills. Looking forward to put it into action
This should be a standard part for all their sawmills
Sandy here’s something to consider for clipping your alligator clips to your wire , put a couple spade tabs on the wires that the alligator clips on to , also I would extend the wires to your power supply and move it up to the handle bar of your sawmill so when you power up the saw mill to cut your wood you can turn the laser on or off without having to bend over to do it …
Great ideas Don! Thanks for passing those along.
@@sawingwithsandy I would never leave those alligator clips there. As said above just extend wires and mount elsewhere.
@@brinkee7674 I'm gonna do the same too
A momentary switch near the push handle sounds ideal. That way you don't forget to turn it off and drain the battery.
I like the placement of the laser. That is a busy area, hopefully you wont run into it with your knee.
Sandy, this is awesome. I've learned so much watching you mill over the past year since I found your channel. I'm a newby sawyer. Thanks for the excellent videos. Thanks from North Carolina!
Hey sandy, I recently bought a big shop fan for my sawing setup and I highly recommend it. Its great for keeping the bugs off of you
Sounds like it’d do the trick. Unfortunately I don’t have 120v power out at my sawmill. One day I may get an inverter though for my batter/solar panel
@@sawingwithsandy ah. Maybe someday :D
@@sawingwithsandy Hi,Sandy，I have been following your videos, they are all great! Seeing that you are talking about inverters, I want to remind you that there is an 800W12V inverter on sale in Princess Auto. Wish you all the best
The more gizmos on a sawmill the easier it is to operate. You need the auto lube. I modified a 12v trailer jack to raise and lower the head, sure makes life easy on the shoulder and easy stack cutting. That laser looks wicked, thanks for sharing, will check them out.
I've seen some 12v jacks rigged up to the Woodland Mills sawmill on facebook groups I visit. Maybe it was you posting the build. Sure looks like a slick unit! Glad you liked the video and thanks for watching!
@@sawingwithsandy myself and a friend have posted our trailer jack mods on FB. His is on the 130 and mine mine on 126. Its the best mod I’ve see on these mills hands down, won’t surprise me to see WM adapt it at some point, or something close to it, they seem to have a knack for new gizmos. 😉
A LASER set up is great as long as it doesn't vibrate out of level. And since you installed on the cutting assembly, make sure you check it occasional. But good idea as well. Thumbs Up!
This looks really sweet, a lot of the stuff I Mill is quite twisty so this could speed things up and give me a lot better return on my lumber. definitely going to look into it
Looks like your on a tree farm there and the trees are still kind of small. Do you ever get big logs? I'm in NH and my mill will accept 30" Dia. and 21' long. I saw allot of white pine and some red oak that are around 2' in Dia. Those get heavy. My bandsaw mill is home made and I made a hydraulic log turner and log clamps for it. It's all hydraulic function now, but I started out with it all manual.
Thanks for the good tips I ordered it for my mill.still waiting for it they told me October 1st this laser will be mounted on guaranty. It is a good idea to sell it to woodland mill for upgrade on the new model. Great job my friend
That would also be very helpful to people like me that don't very often cut straight, smooth logs. There are times i'm cutting slabs and there may be a specific feature halfway down the log that i want to capture in a slab (or avoid entirely) and the tape measure isn't always as fast or accurate as i'd like, especially between the rails.
Nicely done. You can get some bell wire - twisted or not - attach to laser and route around the saw and to the station. Then you are able to track the batteries and on/off when not used.
i was so impressed with your laser...so much so that i wrote Apnex and bought one, just like yours, even tnough, at the moment, i don't have a sawmill. Michael 😂
Hahaha that’s alright
The laser is a great idea. I have an industrial one with a magnetic base that I have used to level my 130 max but never thought about using it while sawing. I agree, using the laser in this way will increase productivity. Can’t tell how times I have to make a second cut cause first one was not deep enough.
Another great video sandy! I have a max 130 with trailer package on order and have learned a lot from u already. Thank u, In one of your videos u where saying u don’t do it for the money or to save money and it’s a lot of work, I totally get that. It’s a great passion , an enjoyment doing what u love and to me it doesn’t have to make sense, u do what u love to do and if u have a passion for cutting and milling wood like me it totally makes sense, absolutely no reason to have to justify doing what u love it only has to make sense to you!!
