There is a sidewinder that you could add. When I bought my used Lucas the mill was in a lean-to with the rail supports fastened to the back wall to reduce the movement of a shoulder bump
I had a Peterson mill WPF 10. I had nothing but problems with the mill got a woodland mills 30” cut that was so much better. Now I have a LT40 hyd which is so much better than both.
Good unbaised description. I have not seen them in real life, but they seems a little flimsy. The idea of a swingmill are good for small dimensions building timber but some homebuild looks nicer. I have an old homebuild but would like to put a bandsaw on the same so you get the best of both systems.
The Lucas mill has scales that take into account the kerf of the blade on both the end frames and the powerhead. Sounds like you have a lot to learn about this mill.
First off, comparing a Lucas mill to fully hydraulic bandsaw mill is an apples to oranges comparison. 1) My Lucas mill is very accurate on it's cutting dimensions. It has scales on both vertical posts and a scale on the carriage. If I want 2", I get exactly 2" just like reading a tape measure. I'm really lost how your mill could not have scales. 2) Yes, the mill is going to move when the rails are almost 5 feet of the ground and you push it with your shoulder without the center post installed. I've never had a cut affected by the type of movement that you show. When the blade is in the cut, it is nearly impossible for it to be pushed off unless you purposely run into the rails like a linebacker. 3) If your cuts are not lining up and you have to make the same cut twice, you have a definite problem with your blade and/or basic alignment of the carriage. Your blade is too dull or your tension is off on the blade. Try a new blade or send it to a saw doctor to be checked out. 4) I don't see the wear surfaces as a problem more than any other machine. The carriage rollers are nylon and won't eat into the frame. They are easily replaceable. The carriage lock is made from pvc and costs $1.00 to replace. The posts are metal on metal but you are winding them up or down by hand at extremely slow speed and only once every few minutes. That would take 15-20 years of use to cause any noticeable problems. A light coating of grease or silicone spray on the posts once a month is all you need.
I have the scales but that’s my point you have to line it up like a tape measure…even 150 year old circle mills would have “clicks” (that’s where the quarter system came from), 5/4 was 5 clicks. It’s all doable it’s just not near as efficient and cheap
What year was your mill manufactured? I suspect many of the issues you pointed out have been fixed on new models. I know most swing blade sawmills have repetitive sizing guides to ensure consistent board dimensions. As you know there are other manufactures of swing blade sawmills (Peterson being the most notable), I would contact them and see if there is anyone in you area has an ATS or the WPF model that you can look at. There you'll see what you're missing quality wise compared to the Lucas.
There is a sidewinder that you could add. When I bought my used Lucas the mill was in a lean-to with the rail supports fastened to the back wall to reduce the movement of a shoulder bump
I had a Peterson mill WPF 10. I had nothing but problems with the mill got a woodland mills 30” cut that was so much better. Now I have a LT40 hyd which is so much better than both.
I'm shocked that you would prefer a Woodland mills to a Peterson!
Good unbaised description. I have not seen them in real life, but they seems a little flimsy. The idea of a swingmill are good for small dimensions building timber but some homebuild looks nicer. I have an old homebuild but would like to put a bandsaw on the same so you get the best of both systems.
The Lucas mill has scales that take into account the kerf of the blade on both the end frames and the powerhead. Sounds like you have a lot to learn about this mill.
First off, comparing a Lucas mill to fully hydraulic bandsaw mill is an apples to oranges comparison. 1) My Lucas mill is very accurate on it's cutting dimensions. It has scales on both vertical posts and a scale on the carriage. If I want 2", I get exactly 2" just like reading a tape measure. I'm really lost how your mill could not have scales. 2) Yes, the mill is going to move when the rails are almost 5 feet of the ground and you push it with your shoulder without the center post installed. I've never had a cut affected by the type of movement that you show. When the blade is in the cut, it is nearly impossible for it to be pushed off unless you purposely run into the rails like a linebacker. 3) If your cuts are not lining up and you have to make the same cut twice, you have a definite problem with your blade and/or basic alignment of the carriage. Your blade is too dull or your tension is off on the blade. Try a new blade or send it to a saw doctor to be checked out. 4) I don't see the wear surfaces as a problem more than any other machine. The carriage rollers are nylon and won't eat into the frame. They are easily replaceable. The carriage lock is made from pvc and costs $1.00 to replace. The posts are metal on metal but you are winding them up or down by hand at extremely slow speed and only once every few minutes. That would take 15-20 years of use to cause any noticeable problems. A light coating of grease or silicone spray on the posts once a month is all you need.
I have the scales but that’s my point you have to line it up like a tape measure…even 150 year old circle mills would have “clicks” (that’s where the quarter system came from), 5/4 was 5 clicks. It’s all doable it’s just not near as efficient and cheap
What year was your mill manufactured? I suspect many of the issues you pointed out have been fixed on new models. I know most swing blade sawmills have repetitive sizing guides to ensure consistent board dimensions. As you know there are other manufactures of swing blade sawmills (Peterson being the most notable), I would contact them and see if there is anyone in you area has an ATS or the WPF model that you can look at. There you'll see what you're missing quality wise compared to the Lucas.
Ya this is an 05 but I’ve checked with Lucas and I don’t see any noticeable improvements. Peterson has so much more options available for sure
Ya this is an 05 but I’ve checked with Lucas and I don’t see any noticeable improvements. Peterson has so much more options available for sure