I recently took on building my first slat mill. It turned out pretty good in my opinion and my dogs run it very well with no issues thus far. I'd like to post pictures of it but I haven't figured out how to do it yet.
I recently took on building my first slat mill. It turned out pretty good in my opinion and my dogs run it very well with no issues thus far. I'd like to post pictures of it but I haven't figured out how to do it yet.
Man I've been on pause with the project just been too busy to finish but my main wheels are just split go kart wheels mounted on a piece of cold rolled round with locking collars, the inline and bearings set up you can find a deal on Amazon.com it's all personal preference though. Good luck with it man
True, just before Christmas I bought 100 608RS bearings for $23 and no shipping. Sometimes they go fast and sometimes they hang around for a few days. The inline/skate wheels the same. EWO
I actually was two wheels short so I went to this local skating rink and the guy had all kinds of used bearings and wheels for the low!
EB, did you build the mill that's your avatar picture?
No frosty - these are mills designed by HF mills Netherlands. Top notch. Im a dealer for these mills but i dont build them. www.hfmills.nlOriginally Posted by FrostyPaws
Baler belt is a little thick. It will last forever but sort of stiff over the end wheels.
I bought my oak material from a local pallet company. I cut them and planed them to size. Lowe's and Home Depot sell it but it is as high as all get out. EWO
Post a pic of your belt material if you will. I built mine 1st time with a strap type material and it worked very well. Over time the holes stretched a little and then the tracking got off. It was always in need of adjustment. I bought a one ply PVC type belt got it put together and it is way stiff.
Would like to see a side view or a part number for a material that works. EWO
Good job. I'm an "as long as it works, as long as it serves the purpose" type myself. Good job.
Once you have it up and running you can always adjust and make improvements. The first carpet mill frame I made had a ton of 'adjustments' and 'improvements' to axle diameter and axle/roller location. I drilled and re-drilled so many holes the end of the mill looked like I hit it with buckshot. It was a mess. But it got better and better.
The oak slats may be heavy but you can always run them thru a table saw and then plane them to a thinner/lighter slat. Since it is working I would do that before I went to a bigger wheel.
Either way, good job. I always like 'doing it myself' vs. spending a boat load of cash. EWO
I used to help Randy out from time to time when I came to the yard. The key items to insure that the mill tracks true are as follows:
1. The frame MUST be square, he used a table jig
2. I think he used 1.5” tubing. If you are going to use aluminum I would step up to 2” due to the weight not the tensile strength of the metal
3. The slats and the belt are very often over looked. I think he was using 2.25 and I don’t remember what they were in thickness. What I can assure you is that if the slat are too small or to large you will get slat rock.
4. The belt I honestly don’t remember anything other than he used the clipper laces and had them shipped to him.
5. The roller bed should be attached to the frame in a manner that minimizes the transfer of vibration to the vertical support members of the frame. Randy used 4 stud point with rubber washers located on the horizontal supports of the frame.
6. The main wheels are adjusted just like a motorcycle rear wheel he used split hub 6” wheels
7. Roller bed wheels and all bearings are about how much you want to spend. Not that the distance between wheels can not be greater peak to peak than the slat. So if you are using wheels that are roughly 2” this works well with a 2.25” slat.
All in all it is not hard to do at all, but you are looking at $500-$600 or close in parts for a budget build, minus tools and your time. Is it worth it, depends on how much time and or money you have. Randy built his first mill because he needed it to work Ranger, not because he felt like making mills. It honestly was something that Tom kinda pointed for him to be able to make a few bucks ontop of the dogs.
Anyway, I can provide a few sketches of any areas where you have issues, I don’t have the time to make CADD drawings right now. If people are really looking for more details PM me and I’ll honestly give some thought to pulling together a set of DIY plans and parts. I hope this helps!
YIS
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