Absolutely love it!!! Will definitely be adding one to my sawmill as well! Great idea Sandy and I also wanted to say, I have been following you for awhile and started before I bought my own sawmill in February but of course was watching a lot of videos on RUclips doing my own research before my purchase and you certainly had an influence on my final decision to pull the trigger on the purchase and of course shortly afterwards I also purchased a 34 HP used Kubota tractor and they were both the best investments I’ve ever made! Loving the sawmill and tractor and am certainly a full blown saw-milling addict now lol…. Thanks for all the real down to earth honesty in your video’s…. I love that you can admit that it always doesn’t go as planned and we all make mistakes…. Very good and very real person making very real video’s…. Thanks again!
Good to hear from you Stephen. Glad you had a chance to get a mill and are enjoying your Kubota. Both are great machines and I'm sure you'll be sawing well into the future just like I hope to do. Appreciate the well wishes and feedback on my videos. All the best!
Sa ndy thanks for your vide I've sawn on the identical Mill and just upgraded to a 36" Norwood and like your video's
I' After going on the Apinex and cannot find the battery model l you have used
Can you please share the model information to allow me to order
Thanks Tom Smith
I am looking at went you edge the boards that have a live edge on both sides, this will eliminate waste as no more guessing if its going to clear it with that first cut... a big bonus. Good score Sandy.
Yeah edging the boards will be perfect for this. Good idea!
Genius Sandy. Hopefully Woodland Mills will add this too.
It sure seems like a great add-on. Now to put it to work!
@@sawingwithsandy I'm just outside of Barrie Ontario. When do I get to be a guest on your show?!?!
Hi Sandy!!😀😀
The laser is the only way to go!!
I really think you should mount it to the front of the door in that corner so you don't forget and accidentally hit it with the door when you are changing blades and you won't accidentally bump into it as you are walking past.
Take care my friend!!😀😀
Logger Al
Great idea! I was skeptical at the beginning of the video but after seeing it in use I like it! Love the green laser for the green mill, I guess I'll go red laser for my red mill! Great idea, Thanks for sharing!
Great video sandy the laser really worked. Glad you are better now
i use sticky back velcro for mounting things like battery boxes as then it makes it easy to remove to replace the batteries.
Love your videos. This laser seems like it could be very useful but do you by chance know of a laser that could be mounted to the sawmill pointed down at the log, zeroed out then give a reading as you lower the sawmill head to tell you the cut height. Thanks, Bill
That sure would be a handy laser. Unfortunately I’m not too familiar with that type
Simply love it. You are right, it should boost the production by speeding up the blade height setting and maybe helping in getting an extra board or two from each log. And if you were to set another laser on the other side of the log, you would know when you are about to cut into one of your dog...lol... save a few $$$ in blades there too. Thanks for this video
You're right about that one! Cutting logs is one thing but cutting log stops is another haha
I like it! here's a thought, could you mark measurements on one of your building posts in say 1 inch increments to get an idea how many boards you can get from say 1 inch off the deck. might help speed things up.
Just found u on here and think your realy fun to watch makes my day seeing u do what I wish I could ty
Lasers are great tool for sawing, I have a old Carsftman circular saw with a laser. Been thinking about getting a drill press and some models have a laser showing the center mark. Wonder if 25 years from now, will lasers be cutting logs. Great video!
Another great video. Always enjoy your videos. Cheers 🍻
Looks great Sandy.
You will need to calibrate it for wider logs though.
Based on that video there is still a chance that the laser points down or up in the direction across the mill. So with a wider log it won’t hit where the blade does.
I tried my best to ensure that it was running at the same plane as the blade but you may be right that some fine-tuning will be needed to ensure it's spot-on
Man, I can see making this out of a piece of picatiny rail and using a laser scope with a wired thumb switch, rifle lasers are very adjustable, as are picatiny mounts for them
This is a great idea! I have been thinking about this and now u have made it very easy with even a link for a good laser. Looks like where u put the laser is very good position and works extremely well. Thank you for Sharing this it's very helpful in all ways. Great video!
