Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => Equipment => Topic started by: DeerMeadowFarm on May 23, 2017, 09:26:30 AM

Title: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on May 23, 2017, 09:26:30 AM
I picked up a WoodEze processor this past February. I bought it from a really nice guy in VT. I looked at it last summer and apparently I was the only one who showed interest in it. We worked out a deal and he delivered it to me. Unfortunately, it didn't work! We spent some time fooling around with it, but we had no luck. I gave the guy $100 for fuel and we worked it out that I'd keep it and once I got it to run, I'd pay him the balance less the amount I had to put into it.
We knew the flow control was troublesome, but I wanted to check the pump as well. My nephew works for a company that builds and services buckets, booms, etc. for trucks so I borrowed a flow meter from him and checked the pump; very poor flow. I ordered a new pump, a flow control valve that Marty suggested (Thanks!), replaced the suction and output lines and it worked!
Marty has a thread here with a lot of great ideas/improvements that I plan to incorporate into my machine as well. The first one will be to hard-mount the pump to the unit to the tongue of the machine. The pump, along with it's large cumbersome hoses are a pain to wrestle on and off the tractor. Details to follow.


Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: mlappin on May 23, 2017, 07:07:00 PM

Marty has a thread here with a lot of great ideas/improvements that I plan to incorporate into my machine as well. The first one will be to hard-mount the pump to the unit to the tongue of the machine. The pump, along with it's large cumbersome hoses are a pain to wrestle on and off the tractor. Details to follow.

Yep, the other thing is I’ve bumped the seal a time or two wrestling that pump. Once mounted you’ll find it primes ALOT faster since it’s not sucking oil thru 6 or 7 feet of hose, will be especially noticeable in cold weather.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: mlappin on May 23, 2017, 11:46:10 PM
Website for the rotary bar valve if you should ever need it:

https://www.webtec.com/products/HDCV_180#ProductTab2
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: aarmga on May 25, 2017, 07:19:36 PM
If you don't mind me asking, what did that end up costing you?  If you aren't comfortable sharing that's fine too.  I've been looking at one and it seems a little expensive to me.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: mlappin on May 25, 2017, 07:41:35 PM
The processor itself? My uncle bought it over 30 years ago, I maintain it and store it for getting to use it whenever I want.

I’ve only seen two for sale, one was around $4000 and the other was $9000, the higher priced one was supposedly completely repainted, and had all new hoses, wires and switches.

Price a new one that has as much capacity as a Wood Eze and you’ll jump on a Wood Eze for even 9K. Largest log I ran thru in one piece was a little over 25” at the stump and was 57 feet long.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on May 26, 2017, 07:56:43 AM
I paid $3,000 for mine total and that included a new pump ($500), gage ($13.41), flow control valve ($99.50), fluid, clamps, fittings and filter (another $160). That's what I put into it to get it working after the previous owner delivered it to me. Net payment to him was $2,229.22. I couldn't buy a decent splitter for that.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: aarmga on May 26, 2017, 12:32:26 PM
I paid $3,000 for mine total and that included a new pump ($500), gage ($13.41), flow control valve ($99.50), fluid, clamps, fittings and filter (another $160). That's what I put into it to get it working after the previous owner delivered it to me. Net payment to him was $2,229.22. I couldn't buy a decent splitter for that.

This is exactly what I was wondering.  The one I was looking at was 5500, I thought it was fair but maybe a little steep.  I believe if I can talk him down to 3500 I would bring it home.  Thank you
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: mlappin on May 26, 2017, 05:10:40 PM
Depends on what kind of shape it’s in, I stared pricing out stuff out of curiosity, just the three valve stack is over $2000, good Prince stuff, if you want cheaper try the ROC crap at your own risk. Just all the channel irons will set you back a hefty chunk of change to build the frame.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: aarmga on May 26, 2017, 05:16:11 PM
Depends on what kind of shape it’s in, I stared pricing out stuff out of curiosity, just the three valve stack is over $2000, good Prince stuff, if you want cheaper try the ROC crap at your own risk. Just all the channel irons will set you back a hefty chunk of change to build the frame.

