Thread: Lucas set up

When you set end frames be sure they are lowered to thier lowest point before putting rails on. Make sure your end frames match, if not pack up the lowest point to get them level with each other.(helps to step back a bit and maybe stand up on something so you can match up the top bars of the end frames) Check your rails, you need to step away from the mill, crouch down and make sure the tops of the rails are dead true with each other. Put the power head on and repeat the procces again as the weight of the power head can put the leveling out if there is soft earth. Just remember those rails have to be perectly true with each.
Before you start to mill, push the mill along the rails and let go, the mill should roll along with out any more assistance, if it does, mill is fine if not you have to find whats wrong. Same when you are milling, if it is hard to push the mill through a log, you gotta stop and find out why it is so hard to mill, something is not right.

cheers John

Thanks for your reply. I was conscious of most of the things you suggested during set up. It is a bit weird as I have set the mill up many times and never had the drama we had the other day. The cuts weren't lining up and the wood had to be removed from log with jemmy bar, will try re touch up or if no joy, a re tipped blade. Blade had resistance in occasional parts of the log but it was around some fairly decent knots. hopefully better luck today.

Understood, could be the blade needs tuning in, best way to tell is to look at the teeth marks on the log/boards, look for a leading edge etc. It's in the manual. Could also be a log with lots of tension. Is the log well supported ? Just throwing a few ideas around that has caused me difficulties in the past, sure many other millers have had the same issue before, guess they're all milling or on holidays. cheers

Am hoping the blade is ok as it was cutting fine on big hardwood sleepers a week ago when i used it last before i brought it to its new home. It could be moving slightly, will try next log on new bearers I cut from troubled log. I appreciate your help and i think the "others" are all on holidays, unless the have pics to prove us wrong Right I'm off now to try and tame my lucas!

Lazer level works wonders. If one is not available a water level will do the same job.

Will have to see if the Easter Bunny will bring me a laser level as their was not one in my sack this year.
The logs have been getting better and I did re-level the mill again and touch up the blade a few more times. Think it could have been a combination of these things plus a bugger of a log.
Thanks to all for your help

I havn't got a Lucas, but cutting pine the blade will have to be a lot sharper than to cut hardwood.
And the blade will wont to follow the grain around the knots, so will have to slow down when nearing a knot.
And yes I'm back from camping !!!!!

I use a 6 foot level. Throw the trolley on one end and level. Roll it to the other end and level again. Only takes a couple minutes and no headaches sawing.