Print Page - Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.

Title: Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.
Post by: kastle on March 23, 2014, 11:41:02 AM

I'm doing a build on a 1970's $70 foley-belsaw planer moulder I bought at auction to plane my 24' beams and columns.

I thought you all might be interested.

http://youtu.be/-GiiDHsnA6g

Title: Re: Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.
Post by: hackberry jake on March 23, 2014, 11:49:03 AM

Nice video!

Title: Re: Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.
Post by: morgoon on March 23, 2014, 12:53:37 PM

I have the same planer and built a phase converter thru a10hp 3ph to run its 5 hp motor

It needs new feed rollers... Never thought about using on my saw

Neat idea!

Btw I used to use a garbage bag over my saw motor to protect it from the elements, but I ended up just using a piece of plywood set on top over the years :)

Title: Re: Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.
Post by: Ljohnsaw on March 23, 2014, 01:20:55 PM

Welcome! Well? Did you make it yet? ??? I want to see it!!!

Title: Re: Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.
Post by: Larry on March 23, 2014, 01:45:11 PM

Belsaw is still in business selling parts. Do a google to find them.

I bought new rollers some years ago and think they were $30 something. The front roller wears a lot more than the rear and will be cupped in the center. This isn't all bad as it works great for lumber with a crown. Boards will come out pretty close to flat.

With a 5 HP motor these machines can feed faster than the standard 12' a minute. Belsaw sells a replacement sprocket and chain to boost the feed to 20 fpm. Can't remember the cost.

There is a trick to changing bearings as they twist to come out. Watch the bearing on the powered side as it is first to go. If bad it can spin in the casting causing damage which is not easily repairable. Better to put new bearings in a old machine if you plan on running it hard.

The down side is dust collection. I've got a picture in my gallery of one I retrofitted. Did another where I brought the dust out the top like the new ones.

These are great machines considering the price they bring. One could buy several and sit one up to plane, and the next for molding. Cheaper than tax and shipping on a new machine.

Welcome to the forum kastle...impressive first post with a video.

Title: Re: Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.
Post by: Magicman on March 23, 2014, 02:03:33 PM

Welcome to the Forestry forum, kastle.

Title: Re: Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.
Post by: thechknhwk on March 23, 2014, 10:27:10 PM

Nice SV, I had a 2003.

Title: Re: Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.
Post by: Cguignard on March 24, 2014, 08:55:45 AM

Looks like the one I have pulled apart on my bench right now, I am retrofitting it to be powered by a gass engine so I can plane right at my drying piles. Just got my last order of parts in, new stand made and new drive shaft and bearings installed. Just need to figure out belt lengths and clean rust off the table.

Title: Re: Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.
Post by: 21incher on March 24, 2014, 10:20:14 AM

Great video, welcome to the forum. I have that same planer that I bought in 1982. Have replaced the drive rollers and bushings once and it will definitely outlast me. I love to see people recycle old machinery into new projects.

Title: Re: Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.
Post by: Rockn H on March 24, 2014, 11:02:43 AM

Thanks for posting and welcome to the Forum. Wish I still had my dad's old Folley Bellsaw Planer Molder... his had sprockets for the feed rollers though.

Title: Re: Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.
Post by: m wood on March 24, 2014, 03:38:23 PM

Welcome Kastle. Cant wait to see the next vid when it is rolling down the EZ boardwalk tracks.
mark

Title: Re: Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.
Post by: morgoon on March 24, 2014, 04:56:31 PM

I'm digging that gas powered idea...

I have a 7.5 briggs I have been saving, might be just the thing!

Title: Re: Custom 5hp Foley-Belsaw beam-planer on track system build.
Post by: hardtailjohn on March 25, 2014, 01:09:00 AM

Welcome Kastle.... hmmmmmmmmmm......a Big Mountain cap.... are you local?
John

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General Forestry => Sawmills and Milling => Topic started by: kastle on March 23, 2014, 11:41:02 AM