2 Year Review - What are my Thoughts - Frontier OS27 Sawmill
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- I give you my honest review and opinions on the Frontier OS27 Sawmill. I've never personally run a different brand mill so I don't have anything to judge the mill against. I've been happy with the mill but some things I'd like so see addressed
1 powder coating is fair
2 log stops are hard to keep square
3 The second log screw clamp I bought is sub par compared to the one that came with the mill.
4 I struggled with getting the throttle cable perfectly adjusted. You can do it with a bit of effort.
These are the top issues for my mill. They wouldn't stop me from buying the mill again . They are all relatively mild.
Thank you for watching the video and I hope you enjoyed the video. If you wouldn't mind would you subscribe to the channel.
Jerry
My accounts where I share my wood projects.
/ bigelowwoodcraft
/ bigelowwoodcraft
website
bigelowwoodcra...
www.amazon.com...
When I saw the length of this video, I figured I'd be skimming through it. Didn't happen. Very informative and helpful review of the OS27. Definitely a keeper in my Frontier YT video file. I always learn something from your videos and have incorporated some of you modifications, i.e., bearings on the log stops. And like you, I love working with my mill. -Puro Padre
Fantastic. Glad you are getting something from my videos. I didn't want that video to be that long but I couldn't decide what more I could edit out. Thank you for supporting the channel.
Thanks for the great review. I have one of the first of the OS27's produced, I think. I have had all the same problems that you have had, especially the powdercoating, shifting log rests, bad tank valve and all the rest. With a cheap Harbor Freigjht ball valve and an extra throttle cable I was able to make an automatic watering system for just a few dollars.
Get the urethane v-belt from Timber Wolf (Suffolk Machinery) for the driving pully. It fits tightly, lasts seemingly forever, cushions the blade and does not cake up with sawdust like the one that comes with the Frontier. Timberwolf blades are good, too.
I also am happy with the OS27 and have found it to be a great value if you are willing to solve a few problems yourself.
Let me know if you find a good solution for the log rest bracket movement. You can never trust the stops to be vertical and it sometimes takes lots of shimming to end up with a square cant. I often make hardwood log rests so I don't worry about hittimg the metal stops, When edging boards, I just saw through the wooden stops.
Where did you buy the bearings that you mounted at the top of your stops?
Good advice on the drive belt. I agree. Great value of you're ok with some simple modifications to make it easier to run. I got the bearings on line. They are the same OD as the width of the log stops. I think in time I'll just weld the log stop holders in place. I use a square every time. Thanks for watching and great contribution with your comment.
I bought a OS27 and getting it together. Built a bunk support for the track
out of 6" treated timber, prolly overkill. I am 70 and digging the holes was fun. Thanks for your video and all the little tricks. Thanks again
Sweet. You'll live it. Stay safe and happy milling.
Oh, I forgot to mention in the last post that BOTH of the valve stems on my transport wheels have failed recently. The stems simply break off a quarter inch or so from the wheel and of course make the tire go flat. It seems like they must have been made in two parts that separate over time because there is a fairly flat surface that reveals itself. Check yours and replace the stems before you trust them to get you very far down the road.
I've not had that problem yet. Fortunately I own a tire change machine. I'll keep an eye on them. I'm actually thinking about taking my wheels and axles off and making it more permanent. Thanks again for your contribution to the discussion. Have a great weekend
Woodland Mills have bearing blade guides with the ceramic pads guiding the blade on top and bottom. I have the HM130 Max Woodlander and it has a lot of similarities of yours. The powder coat problem of peeling is because the prep of the steel. You were spot on with that diagnosis. Great video!
Scott thank you for the comment. Is their blade guide system two ceramic on top and bottom and one bearing on the back? My friend has the hm122. I need to look it over closer.
You agree with my take on the powder coating... I've never worked in that industry and I was assuming it was material prep problem. That works be an easy fix and make these Mills that much better.
@@BigelowWoodcraft Yes that is the set up on the Woodland Mills.
Hey Jerry just watched your one year and two year review of your mill. Getting ready to possibly purchase one and your videos are extremely enlightening as to pointing out what to look for in quality issues. Keep up the good work.
Hey thanks. I've been thinking of doing a 3 year review. It is still holding up well. Only reason I have not is because as you know my mill is heavily modified and it's not what you're going to get exactly when you buy one. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Keep me informed on your purchase.
On the back stops 1/2 inch key stock can be welded on both sides to hold them we used this method for bearings works well great review have a great day
That's a great idea
nice video, I'm getting mine in soon and watching everything I can.
You will love it. Keep me informed how it goes. Safe milling
I share your frustration with the water valve on the tank. I have the auto lube system on my OS 27. What I did to solve the valve problem was to get one of the plastic inline gasoline valves for small engines like a generator. I left the original valve there but opened it to the max. I put the new valve in the tube just below the original and above the auto shutoff. I now works great. I simply adjust the plastic valve to the desired flow.
I think that will be the remedy I use as well. Thanks for the suggestion.
Great review and opinions on our mills there buddy. Some very valid points and some poor service from Norwood/Frontier on quality.
Keep up the great work, and it's fantastic you spending quality time with family whilst hunting. Keep it going bud.
Ooh and thanks for the shout out as always 😊
Thanks Buddy. For the price these Mills are hard to beat. Thanks for the support.
