PRO Log Support Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade for Your Sawmill? Woodland Mills HM 130
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- Опубликовано: 3 авг 2024
- In this review, we're diving into the Woodland Mills PRO Log Support, a feature that now comes standard with the HM 136 MAX mill and is available as a retrofit for both the HM 130 MAX and HM 126 models. Let’s break down the pros and cons of this new log stop system and understand why it earned an 8 out of 10 rating.
Pros:
1. **Improved Stability**: One of the standout features of the PRO Log Support is its enhanced stability. This support system provides a more robust and secure foundation for logs, which is crucial during milling operations.
2. **Compatibility and Versatility**: The fact that it is a retrofit for other models like the HM 130 MAX and HM 126 adds a layer of versatility. Owners of these models can upgrade their systems without the need for entirely new equipment, making it a cost-effective solution.
3. **Ease of Installation**: Installation of the PRO Log Support is straightforward. The design considerations taken by Woodland Mills ensure that even those with basic technical skills can undertake the installation process, which is a big plus for users who prefer DIY solutions.
4. **Enhanced Precision**: The system is designed to increase the precision of cuts. By providing a more stable base, it ensures that logs don’t shift during the milling process, leading to more accurate cuts.
Cons:
1. **Cost**: While it is a retrofit option, the initial cost might be a consideration for some users. Investing in the PRO Log Support represents an additional expense that might not be feasible for all users, especially hobbyists or occasional users.
2. **Logs can hang up**: Does not always prevent the log from hanging up on the support. Also always a risk of hitting the support with the sawblade if not careful.
3. **Complexity for Beginners**: Although installation is generally straightforward, the added complexity of the system could be daunting for complete beginners. There's a learning curve associated with understanding how to maximize the utility of this advanced support system.
In summary, the Woodland Mills PRO Log Support system offers significant improvements in stability and precision, making it a worthy upgrade for serious millers. However, considerations around cost and complexity might deter some potential users. The overall rating of 8 out of 10 reflects a strong performance with some room for user-specific considerations.
Also featured in this review is a demonstration of the Gustaf-Guard simple sawblade protector. This innovative device is designed to safeguard the sawblade by preventing it from making contact with the standard log stop. Impressively, it can also be configured to protect the sawblade from hitting the new PRO Log Support. This additional layer of protection is a significant advantage, as it extends the life of your sawblade and ensures smoother operation during milling. The Gustaf-Guard is an essential tool for any sawyer looking to maintain the integrity of their equipment while enhancing safety and efficiency.
www.Gustaf-Guard.com
00:00 Start
00:49 PRO Support box opening
02:13 Sawmill Inspection
03:15 Lube tank fill
04:12 Ball Valve Upgrade
05:01 DRO Upgrade
05:58 Start up the motor
06:31 Blade Tension Set
08:28 Installing PRO log supports
27:55 Reposition the cant
30:09 Setting height of PRO supports
31:01 Steel hook for turning log
31:57 Gustaf-Guard sawblade protector
32:51 Turning the cant
37:14 Pro Log Support evaluation
38:41 Gustaf-Guard sawblade protector
41:44 Gustaf-Guard demo
Woodland Mills has consistently improved their saws since I bought mine. Wish I could get all the current upgrades back when I first got my mill.
Thanks for your comment. We thoroughly enjoy our mill. Its paid its own way!
good video and job i think your Gustaf guard is really nice. i think putting a roller on the ones that come with mill would do just as well. i hope you are doing better, take care, be safe and well.
Thanks for your comment. I am still under the weather even though the weather outside is beautiful! Hopefully I'll have a surgery soon to fix the problem. The logs are stacking up!
Glad to see you are back making videos (I really should follow your example - it's been ages since I updated my channel!) But TBH, I just use a couple of very long rods (about $10 each) when turning a large log or cant. That way the log pushes up against them and can't hang. The Gustaf Guard is a brilliant idea BTW. Another solution is to bolt a small metal tab at the bottom of the wheel-door that hits the stop first. I shall be following your example of using a chain hoist for the really big logs.
Thanks for your comment. In January we had the tree hit our house. So we were busy working to repair all that. Then in early April I had a medical incident and have been under the weather since then. But I am getting better and getting back in the saddle.
I agree with this idea of mounting the blade protector to the moving head stock especially useful when your first log stop is low enough but one of the others is too high it would bump against that one saving the blade.
@@Pascalore thanks for your comment
Hello , you need to increase the free space on the exterior side under the black pulley and you can put your GUSTAF Guard back on, you will have to grind it a little bit to adapt , of course before reassembling the pulley
Thanks for the tip. Are you talking about the black roller wheel on the PRO Log Support? If that is what you are referring to I don't think that would work. The Guard needs to be at the top of the log support. If it was placed where I think you are talking about, it would be several inches below the top of the support, and would not protect the top of the support. It needs to be at the top of the support or log stop.
@@a_farm_west_of_boring you put the guard just under the roller but to compensate the height difference , you will have to twist the pallet upwards.near the roller level I never said it would be easy to do but it works.
One of the benefits of my device is its ease of use. It can be put in place or taken off as needed with the twist of the wrist. I think that most 136 owners and PRO support owners will just have to use the OEM protector that WM sells.
Looks like you have a nice set going. I put the same DRO on my mill about 8 months ago and it has gone bad. Worked great for a while but a couple days ago it started scrolling non-stop. Gonna have to replace it I guess.
Try cleaning out the female port on the DRO where the ord from the senser plugs in. USe canned air and a q-tip to get any dust or dirt out. Then plug in the cord and secure it with duct tape so it can't wiggle around. Worth a try.
Looks like you need one more for log length options. I have thought about adding rollers to the factory stops.
If I were to keep them I could use one more. But I am not sure that I will keep them. Probably take them off and sell them.
So, is it square to the bunks? and do the instructions talk about shimming it so?
also it looks like you might be able to incorporate a blade guard onto the stop?
looks like it makes it easier to turn.
Good question. I did not check them as I always use a carpenter's square the check the cant. But I do not see any real way to adjust the PRO log supports if they are not square to the bunks.