Try standing a wide board at the end of your mill for the laser to beam on to, so you would have a extra visual reference.
Brilliant idea. Just the other day I was irritated by having to make extra cuts because I misjudged. Not sure why, but I did not see the specs in the video description. Could you pass along the parts list ? I would like to order this setup for my HM 130. Thanks for another great video
That is a nice addition to your mill. For me, that position would be problematic since I can see myself bumping into it constantly as it's in the path from mill head to off cuts. Even though I know my pickup has a hitch, I can't count the number of times it's skinned my shins.
I can imagine it could be bumped but I find the T-handle is like a built-in guard on my mill. If I do end up bumping into it more than I'd like I will likely put some flatstock or something around it. Thanks for checking out the video Paul
I love this idea. Thanks for bringing it to us! I think for fine tuning, after your index cut if you laid a piece of the finished siding back on top of the cant the line would stay visible instead of watching the furry bits. I'll let you know when I get mine! ;)
That's a good idea you've got there. Likely better than the idea I had. Keep me posted how things work out for ya. Happy cutting!
Hey Sandy, I liked the idea of that laser. would you buy that laser again? I'm thinking of purchasing one. Thanks for all you do, steve
Sandy, if you install male and female plugs on both sets of wires they will stay connected while the saw is running an not come un clipped!
Hi Sandy, great video as usual. Why did you choose the 20mw laser and not the 50mw one?
Thank you Sandy! I began researching a laser for my Hm 130 max this spring but never quite found what I wanted to order. I think I will follow your lead. 👍
Glad I could help. I'll be filming many videos using the laser coming up I"d imagine. Happy cutting!
Did you use the same laser setup on the 130 max? I'm about to get that mill myself.
This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing. I don’t even have my mill together yet but after watching this I’m definitely going to have one as well. Really appreciate your videos, keep up the great work. Bugs are just as bad in New Brunswick! Haha
Looks like an excellent upgrade. My only concern would be longevity, as I noticed it doesn't come with a grease fitting, such a simple but important part to any machine, yet so often over-looked.
What would you lubricate?
@@mwilliamshs I was just joking friend... as so much equipment nowadays comes with minimal lube points.
Hi Sandy, great video. How are you liking this laser? Would you do anything different?
I have been thinking about the post that builds up saw dust. I think if you have a old 5 gl. bucket put the lid on and cut off the one side just in front of the handle. then cut the top and bottom of the bucket so that you can slid up the post. the top should keep the saw dust out.
First off all ,, good to see you're eye is healing well. Perhaps i would have put it on the door itself in that bottom corner. but like so many suggestions there are no right or wrongs on where to put it. Also i noticed you sawing bed is quiet long,, did you have extensions on your mill and what is the maximum length are you able to cut on it?
Just had the wife order the laser for a Christmas present to me.
Really good tool. Awesome.
Great job Sandy
Thanks appreciate that
Thanks for all the info.....great vidoes.
Which laser would you recommend the AGLL :20mw or the TZ16X70
Thank you Sandy!
Whats the model number please. I looked at the website. Lots to choose from
What is the laser model number? Want to get the right one
Lasor good idea ...Actual product cheap and cheezy. Alligators clips and power unit just stuck on with zip tyes??
Hey Sandy. Great video and a wonderful time saving device. Thanks for the heads uo
Sandy...I operate my mill in pretty much total sunlight...no covering...yet... :-) Would I be better off with a 50 mw laser?
Unfortunately I can’t really speak to what it would look like in full sun as I’ve always been in partial shade with the sawmill. Sorry I can’t help there
I like using Lasers especially green ones in my wood shop since they are easier to see over the red ones. I was thinking mounting the laser on the underside of the blade box instead of on the side as you did would be out of the way in case you accidentally bump into it. Looks great and hope it holds up in the freezing winter temps since batteries just hate cold freezing weather. Cheers!
I like the green as well. Sure seems like it's bright that's for sure. My main concern with below the blade box was I needed the laser to be in line with the blade so that the laser would broadcast a line that was flat across the side of the log in addition to the end.
Awesome idea. I'm going to have to see if that will work on my sawmill.
