What I DON'T Like About My Woodmizer LT15 Sawmill

I have been using my Woodmizer LT15 sawmill for over two years. I do a review of mostly the things I don't like about it. I describe some of the problems I have had with it. I also tell what I like about it and whether I recommend it or not.

[marshvegas]

I’ll never use an LT15 or any other saw mill… but after a day of office life corporate bs there’s nothing more relaxing than a Wilson Forest Lands video

[bluethunder]

When I had the same problem of trying to keep the tracks level, I got a 20ton flat deck trailer took off the decking where the tracks fit in and mounted them directly to the frame of the trailer problem solved and now it’s portable too.

[JudsonBrundage-cfqe]

I’ve seen some really great YouTube videos lately, this is definitely one of them. Really appreciate the honest review.

[kurtlanford]

Thanks for the honest review! One day I hope to own a mill of my own . Keep up the great work sir !

[pettere]

If you have not fixed the log stop yet I would suggest sticking one of these split spring washers between the nut an the frame, that way you get more even spring tension on the join.
As for the levelling feet, mill up some square blocks of some hard, rot resistant wood and then saw them into two pieces with about a one to ten slope. Use the opposing wedges you just made to get finely adjustable feet for the bed and then lock them in place with a couple of woodscrews.

[merlemuhe]

I have the Lt 15 but had you mounted it on some 6x6x20' beams and anchored your legs to the beams you wouldn't have any issues. Also the right side has dowels in to help with the alignment. I live in Alaska and have to reset my mill every yr after breakup. Oh on the beams I used 3' x1/2" rebar and drilled thru the beams and drove the rebar into the ground. It is rock solid.
Blade change open the guide wide open and work from one side to the other. That way you can control the teeth from hitting things

[howardkettner]

Thanks for your candour. Wry useful info. New subscriber. Here’s to the hobbyist sawmill community. Collectively we resolve these issues.

[ozarkscarguy]

I currently run an LT15, LT50, and lucas slabber mill. I've ran a boardwalk Jr, baker, and played around on various other mills. Yes, the LT 15 has quirks that are slightly annoying but it is still my favorite sawmill. If I could only own 1 sawmill it would be the LT15 wide. They just keep working and working well.

[douglasbattjes]

What great video, about time someone did one with the exact questions I had, notice how the unit flops all over when you engage the blade, and if it does the then, what about going down the rails. Sure enjoyed the video, and the adjustment legs are a joke, think I saw a LT 15 Wide with trailer jacks on it. If you upgrade, maybe you can sell this one, still looking but no impressed with this unit anymore, The HD 35 Hyd. is what I think would be a great mill, old guy by me had one but retired, an he use to cut lots of wood for me. 👍👍👍👍

[rakersdownnz]

A very balanced overview of this mill, I think you've been very fair to it, possibly, you use it far more than you expected at time of purchase ( how to tell🤔), because it is branded, it has a resale value, a great step in for someone else if you decide to upgrade.

Its always important to think about the kerf width of a bandsaw VS circular saw mill, bandsaws great for making wide, but slim boards, swing blade mills better for thicker, dimensioned timber at tailing out, lots of chip to clean up tho 😐 but great for putting around fruit trees (me and the line trimmer are not friends) but I love my chainsaw..

Still appreciating your subtle, dry humour, its like, I have to listen, understand, think, then laugh, I like that process.

[joshh]

I'm so glad i seen this. I want be buy the wood-mizer LT15

[graysquirreltreeservice]

Lmao I can't believe they haven't put the filler hole on top of the blade lube😂the engineers are sleeping

[TheMonkdad]

I don’t have that saw but e would agree that being unable to achieve near perfection when tuning up the saw would make me stressed. It all seems insignificant until you get problems with blades diving or some other finished product. It’s difficult to diagnose the problem when you can’t even tune up the saw any longer.

[southernadirondackoutdoors]

Good video. Haven't had the feet problem yet, perhaps being on concrete helps reduce that movement you mention. We have experienced the same as you with the log supports and we keep a wrench at the mill just for that purpose.

[MsdMakingSawDust]

Our Norwood was a 4 post 4 wheel design and that thing was solid, now for the bunks
I was the worst thing I’ve ever seen, you couldn’t keep the bunks level if you wanted to,
Unless you are like me. After taking it apart quite a few times and countless times readjusting I finally welded everything . I call there bed design a LEGO SET. I think if you had supports under the bunks like a railroad track track system you could forget about the legs. And for the side track and extra roller I would be adding some extra design 😂
I do have plasma cutter, welder, torches, a lot of metal and rollers… 😂😂😂😂
I learned how to spell modifications before my own name 😂😂😂😂 thanks for sharing your in and outs. Take care. All yea LT40 wide with
Diesel 😂

[seitzwoodworking]

Sounds to me like it would be cost effective to upgrade the weak spots on the mill you spoke of and you would have a great machine. Bigger and better footings. Weld some pieces on the rails to make them “lock” together. Maybe just mount high quality hydraulic jacks with large foot plates where the screw jacks are. Just my thoughts

[HoneyDoHomestead]

It's been a year.. I'm not sure much has changed with the LT15. They have an LX line now, but I think those are targeted to be more budget than the START.

[theshadow]

Sir, you have produced a very good video with lots of very great information for potential buyers. I also fully understand your frustration with the sawmill's design flaws. I have only two questions, (1) has the sawmill allowed you to recoup your original investment (2) has it been profitable for you?

[TheOldManAndTheSaw]

Check out Professional Homeowner. He also had an issue with LT50 bed sections and, I believe, WM replaced them. In my opinion, having uneven bunks may be the worst thing you mentioned; you never know what accuracy you have on board thickness. As you know, the LT15 saw head is a cantilever design and not as stable as a true 4 post design.
Informative video.
Dave

[twistedlimb]

I disconnect the water hose from my lube tank and undo the bunji straps and just remove the tank. Leave the frame on the post.