Wood-Mizer EG200 Board Edger Review

As someone deeply passionate about woodworking, I’m always seeking tools that can enhance my craft and make the process more efficient. Recently, I had the opportunity to put the EG200 Board Edger to the test, and I must say, it left quite an impression on me. In this review, I’ll humbly share my firsthand experience with the EG200, exploring its performance, unique features, and how it compares to other options available. Whether you’re an experienced woodworker or just starting out, I hope this review helps you in making an informed decision about the EG200 Board Edger and its potential benefits for your woodworking projects.

Performance and Quantitative Measurements

The EG200 proved to be a powerhouse, providing consistent and precise results. It features a robust 10-horsepower motor, allowing it to handle even dense hardwoods with ease. The adjustable feed rate let me customize the cutting speed, making it adaptable to various wood types. In terms of measurements, the EG200 boasts an impressive maximum cut depth of 2.5 inches and a maximum cut width of 8 inches, accommodating a wide range of board sizes.

What Sets the EG200 Apart

One aspect that sets the EG200 apart from its competitors is its user-friendly interface. The intuitive controls and easy-to-read digital display made it a breeze to set up and operate. Additionally, the quick-adjust system for blade height and width saved me a significant amount of time during the testing process.

Another notable feature is the inclusion of anti-kickback fingers, which enhanced safety by preventing the boards from being thrown back. This thoughtful design element added an extra layer of protection, making the overall woodworking experience more secure.

Considerations and Drawbacks

Considerations:

1. High-Production Requirement: The Wood-Mizer EG200 is a powerful and high-capacity board edger designed for large-scale production. If you’re a professional woodworker or operate a sawmill with a significant workload, the EG200 might be an excellent choice to optimize your output and efficiency.
2. Precision and Efficiency: The twin blade configuration and hydraulic roller feed system allow the EG200 to produce accurate and consistent cuts. It excels in maximizing productivity due to its quick-adjust system and adjustable feed rate, enabling you to tailor the machine to various wood types and cutting needs.
3. Safety Features: The EG200 comes equipped with anti-kickback fingers, which help prevent boards from being thrown back during the edging process. This thoughtful safety feature enhances the overall user experience and reduces the risk of accidents.
4. User-Friendly Design: Despite its robust capabilities, the EG200 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The intuitive controls and digital display make setup and operation straightforward, even for less experienced users.

Drawbacks:

1. Dust Collection: While the EG200 does offer moderate dust collection capabilities, it may not be as efficient as desired in capturing all the sawdust and debris generated during operation. Users may need to invest in additional dust extraction systems to maintain a clean working environment.
2. Initial Investment: As a high-capacity and powerful board edger, the Wood-Mizer EG200 comes with a substantial initial investment. While its performance justifies the cost for large-scale operations, it might be a significant financial commitment for smaller woodworking businesses or hobbyists.
3. Maintenance Requirements: Like any complex machinery, the EG200 requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Operators should be prepared to follow maintenance schedules and perform routine checks to keep the machine running smoothly.

Comparing EG200 with Alternatives

While the EG200 is a remarkable machine, it’s essential to consider other options. Comparable edgers include the Norwood Boardmaster and the Baker Mini-Scragg.

The Norwood Boardmaster is a reliable alternative, but it lacks the EG200’s conveyor system, which streamlines the edging process. On the other hand, the Baker Mini-Scragg is a more heavy-duty option, but its complexity makes it less user-friendly.

Norwood Boardmaster

Baker Mini-Scragg

Here’s a simple comparison table for the Wood-Mizer EG200 Board Edger, the Norwood Boardmaster, and the Baker Mini-Scragg:

Wood-Mizer EG200 Twin Blade Diesel: The Wood-Mizer EG200 stands out with its twin blade configuration and powerful diesel engine, making it suitable for high-production scenarios. Its adjustable feed system and anti-kickback fingers prioritize safety and precision. While it offers moderate dust collection, the machine is stationary, catering to larger woodworking operations.

