Lionel 464 Sawmill improvements and modifications

This is great! Well done! It pays respect to the original without having to deal with all the operational shortcomings. Maybe a video of the sawmill in operation when you get to that point?

Thank you, great job!

John

Mr Fixit, any idea how I can fit my Binford 5000 chainsaw engine into the sawmill?

Let's rip some lumber.

Chris S

The biggest improvement is getting rid of that saw blade that was mounted backwards.

Thanks for the compliments!  I will make sure my "sawblade" turns clockwise, we don't want boards thrown out through the window. I will definitely post a video when finished.

As for the Binford Chainsaw engine - I suggest the "beat it fit and paint it to match" strategy.  You may need to change the log size to 3".  Just make sure the engine runs properly with lots of noise, smoke and sawdust.  If there isn't room on the layout, just use the chainsaw to make room before taking the engine out.  This opens up the possibilities for some really great train wrecks by the sawmill.....

Excellent job! 

Looks great! Nice job. Looks more realistic than the original. Nice color choices.

Thanks Mr Fixit, a hammer is my favorite tool when modeling or working on my cars, this should be fun.  By the way, your mods look great.

Chris S.

I added a step down converter to supply 5v to the "saw" motor.  When the belt motor is running, the saw will turn.  I will power lights separately since I normally have all lights in all buildings on when the layout is powered up.  I don't know if the "operators" will be animated or not.  I ordered some figures, but it may take a while to get them.

What sort of hook or line should I put on the "crane" arm to make it look better? Has anyone else embellished this part?  I saw a video of the command control sawmill and the blade appeared to be turning the correct way.  Which way should it turn?  If it is similar to a table saw, the blades should be cutting downward.

FireOne, I have about as many different types of hammers as I do wrenches or sockets, so I guess it's one of my favorites also.  I've even used my Hobart wire welder on the trains.

Since logs feed in from the right, and ripped lumber exits on the left, the saw should turn clockwise, with the teeth biting down, into the log. BTW, I've never seen a hollow saw blade like that. The ones I'm familiar with are all solid disks. If you choose to model that, Just glue an appropriately sized disk of plastic (or metal to the face of the gear.

I do like your modifications. Nice work!

Chris

LVHR

I love the mod to eliminate the noise. Can you give specs on “canned motor gear box”?  Also, mine jams up as the logs enter the mill. The tang on the belt is pushing the log, but the log jams on the far wall. Did you experience that?

Thanks,

I've been experiencing jamming too, after I thought I had everything running fine. It is noisy but that was Lionel in the '50's. Anyone else have tune up ideas for this Mill??

Mr. Fixit

Great job on the saw mill.  Isn't modifying, kit bashing, resurrection and just customizing things fun?

I know the original saw mill motors are cantankerous and noisy but have you ever been in a real saw mill?   Or just a 12 inch table saw?

Charlie

About 'jamming" the logs inside the Lionel sawmill ...

Some of the logs (the originals and extra purchases) are slightly LONGER than others, so I used my belt sander to slightly trim away some of the length and then made an angled edge at both ends. The trimmed logs travel through the accessory without jamming. A cheap fix!  I wiped on some wood stain to the ends to match the logs.

Mike Mottler     LCCA 12394

Thanks Mike,

That is a simple fix to try. I’ll fire up the sander tomorrow.

I had the usual problems with jamming.  I made my own boards by copying a single Lionel board I had - the dimensions have to be very close or they will jam.  I also put a small chamfer on the ends of the logs.  I can look for specs on the motor I used, but if I were doing it again I would use a different motor that could be direct drive to the belt cog.   I will get some finished pictures of my sawmill up soon.

I am looking at replacing motor on Sawmill 464 wondering what motor you purchased. You mentioned a canned motor/gearbox assembly

The motor and gearbox was one I purchased on Ebay and had sitting around.  I think there are others that might be easier to mount.  There are all sorts of different speeds and sizes available.  I put a somewhat flat round motor in my rotating beacon.  You might be able to find something that doesn't need a belt, although some sort of clutch or belt might be good if it jams.  The speed can be controlled to some extent by the voltage used.  The motors available usually give speeds and voltages.  Decide what speed you need and go from there.

@Mr Fixit posted:

The speed can be controlled to some extent by the voltage used.  The motors available usually give speeds and voltages.  Decide what speed you need and go from there.

If you want fine-grained speed control, use a DC motor and get a little PCM motor controller. They are very cheap on Amazon and eBay.

Thank you Pete appreciate it

Bill