john the saw

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.

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.

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.

Hi, We hope to post vids next week. See my reply to steveA for a quick idea of what it can do. Thanks for your post. john - Silverclaw.

Thanks Big Beech - boy's toys and all that. john - silverclaw.

Hi steve, Thanks for your kind words. Yes i take your point but people can really earn money with this machine and have a lot more options than just firewood log supply. I really meant that it's not a lot of money when the machine allows you to effectively have an instant multi-faceted business. We hope to post some videos next week but to give you an idea, one shows a 2 metre 9" diameter oak log, being processed into a lovely beam in under 5 minutes and then on into planks in another 3 minutes. That's pretty quick and a look on ebay will tell you that product like this sells for good money - and your materials cost is zero apart from a bit of fuel. Also please bear in mind that we intend the machine to be a new industry standard that lasts a lifetime - hence the highest quality materials, including the superb Honda GX630 V twin engine. Delivery and vat included, you get a lot for the money. All the best. john. Silverclaw

After four years in design and testing, Silverclaw have at last launched their Transformer Log Saw on the market. Arborists are no longer stuck cutting up good, usable lumber for firewood as for a small outlay, they can now process it quickly and safely into fencing, posts, shiplap, beams, planks etc. Not intended to compete with large, expensive machines, the idea is that one-man operators can rip a 12" diameter log into highly sellable beams and planks etc. Go a stage farther and start producing sheds, field shelters, stables, log cabins - anything that can be made from wood. The Transformer is a very handy companion to larger mills which can struggle after converting large lumber to smaller dimensions. More details at http://www.silverclaw.eu Note - the final picture is of our testing prototype rig. The actual handle mechanism can now swing for easier operation and incorporates roller-assisted loading facility.

Why waste good timber when you can process it and make good money by selling it as beams and planks with our Transformer Saw Mill? john - silverclaw.eu

Specification page now posted on our web site. john - silverclaw.

Thanks james. You're quite right and we are working on the specs page - should be posted this week. Honda test engineers were in today and we are now an approved Honda engine installer. Another point of interest is that the CE marking inspectorate says that a new BS-EN will have to be written around our machine as the innovations mean that it is not covered by existing standards. I'm desperate to show you guys what this thing can do so we're working hard to get the vids posted. All the best. john

Hi guys. Well that's a bit like comparing a vintage rolls with a nippy little honda civic. The Racksaw was/is a great machine but new in it's day would cost tens of thousands of pounds. Even now, buying a second hand one would not be as cheap as chips. A decent one needing attention would go for at least 3K, usually for you to dismantle and take away - say another grand and then you have to put it to rights and set up - another 2K plus would quickly go. Of course it has a far greater capability but the Transformer is not intended to compete with such a machine. It is designed to quickly process lumber from only 12" in the round downwards, into beams, planks and posts etc. It would make a great companion to a Racksaw or chain mill and would easily outperform them in terms of both time and operator comfort/safety within it's design parameters. The 7k price includes 1k of vat and a beautiful Honda GX630 engine that is 1.5k on it's own. Racksaws are often belt drive so a fairer comparison would be our PTO version which is 1k cheaper and you could get a 3.4 cut for an extra 500 quid - that's pretty much the weight limit for a manual-loading machine. You won't really see how good the Transformer is until we get the videos posted - hopefully in a week or so. All the best. John Mainstone, Managing Director, Silverclaw.