It's definitely not in tip top shape, but still works.  It's rough tho. Steel is extremely cheap for me, I can get it at cost through work.  Just built myself a quarter inch square stock tailgate with 1/4" expanded metal that weighs 200 pounds for my tractor trailer with a 7 foot 5/8" hinge for 80 bucks in material.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: mlappin on May 26, 2017, 05:26:21 PM
Depends on what kind of shape it’s in, I stared pricing out stuff out of curiosity, just the three valve stack is over $2000, good Prince stuff, if you want cheaper try the ROC crap at your own risk. Just all the channel irons will set you back a hefty chunk of change to build the frame.

It's definitely not in tip top shape, but still works.  It's rough tho. Steel is extremely cheap for me, I can get it at cost through work.  Just built myself a quarter inch square stock tailgate with 1/4" expanded metal that weighs 200 pounds for my tractor trailer with a 7 foot 5/8" hinge for 80 bucks in material.

Probably sat outside a lot, I’m done it gets greased, blown off, and parked in the barn.

Check the coils on the stack as well, take the outer nut off and see if you can pull the coil off, if not soak it if you buy it. Occasionally you have to take the stack apart to get a bit of o-ring or something that might hang a spool up, if you can’t get the coil off your kinda SOL, you won’t find a replacement and if your luck is a hell of a lot better than mine and find one, the stupid coil costs as much as the assembly, ask me how I know.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: mlappin on May 26, 2017, 05:30:42 PM
I stand corrected, a new OC three section 12V valve stack with one section for hydraulic motors and 2 sections for DA cylinders from Prince will set you back $1150.

http://www.surpluscenter.com/shop.axd/Cart
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on May 30, 2017, 07:55:20 AM
Website for the rotary bar valve if you should ever need it:

https://www.webtec.com/products/HDCV_180#ProductTab2
Marty - Does your rotary valve have detents in it? Mine just kind of swivels around with not much resistance and with the electrical control buttons on it in a box it's kind of easy to move inadvertently.
Thanks!
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on May 30, 2017, 08:16:45 AM
I completed my PTO pump mount this weekend and made a bracket for my flow control valve. Just need to get some new hoses made and plumbed in!:
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/DeerMeadowFarm/Farm%20stuff/Wood%20processing/PTO%20mount%20RH_zpsxz5mvztj.jpg) (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/DeerMeadowFarm/media/Farm%20stuff/Wood%20processing/PTO%20mount%20RH_zpsxz5mvztj.jpg.html)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/DeerMeadowFarm/Farm%20stuff/Wood%20processing/PTO%20Mount%20LH_zpse2joxbp7.jpg) (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/DeerMeadowFarm/media/Farm%20stuff/Wood%20processing/PTO%20Mount%20LH_zpse2joxbp7.jpg.html)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/DeerMeadowFarm/Farm%20stuff/Wood%20processing/Flow%20control%20mount_zpsbrff4bga.jpg) (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/DeerMeadowFarm/media/Farm%20stuff/Wood%20processing/Flow%20control%20mount_zpsbrff4bga.jpg.html)
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: Smokeless on May 30, 2017, 04:27:56 PM
That's a beautiful job on the pump mount. 👍👍👍
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: mlappin on May 30, 2017, 08:39:23 PM
I like your bearing mounts better than mine, I used what was under the welding bench, wasn’t about to cut up a 10 or 20 foot chunk considering what they get for steel anymore.

Anyways, mine didn’t have any detents but did have a spring return to center, that was located under the “cap” and on top of the valve body, had a split pin in the cap then another split pin in the body, when centered the split pins lined up and it had a triple coil spring under it with a a short leg on each end about a half inch long bent 90 degrees, when assemble one leg was on each side of the split pins. I searched the internet high and low and could never find just the spring, could get a rebuild “kit” for around $100, told em to keep it.