Norwood Boardmaster: With a gasoline engine, the Norwood Boardmaster is a portable option suitable for small to medium-scale production. It boasts a wide maximum cut width and a manual crank feed system. Though user-friendly, it has limited dust collection capabilities compared to the other models.

Baker Mini-Scragg: The Baker Mini-Scragg is an electric-powered, stationary machine with circular saw blades, ideal for small-scale production. It comes equipped with a hydraulic conveyor and efficient dust collection. The variable feed speed allows for customization, and it features a safety stop switch for added protection.

Final Verdict

Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Wood-Mizer EG200 Board Edger is a fantastic investment for anyone serious about timber processing. Its design, features, and performance make it a reliable workhorse capable of handling heavy-duty work. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, the EG200 promises to elevate your productivity to new heights.

Basic Usage

let’s talk about how to use the Wood-Mizer EG200 twin-blade edger from a user’s perspective. Please note that these are basic steps, and it’s always important to read the user manual and follow all safety procedures.

1. Preparation: Before using the EG200, ensure you have the correct safety equipment, such as safety glasses, hearing protection, and sturdy work gloves. Make sure your work area is clear and secure.
2. Adjustment of Blades: The EG200 has two blades that can be manually adjusted for height and width depending on the size of the board you’re working with. Always make sure the machine is switched off and unplugged before making any adjustments.
3. Feeding the Wood: Once the blades are correctly adjusted, place the wood onto the feed system. The wood should be positioned so that the side you want to edge is facing the blades.
4. Setting the Feed Speed: Adjust the feed speed depending on the type and condition of the wood. Start slower for harder woods or for your first few passes until you get a feel for the machine.
5. Operation: Once everything is set, switch on the machine. The wood will be automatically fed through the machine and the blades will cut along the edge.
6. Inspection: Once the board has passed through the machine, switch off the EG200 and inspect your work. If necessary, adjust the blades or feed speed and pass the board through again for a finer finish.
7. Maintenance: After use, make sure the machine is clean and free from any dust or debris. Regularly check the condition of the blades and replace them if they become dull or damaged.

Always remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when operating machinery like the EG200. It’s a powerful tool, and with the right care and operation, it can be a huge asset in a woodworking environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a board edger, and what does it do?
   A board edger is a machine used in the lumber industry to process rough lumber. It is designed to create straight edges and remove irregularities from the sides of boards, improving their dimensional accuracy and quality.
2. How does the Wood-Mizer EG200 Board Edger work?
   The operation of the Wood-Mizer EG200 Board Edger may vary, but generally, it consists of feed rollers that move the board through the machine while saw blades trim the edges. Some models may have additional features for optimizing the edging process.
3. What types of lumber can the Wood-Mizer EG200 Board Edger handle?
   The Wood-Mizer EG200 Board Edger is typically designed to handle various types of softwood and hardwood lumber, such as pine, oak, maple, and more. The specific capacity may depend on the machine’s configuration.
4. Is the board edger adjustable for different board sizes?
   Many board edgers, including the Wood-Mizer EG200, offer adjustable features to accommodate different board widths and thicknesses. These adjustments allow the machine to handle a wide range of lumber dimensions.
5. What are the key benefits of using a board edger?
   Using a board edger can increase lumber yield, reduce waste, and improve the quality of the final lumber products. By creating straight edges and removing defects, it helps produce more usable and marketable boards.
6. How do I maintain the Wood-Mizer EG200 Board Edger?
   Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity and optimal performance of the board edger. Regularly check and lubricate moving parts, inspect and replace saw blades as needed, and keep the machine clean from sawdust and debris.
7. Is the Wood-Mizer EG200 Board Edger portable?
   The portability of the Wood-Mizer EG200 Board Edger may depend on the specific model and configuration. Some board edgers are designed for stationary use in sawmill operations, while others may be mobile or semi-portable.

John Carlos

Forestry Author

The beauty of logging isn't just about felling trees. It's about understanding nature, mastering the art of chainsaws, and respecting the environment. I believe in sharing my experiences and knowledge, ensuring that we move towards a sustainable future together.