Revolutionary British-made log mill product launched

[john the saw]

Hi John, no worries there mate. Sounds like a great bit of kit & I look forwards to seeing it working in your videos.

.... a simple portable bandsaw or circular saw to compete with/ or go alongside an Alaskan Sawmill is what I'm interested in, but nobody seems to be making one yet - Bit of a gap in the UK market there. cheers, steve

 

Well i wouldn't count out the Transformer because it is fairly quick and easy to break down into modules and the only heavy lump is the power module that contains the engine etc. It's not intended to be wheeled around every 5 minutes but it would certainly be ok to set up in an area and work until it's time to move on. I'm sure that some people might even mount it on a low-slung bogey or something. Returning to cost, there's nothing to stop 2 or 3 people clubbing together and buying a Transformer as a shared purchase - just an idea. Best wishes. john - Silverclaw.

[Stompy]

Looks interesting...... Is there any form of dust extraction?? And is there guarding around the drive belts?

Edited February 11, 2014 by Stompy

[john the saw]

Looks interesting...... Is there any form of dust extraction?? And is there guarding around the drive belts?

 

Hi stompey,

No dust extraction as the Transformer is designed to be used outdoors or in a well-ventilated barn etc Sawdust and chips fall through the under-blade guard and you can just shovel out from under the guard as and when necessary. Yes the drive belts/pulleys etc are all fully shrouded as is the blade - top and bottom. We removed some guards for the photos but we have gone far in excess of the requirements of BS-EN's (standards) with respect to shrouding to gain CE certification. We have spent a great deal of design time and thought to ensure that with all guards in place, it is simply not possible to gain access to blade, belts/pulleys and drive shafts in normal operation. We have also ensured that no guard or shroud impedes the operation in any way so there is simply no reason to operate the Transformer without all guards in place. Thanks for your post. All the best. John - Silverclaw.

[Stompy]

Ok, just looked as though you may get a build up of dust, debris etc around the blade, under the rollers etc and not easily be able to get near it to clear as it is fully enclosed.

 

Cheers and good luck

[difflock]

My "gut" feeling is that it is tinny/flimsy and underengineered.

To withstand the rigours of log handling in even limited use.

Especially in respect of the relatively substantial purchase price.

I do however agree that a UK built casual user/non-industrial saw is a step in the right direction

Regards,

Marcus

[youcallthatbig]

My "gut" feeling is that it is tinny/flimsy and underengineered.

To withstand the rigours of log handling in even limited use.

Especially in respect of the relatively substantial purchase price.

I do however agree that a UK built casual user/non-industrial saw is a step in the right direction

Regards,

Marcus

 

Hhhmmm, tend to agree. Would also like to see pics of roller system that enables 1 man to get a log weighing up to 1/4 ton( given system can handle 9"QG @ almost 10ftlong and longer with available extensions) onto cutting deck @ waist ht.

But otherwise I could see it meeting all of the claims made in the description on the web page.

 

Tim

[woodyguy]

That was my thought that the depth of cut is way too small to be useful.

Its the 18+ inch size that becomes useful. Pity as its good to see Brits innovating.

[SteveA]

As much as I think it's a lot of wonga, and it's not for me.... I don't think it's fair to judge too much before seeing videos of it working, or getting independent user feedback/ reviews.

Cheers, steve

[john the saw]

Ok, just looked as though you may get a build up of dust, debris etc around the blade, under the rollers etc and not easily be able to get near it to clear as it is fully enclosed.

 

Cheers and good luck

 

Hi stompy,

Good point and yes you do get a build up after a few cuts. However, it is very quick and easy to remove the debris. We supply a brush on a handle with the machine and you simply sweep the debris towards you and off from either end. The CE marking inspectorate was happy that this operation is performed with the machine running as if you make a mistake, all that will happen is that the blade will chew up the broom head a bit. Cheers. John - Silverclaw.

[john the saw]

My "gut" feeling is that it is tinny/flimsy and underengineered.

To withstand the rigours of log handling in even limited use.

Especially in respect of the relatively substantial purchase price.

I do however agree that a UK built casual user/non-industrial saw is a step in the right direction

Regards,

Marcus

Hi marcus - thanks for your post,

I know that a lot of you guys are big boy workers and can see from your avatars the size of lumber that you work with. The Transformer is simply not designed for that. A Honda civic would look small and flimsy next to a Humvee but what would you rather nip down to Sainsburys in? Fabricated steel is very strong when properly designed and manufactured. The table tops are reinforced underneath by 60x60 angle where the rollers run. The actual rolling beds are 3mm gusset-strengthened folded steel and topped with 9.0mm tricoya mdf to further spread point load. The rollers are closely spaced and each are designed with a loading capacity that exceeds the requirement of the design parameters of the machine. The result is a strong and stable structure that is fit for purpose. The main benefit is speed of process. I would think that there is a far greater national requirement for fencing and 6" oak flooring planks than 2 foot elm planks and we are just trying to provide a speedy and flexible facility. Horses for courses. Best wishes. John - Silverclaw.