This is what I use for a spring return to center:


(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t167/Marty_Lappin/WoodEze%20Firewood%20Processor/IMG_2008_zpsvr16cp1d.jpg)
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on May 31, 2017, 08:22:26 AM
That tubing for the pump mount came from the scrap pile at work!  :thumbup:
My rotary valve looks different from yours, but I think I can add a spring to it like you did.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/DeerMeadowFarm/Farm%20stuff/Wood%20processing/011_2_zps8qgjfa4c.jpg) (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/DeerMeadowFarm/media/Farm%20stuff/Wood%20processing/011_2_zps8qgjfa4c.jpg.html)

The electrical control on the lever needs some work as well....
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/DeerMeadowFarm/Farm%20stuff/Wood%20processing/012_zps7paojhqt.jpg) (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/DeerMeadowFarm/media/Farm%20stuff/Wood%20processing/012_zps7paojhqt.jpg.html)
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on June 13, 2017, 12:49:00 PM
Worked on the winch. There was no fairlead, just some rebar welded in a loop to "guide" the cable. I bought a fairlead, made a heavy duty bracket and replaced the rusty frayed cable with a brand new one (still on the spool with shrink-wrap on it) that my company bought years ago, decided they didn't need it since they never used it and threw it out....
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/DeerMeadowFarm/WoodEze/winch%20before_zpswtw5z4vn.jpg) (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/DeerMeadowFarm/media/WoodEze/winch%20before_zpswtw5z4vn.jpg.html)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/DeerMeadowFarm/WoodEze/winch%20after_zps0jvwne5d.jpg) (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/DeerMeadowFarm/media/WoodEze/winch%20after_zps0jvwne5d.jpg.html)
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: mlappin on June 14, 2017, 09:51:03 AM
Nice. Do you have the block with the hook on it that attaches to the log tray? Thats all I’ve ever used and never had a fairlead.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on June 15, 2017, 06:32:24 AM
Nice. Do you have the block with the hook on it that attaches to the log tray? Thats all I’ve ever used and never had a fairlead.
No I do not.  :( Do you have a photo of it that you could share?

I ran it last night after work for the first time since I made the pump mount and added the fairlead. I ran six 12' to 20' logs through it in 45 minutes. No speed record for sure, but on the plus side I never had to lift anything heavier than the winch cable, I wasn't all sweaty or tired at all! I think I can gain speed with experience and a few more improvements:
1. I want to re-locate the winch button near the winch itself or convert it to a wireless remote. Right now the button is near the operator's location, but this requires that you walk around the machine, play cable out, hook up the log, walk around the machine, actuate the button to winch the log in, walk around the machine, unhook the cable, then walk around again to begin processing. Moving the switch would eliminate two trips per log.
2. I need to find a way to release the winch into free spool easier. Right now once the log is winched up the tension on the cable is so tight I need to use a hammer to knock the release lever into free mode. Maybe lubing the drive lug/hub will help? It would be much faster if it worked the same way my 3-point logging winch operated. Any suggestions here would be appreciated!
3. I need to add a cable hook and/or a spot to keep a Peavey near the winch end. I had a couple of logs I processed last night that I struggled to get the cable under/around.
4. Your cut-to-length mod would definitely help as well. I hope to complete that conversion this summer.

Photo from last night:
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/DeerMeadowFarm/WoodEze/170615-1%201_zpspxd7wldo.jpg) (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/DeerMeadowFarm/media/WoodEze/170615-1%201_zpspxd7wldo.jpg.html)
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: mlappin on June 15, 2017, 08:45:17 AM




I ran it last night after work for the first time since I made the pump mount and added the fairlead. I ran six 12' to 20' logs through it in 45 minutes. No speed record for sure, but on the plus side I never had to lift anything heavier than the winch cable, I wasn't all sweaty or tired at all! I think I can gain speed with experience and a few more improvements:
1. I want to re-locate the winch button near the winch itself or convert it to a wireless remote. Right now the button is near the operator's location, but this requires that you walk around the machine, play cable out, hook up the log, walk around the machine, actuate the button to winch the log in, walk around the machine, unhook the cable, then walk around again to begin processing. Moving the switch would eliminate two trips per log.

