Deborah Carstensen

This is the email my husband sent to Norwood: Well we finally got to the point of starting the 23 hp Vanguard engine and first, the starter doesn't work, just whines and doesn't engage (see attached video). Once we got it started using the pull cord, the black plastic filled module on the side of the engine (ignition module?) burst into smoke and partially melted. It appears to have melted a red wire that we think was embedded with 2 yellow wires (or that's the best we can guess as we have no good "before" pictures of those connections in any of the manuals, and we can see no place it would have connected (no empty connecters at any of the nearby wire attachments). Once we got it cooled down and stopped the smoke, the red wire was fried and dangling (photos). We disconnected the battery to stop any current and later tried to start it again with just the pull cord. While it fired once or twice, it will not run. I don't know what else to say. Where do I go from here?? Could this have something to do with the starter not engaging? Norwood said to take up the issue with Briggs and Stratton (and that we would probably have to pay for any repairs). This is my husband's reply: I just can't tell you how disappointed I am in Norwood as a Company. I wish I had never ordered this sawmill. It's been trouble right down the line and it's plain to see Norwood management does not stand behind the products it sells. You can be sure I'll have lots to say in chat rooms, etc to help alert others to Norwood's management practices and complete lack of help when issues arise. Have a nice day...... Andy Carstensen

If you are thinking about investing in a Norwood Sawmill Kit, DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY! We ordered the kit about three years ago and still don't have a functioning mill. Missing parts, wrong engine sent and best of all when we finally thought we got it going.....the engine started smoking and melted some of the wiring. My husband spent almost as much time contacting Norwood "management" as the tedious (never ending) process of putting the thing together. Norwood does not stand by the product they sell. Steer clear of this company!