I see Viel sawmills out of Canada have an interesting head lifting setup. It has an overhead garage door spring set up to make it “ weightless “. Uses a drill press type three handle deal to adjust height and has a lock. Pretty cool mills but pricey. Great vid btw
I've talked about that garage door spring with a fellow viewer once...I forgot all about that concept...interesting. I would like to get rid of the cable system all together but that is intriguing. Thank you for the continued support
I installed aluminum angle bolted to side of bunks to protect paint on top and prevent removing paint to stop rust works and not to expensive. Keep milling.
That's an excellent idea. Thank you
Bunk caps! That’s what all those black rubber “ feet” are! Lol. Until now I had no idea :)
That's what I'm calling them lol. I also call the stainless pieces that go over the bunks "bunk caps" lol
Good stuff, thanks for sharing I Ordered a Cooks back in March, 72-week lead time but I am not complaining because I am not ready for it, I am learning a lot from yours and others sawing videos, keep making them and I will keep watching them, thanks
Fantastic. They are a mill of love to have in my yard. Congrats. You'll love it. Thanks for the support Mister P
I liked your review....i own the same OS27 and love it i also have the idle/or power issue on m'y throttle and will fix.i don't cut as much as you since i !ive near Kirkland Lake in Ontario
Thank you for the response. It's just a sloppy way to run the throttle in my opinion.
Kirkland Lake WOW. My wife and children vacationed along the Montreal river between Elk Lake and Kenabeek for years at Mountain Chutes camp. I also moose and bear hunted there. The owners have since sold the camp and it's no longer in business. We took a drive one rainy day and went to Kirkland Lake. It's a beautiful area that you have up there. Made many wonderful memories with the family there.
Thanks you for a good review. Just as soon as deer season Is over I’m going to order one.
Glad to hear the video was of help.
Not sure if you covered it in the video, I did not hear it... What diameter of logs can you cut easily?
@@treeandstoveguy easily is the key word. It'll cut a 27 inch log. But it's hard to handle, and turn without hydraulics. It's got a 22 inch cut max. You can squeeze 23 if you remove the blade guide. I've done that. My favorite size is around 17 to 20 inches. I can handle those size. Great question.
@@BigelowWoodcraft Thanks! I have a lot of big cottonwood and was thinking if starting with this mill and later getting a bigger mill. What types of wood do you mill mostly?
Another excellent and informative video Jerry!!! I really enjoy watching review videos so that I can compare them to my Norwood Mill! Your trailer frame is very similar, but the rail system is very different! I can't wait to build my electric feed system, using your videos as a guide! In an earlier video you talked about 24 volts on your feeder, but have you thought about using a larger sprocket to increase your return speed?? Once again, keep up the great videos!!!
Yes I have thought about a larger sprocket but I'm concerned about the power ratio. Not sure if it'll push through the real wide cuts when slowed way down.
@@BigelowWoodcraft I guess short of the difficulties in charging, two batteries wouldn't be a huge problem, could use a disconnect and charge them separately?
Well I got mine together it's a cutting machine except after a day of cutting the ignition key locked up on me so waiting on parts . Other than that I like it cut a 23 inch log already with no problems
Glad to hear you like it. Dang sorry to hear about the ignition. You can still pull start it?
@@BigelowWoodcraft key won't turn at all but parts will be here tomorrow
The clutch bearing is a 6008RS.
Thank you Jim
👍
You could maybe run a little weld inside the tube for the log stop being so sloppy. Thanks for the videos I am considering one of these now
That's a great idea. Thank you.
If you buy one you'll be happy
@@BigelowWoodcraft thanks
good afternoon Jerry! I'm back for more advice. lol what is the thickness of the log bunks?
I just measured. My thickness of the steel log bunks are .118 of an inch according to my calipers. They are 3x6 square tubing. The tops are 26 inches and bottoms are 34 inches. That all the dimensions for the log bunks.
What do you want for the auto Flo I bought a os27 because of you it's on a freight truck right now I should see it in a couple days can't way my old lady mite not like you because I spent the money on one 🤣😂🤣 but great video I would have never got one if it wasn't for you
Glad to hear Shaun. Send me your address to Bigelowwoodcraft@gmail.com and I'll send it to you... Free of charge
Great review, I'm currently looking to buy the OS31 with elec start Kohler.
I think I will be following suit with a lot if not all of your modifications and I had figured I would just make my own extra log stops/jams etc. anyway, but definitely will now.
What are they like on hardwoods? I'm in Australia and only have access to some fairly solid hardwoods. I currently have a Logosol M8 th-cam.com/video/F2lmY8GITuQ/w-d-xo.html with a stihl pro ms660 and its hard going with even the smaller size logs suited for this setup.
On a side note, you look and sound so much like another YTer I watch call Aquachigger, you could easily pass as brothers lol.
You will enjoy the OS31. I wish I would have gotten the electric start. I mill a lot of oak and it's really hard with no problems at all. I use a 7°blade.
I'll look up aquachigger lol. Thanks for the support and keep me informed when you get your mill and how it goes for you.
@@BigelowWoodcraft Thanks for the reply. Chig is a bit of a character, he does a lot of prospecting/metal detecting. I could be way off, but you just reminded me of him lol
I just checked him out. He could be family lol. He's channel is huge I just subscribed.
The powdercoat is an absolute trocious, my mills paint has all flaked off
That has to be addressed as Frontier goes forward. It won't be long if they don't fix it people won't be buying those Mills
Patrick, what mill do you have?