I have one button at the operators station and one at the winch, makes life much easier.



2. I need to find a way to release the winch into free spool easier. Right now once the log is winched up the tension on the cable is so tight I need to use a hammer to knock the release lever into free mode. Maybe lubing the drive lug/hub will help? It would be much faster if it worked the same way my 3-point logging winch operated. Any suggestions here would be appreciated!

Don’t have the table all the way retracted, leave a foot or so, then just back the table off to loosen the cable. I’ve threatened to add a valve on mine to run the winch backwards, but is not needed 99% of the time.


3. I need to add a cable hook and/or a spot to keep a Peavey near the winch end. I had a couple of logs I processed last night that I struggled to get the cable under/around.




I use a pair of logging tongs on the ones flat to the ground.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on June 15, 2017, 08:51:24 AM

I have one button at the operators station and one at the winch, makes life much easier.
[/quote]
Perfect! Can you explain to a non-EE how to wire that up? I struggle with the electronics part of any project.  :(


Don’t have the table all the way retracted, leave a foot or so, then just back the table off to loosen the cable. I’ve threatened to add a valve on mine to run the winch backwards, but is not needed 99% of the time.
[/quote]
Doh!  :bash: Why didn't I think of this? That's a great idea!

I use a pair of logging tongs on the ones flat to the ground.
[/quote]

Funny, my buddy at work just suggested the same thing! I have a set of tongs as well....

Thanks Marty, you've been a great help to me with this project. I hope you continue to do so; I appreciate it!
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on June 15, 2017, 09:04:07 AM
Don’t have the table all the way retracted, leave a foot or so, then just back the table off to loosen the cable. I’ve threatened to add a valve on mine to run the winch backwards, but is not needed 99% of the time.

Just thought of something; if another winch switch is mounted near the winch, you'd also have to have an additional switch to actuate the table to loosen the cable in this way or you'd be back to walking around... I wonder if a 2-button remote switch that you could hang on your belt would be better yet? Maybe one function would be to actuate the winch and the other for the table? I have no idea how to accomplish that, but it would be handy to have the remote switch even when hooking up or setting tongs at the log to tighten up some slack....?

Any electrical guys out there that can help?
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: mlappin on June 15, 2017, 09:42:37 AM
All you need to do is find a hot, run that back to the winch, install your push to close pushbutton then run the wire from that to either the coil itself that activates the winch or to the wire on the existing switch that goes to the coil.

With my rotary valve and control mounted the way it is I can reach the controls from the right side of the machine to back the table off to unhook the cable. Thats also why I chain the shield in place on the PTO, if the shield ever locks up on the shaft then you’ll know something is up and it needs repaired ASAP. A neighbor ended up with a considerable hospital stay when he went to step over a BRAND NEW PTO shaft and the shield locked up.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: mlappin on June 15, 2017, 09:51:44 AM
Here is a photo of the block and the slot in the log table, it has like a piece of 3/4” rod across it to hook to:

(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t167/Marty_Lappin/WoodEze%20Firewood%20Processor/IMG_2085_zpsomgkaqgw.jpg)


I added a jack stand, a lot of weight on that side of the machine and I’ve had the big snap ring that holds the jack on fail before.  Just a trailer hitch receiver with holes drilled on 1 1/2” centers then the 2x2 thick wall tube has holes drilled on 2” centers.

(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t167/Marty_Lappin/WoodEze%20Firewood%20Processor/IMG_2086_zpsvb8dhsab.jpg)
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: whitepine2 on June 15, 2017, 07:04:11 PM
  Deer you might want to put another cable clamp on you hook end,that is what is recommended in most cases some even more but for what you are doing I think two would be fine. 
                                                                                                  My 2 cents worth
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on June 16, 2017, 07:04:34 AM
All you need to do is find a hot, run that back to the winch, install your push to close pushbutton then run the wire from that to either the coil itself that activates the winch or to the wire on the existing switch that goes to the coil.
OK, I'll try to figure it out. Do I need to find a special rated switch? If I can get something local I could try to figure it out this weekend maybe; they're talking that it's going to be a washout...
With my rotary valve and control mounted the way it is I can reach the controls from the right side of the machine to back the table off to unhook the cable. Thats also why I chain the shied in place on the PTO, if the shield ever locks up on the shaft then you’ll know something is up and it needs repaired ASAP. A neighbor ended up with a considerable hospital stay when he went to step over a BRAND NEW PTO shaft and the shield locked up.
Yes, I need to put the chains on my shield ASAP. Right now I walk around the entire machine; I hate stepping over a driveshaft even if the shields are chained.