I’m liking it for sure. The small size and simple batteries for it were what drew me to it
I'll be curious to hear how it deals with the vibrations over time.
I'll be sure to have videos of this in action for quite some time so I'll be sure to share what I find out. Thanks for watching
That is a great thing I will get one soon ! Thanks for sharing keep up the great work!!!
Could you make a stand alone jig that mates with the saw only for setting height? Maybe a bolt that goes across into a notch to raise and lower the laser, vibration is a killer and will mess with your laser module in no time.
Would be nice to have a diagram that the lazor would pass threw showing you what u can get out of the log
Sure glad you got good eye to see that pretty later, good job
Lazer I meant
Thanks Allen. Almost back to full strength
🙋 Looks like a nice Laser set up . 👍👍👍
11 months later. Any update?
Did it survive the vibration and use?
Do you find it useful?
Yep survived everything including the cold temperatures. I still find it useful for finding where the first cut will go. Since I’ve now got a Different laser mount on my new sawmill I’m not quite sure yet which mount I like better
Just ordered one, been wanting to get one of these. Thanks for the heads up.
I think this is going to turn out to be one of those things I wish I had from the very beginning. Thanks for checking out the video!
Hey my friend, you need to replace that wood spacer with metal!! You already know that wood expands and contracts with humidity!! If you want real accuracy you need a medium that doesn't expand much!!
Thank you Sandy for bringing your pass time to us on RUclips. I am currently underway to building a platform simular to what you have. I own a Woodmizer LT-15. Your set up is so efficient. 1st comment I am a subscriber. Been trying catching up on your videos. Thanks! I ordered all 3 parts just now.
Thanks for tuning in the channel and subscribing David. Good to hear you're getting underway with your sawing. That LT-15 sure is a nice machine. Bet you'll make some nice lumber with it. Also glad you liked this video. Any questions in the future feel free. Always good to hear from others such as yourself. Happy Sawing!
If you take of the wood and turn on the laser, you can put mark those shed woods that holdin roof up. So you can easily look if laser has moved off the wertical position
Great idea. Think I’ll have to do this. Thanks!
grate job . I thought about that but never did. You bought A real good one it looks like.
I'll see how you like it in a few months . I still have two months to go be for I saw.
Very good idea, will look forward to review after a week or so.
Sounds good John. Thanks for watching
Any way to sharpen the blade while mounted ,if not come up with one. Ok
Hey sandy, love the videos. What would you think about using a strong neodymium magnet of sorts to hold on the laser? I feel it would make adjusyments easier, if you do happen to bump it. Just an idea. Keep on cutting brother.
Mounting... along with where you did, but on the underside vs the side. I would think you could be better in-line with your log and the laser won't be subjected to getting bang'ed as you walk back and forth. And get some kind of boot of sort to cover the Positive (Red) Alligator clip to prevent it from touching and hence shorting.
Hey, I’m a new sawmill operator and I have a question you might be able to help with. I’ve been back and forth with doing a laser install like this. I don’t think I’d use it much for after squaring a cant, but I would really like it for the first cuts to remove the best amount of slab with out waste. (So the question) Could I use a stand Alone (construction type) laser level on a tripod, not mounted on the mill, to level up my log and then crank my saw blade to meet up with the laser line for the first cut?
Obviously as long as my mill is also level
I’d imagine that would work well. Think you could aim the laser onto the log where you want to cut and just line it up with the blade as you mentioned
Sandy, is there room to put a strip of peel and stick weatherstripping between the door and the side of the gaurd to stop the saw dust from getting on the laser? Maybe it's not a big enough issue to even worry about. Just thinking out loud
That's a great idea. I think there's likely enough room there. Sure would make for an easy fix. Thanks for sharing
What do you use for a planer?
That's probably the best up grade. What is the. Cost?
Thanks Erick. I don't remember the exact cost to be honest. I do have the links to where the lasers are from though in the description. Think it comes out to a or two hundred dollars Canadian
@@sawingwithsandy thankyou
Thinking of installing one on my woodmizer LT35HD , does the laser still work ok at low temperatures
Excellent idea and tutorial. That will be ordered and used pronto. Wish you a bright, straight milling season.
Glad to hear you liked the video Bo!