Going to Dothan to look at the Cooks HD 3238

[customcutter]

I've got the loan for a saw, so payments start Dec 5th. I know that WMizer has the marketshare, name recognition, and resale value. However, there are somethings that I like better about the Cooks saws.

No electronics, or electric motors, every WM saw seems to develop issues if they sit for an extended period of time with the electronics. I know the Accuset would be a nice feature, but how hard can it be to line up the head for the next cut?

Steel wheels instead of belts, that tension with a spring, instead of hydraulics.

Engine PTO tensions with an idler instead of hydraulics that was known to cause problems with the lower main bearings in the Cat 51HP motors.

Better bearings and tracking systems.

I like the operator controls/cable better than the WM LT 40/50 set up unless you upgrade.

The wood is brought back to the operator, no leaning over the sides of the saw to try and pick it up.

Here's a link to a video.

They offered a pretty sweet deal a couple of weeks ago, but I wasn't quite ready to lay down my hard earned money. I plan on adding the de-barker, I think I'll see if I can get that thrown into what they offered last week.

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[hseII]

Update?

 

[customcutter]

In heavy negotiations. There are no hydraulic models available for demo. Right now they are heavy in production of wide body manual 52 and 60" mills.
Earliest a hydraulic mill will be built will be first week in December, for an existing order. Right now they have orders 6-8 weeks out, so not much need to lower prices.

 

[paco_06]

I own a cook saw, you're welcome to message me with any questions. I bought new in 2013, mine is stationary and for this I think it's way better than a woodMizer although you will need a good welder to go along with it.....

Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk

 

[SeMoTony]

I own a cook saw, you're welcome to message me with any questions. I bought new in 2013, mine is stationary and for this I think it's way better than a woodMizer although you will need a good welder to go along with it.....

Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk

Welder 4 what. HF m ll needs that adjustment from what has been posted to correct

 

[Mike Van]

Good people at Cooks, helped me out years back with blade issues, and I don't even own a Cooks mill.

 

[paco_06]

Welder 4 what. HF m ll needs that adjustment from what has been posted to correct

Welder to put it back together after it breaks.... Had at least a dozen welds to break on my new cooks saw. The op is gonna be close enough that he can take it back if he has troubles though. I wasn't, I was stuck with my mill. I even asked for a refund, no money back guarantee for me.... I just wanted to make sure everyone knows that cook saw can and will pull a good one on you given the opportunity!

 

[customcutter]

UPDATE: I found out today that a man my In-Laws knows has a Cooks AC-36. He has invited me over in the next couple of days to demo it. Also said his brother has a AC-36 that he bought used that he might be interested in selling. Says he's had 3-4 years and hasn't cut 500bf with it. I also have a lead on 2 other used AC-36 models.

 

[Leroy in Kansas]

There is another thing you may want to consider. And that is sharpening equipment. Cooks builds one heavy duty sharpener and setter. I've got both and the setter is the double. I've never been sorry about the price. I did get it on sale though. Just something to think about.

 

[customcutter]

Thanks Leroy, I did consider the sharpener. For now I think I'll use 20 bands and send 10 in while using 10. I'm not planning on production work, just building my own structures for now. I called about a Cooks AC-36 that was located in MO yesterday. However, it was on the way to Colorado when I called.

 

[Leroy in Kansas]

Man, I hate it when that happens. I've missed some saws like that also. I'm in the market for another saw. I sold mine abt 2 yrs ago. I've got a back log of logs to cut but no saw. Owell, I'll find something.

 

[Mike Van]

Early on I'd send my bands back too, problem is you tend to run them way too long - The sharpener Cooks sold me has paid back many times over in blade life, better lumber and less strain on the rest of the mill. We've all cut with a dull saw chain at some point, and you know how hard you work - Check with Cooks, sometimes they get returns or demo units they sell for less, mine was.

 

[hseII]

Welder to put it back together after it breaks.... Had at least a dozen welds to break on my new cooks saw. The op is gonna be close enough that he can take it back if he has troubles though. I wasn't, I was stuck with my mill. I even asked for a refund, no money back guarantee for me.... I just wanted to make sure everyone knows that cook saw can and will pull a good one on you given the opportunity!

Did you read this @customcutter?

 

[customcutter]

Did you read this @customcutter?

Yes, he even PM'd me and we spoke on the telephone. He's happy with his saw now, and likes the design, but apparently had some issues when he first got it. Some broken welds, leaks in hydraulic lines due to rubbing (not properly fastened), and a shaft on an edger that wasn't straight. The hyd lines and shaft were replaced by Cooks. Tim Cook even offered to come up personally and replace the shaft in the edger.

I asked Robert at Cooks Saw about the situation. He found where some warranty parts were sent out, but didn't know anything about what had happened as it was before his time with the company apparently. Also Paco's mill was a stationary mill, so couldn't be easily transported back to the plant.