Here is a photo of the block and the slot in the log table, it has like a piece of 3/4” rod across it to hook to:
I added a jack stand, a lot of weight on that side of the machine and I’ve had the big snap ring that holds the jack on fail before.  Just a trailer hitch receiver with holes drilled on 1 1/2” centers then the 2x2 thick wall tube has holes drilled on 2” centers.
Mine has the slot in the table with the rod under it but I didn't get a snatch block with mine. Nice idea on the rigid leg. Where did you put it exactly? Is that the side the log feeds in from?

  Deer you might want to put another cable clamp on you hook end,that is what is recommended in most cases some even more but for what you are doing I think two would be fine. 
                                                                                                  My 2 cents worth

Already done! I took that photo of the winch on Sunday. Monday on my way home from work I grabbed another cable clamp at TSC. I had it on the cable before I used it. I also try to loop the tag end of a cable when I have the second clamp. It was a PITA to do with this size cable but I got it done. The guy I bought it from only had one clamp on it, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: mlappin on June 16, 2017, 07:08:20 AM
Any old pushbutton should work, the coils on the valves don’t pull that much juice.

The jack stand is on the right side of the machine, same side as the log ramp.

For future reference when referring to left and right it’s determined by standing behind the machine looking towards the hitch, every piece of equipment I’ve owned uses this as a standard.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on June 19, 2017, 07:58:42 AM
I picked up a push-button starter switch from NAPA on Friday but didn't get a chance to wire it in yet. I ran the machine yesterday; your suggestion to keep the deck back a little to loosen the winch cable once the log is winched up worked great!
Everything worked well and I'm learning to be more efficient with it. I did get hung up on 6 rounds (large ones) or hickory though; it just wouldn't split them. I think an angle grinder on my wedge edges would help a little; they are pretty dull. So far those have been the only things I couldn't split with it.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: mlappin on June 19, 2017, 10:52:38 AM

Everything worked well and I'm learning to be more efficient with it. I did get hung up on 6 rounds (large ones) or hickory though; it just wouldn't split them. I think an angle grinder on my wedge edges would help a little; they are pretty dull. So far those have been the only things I couldn't split with it.

Sharpening it does help a little, the other thing I did was to cut the vertical wedges back a little with a torch then resharpen, originally mine would be trying to split all four ways at once, cutting the vertical back allows the horizontal split to happen first. It’s not the most powerful wood splitter I’ve used, I’ll admit that, but it beats the holy crap out of a splitting maul. On those tough pieces knock em loose with a twelve pound maul, then rotate end for end, don’t flip end to end, if you rotate then the wedge will be trying to split in the same spot it did from the other end. Sometimes depending on the tree species and how crooked or twisted it is running em thru from the small end first it will split better, sometimes not. I also keep a chunk of 4x6 on the processor, if you get a piece that won’t split drop it in the tray and try again, this allows the bottom to be split first, once it pops back the ram off and remove the 4x6 then finish splitting.
Title: Re: My WoodEze processor rebuild/improvements
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on June 19, 2017, 11:47:47 AM
My wedge was cut back by some previous owner at some point (see below). Great idea on the 4x6; I actually tried putting one of the split chunks in to do the same thing. I used the tongs and the winch to pull the stuck chunk off of the wedge.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/DeerMeadowFarm/WoodEze/back%20quarter%20view%20new%20tires_zps7n0y9nty.jpg) (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/DeerMeadowFarm/media/WoodEze/back%20quarter%20view%20new%20tires_zps7n0y9nty.jpg.html)