Need to build a bandsaw mill

oldhermit · October 26, 2018, 07:45:49 PM

Hello millers,
I believe this is my first post.
I'm trying to plan out a bandsaw mill and am currently researching the wheels that the blade runs on. For easy repair and economic considerstions, I want everything that can be 'off the shelf' to come from the shelf. All of the cast iron pulleys approaching 19" that I've found at Surplus Center have "fractional HP" in their description, doesn't this mean they're designed for loads of less than one horse power? There's even a mill builder on youtube who gives a Surplus Center part number that leads to one of these fractional HP pulleys. I've questioned him on this and gotten no reply. Can someone please lead me to a good source of sheaves "pulleys" that will be safe and not break the bank?

Wintergreen Mountain · October 26, 2018, 08:48:05 PM

My Turner Mills 36" mill has The same wheel and tire that the mill is trailered on for the blade, with a 13' band blade.

LEON

oldhermit · October 26, 2018, 09:06:21 PM

Leon,
Thanks for your quick reply. While I haven't ruled out pneumatic tires on rims, at this point, I'm leaning towards cast iron pulleys running v belts in the groove. There are a couple of sources like that sold by people who supply bandsaw mill kits and one by a dealer who sells drive wheels that cost more than a lot of people have in a complete diy mill.
The Surplus Center prices are most attractive but I can't get past the fractional HP thing.

Southside · October 26, 2018, 09:26:33 PM

Not commenting on the quality of any product you are looking at as I have no idea, but wheels are one place you can not afford to have issues. Your saw will never cut right if the wheels are not true.

oldhermit · October 26, 2018, 10:29:55 PM

Southside logger,
Thanks.
I like your comment about having enough cows to ensure that there's no spare time. I share that pleasure.

Southside · October 26, 2018, 10:44:34 PM

Yup - I actually enjoy those critters more than the wood side of things - when they cooperate. Just this evening I was walking back in the rain from checking on a group that is close up and suddenly I had 7 or so deer right ahead of me, does and this years fawns. They never even saw me, when they did they could not wind me so they came right at me and ran in a big circle around me several times maybe 20 yards away. Then they pranced off to the side of the field and kept on goofing off. It was a pretty surreal moment, and I owe it to the girls.

Wintergreen Mountain · October 26, 2018, 11:53:44 PM

Southsideloger is correct. If you want iron wheels, don't skimp. Cooks Saws and Linn Lumber sell some good qulity wheels.

LEON

oldhermit · October 27, 2018, 12:21:14 AM

I've looked at both of those suppliers and even have the plans and video for the Lynn Mill. They're both under consideration as is the pneumatic tire. I can't understand why I can't find a horsepower rating other than fractional HP anywhere.

thecfarm · October 27, 2018, 05:50:18 AM

Go long too. I have a mill that can cut 20 foot logs. Never have got that long. But little did I know it's much easier to load a log 16 feet long onto a mill that can cut 20 foot logs. I have 4 feet to spare instead of inches. Don't have to get the log just right to fit. Also allows me to get the head out of the way too.

Wayniac · October 27, 2018, 07:15:27 AM

I'm running surplus center pulleys 18 inch and have been on the mill for 22 years I'm running a 48 hp engine and 36 inch cut haven't had a problem yet. the pulleys don't turn fast enough to cause them to come apart

oldhermit · October 27, 2018, 07:57:46 AM

Thecfarm,
Good idea. Thanks.

oldhermit · October 27, 2018, 08:06:25 AM

Wayniac,
Thank you. That's what I'd hopped someone would say! I don't suppose you remember whether your pulleys' description mentioned "fractional HP", all those years ago. Do you?

JRWoodchuck · October 27, 2018, 09:39:23 AM

I built my mill with them 2 years ago and have no problems yet. 19hp diesel on mine.

Wisconsintimber · October 27, 2018, 02:24:04 PM

I also used the surplus center pulleys and have no complaints...

DMcCoy · October 27, 2018, 02:42:42 PM

Used those on my mill when I built it several years ago, can't remember if it said fraction HP or not. I used the ones with split tapered bushings 1 3/8" shaft. B57 belts. Has worked well for many years.
4 T porta power to tension the blade. Ordering my first set of new bearings today.

oldhermit · October 28, 2018, 12:05:50 AM

Many thanks to everyone for your replies, especially those who've used Surplus Center pulleys.
If anyone who has built a mill using pulleys from Surplus Center remembers them being rated "fractional HP" please tell me. Since Surplus Center supposedly sells surplus I can't be sure you guys, who've successfully used their pulleys didn't get them when they had bought pulleys rated for multiple horse power.

JRWoodchuck · October 28, 2018, 12:29:49 AM

Just looked up my receipt. It says part number BKH190. Which is listed as fractional hp. Seems fine on my mill....

oldhermit · October 28, 2018, 01:06:18 AM

JRWoodchuck,
You're a prince! If I decide to go with that one, it'll cost well over $200.00 per pulley LESS than the most expensive one I've found. There are some options in between so, I've got to do some more research and make my decision.
Thanks again.

Wayniac · October 28, 2018, 06:42:31 AM

they pretty much know you are going to use more than fractional hp with a 19 in pully but that clears them of any liability if you know what I mean

oldhermit · October 28, 2018, 10:41:35 AM

That thought had occurred to me, as well. I wonder if these pulleys are seconds that didn't pass inspection...

Hoopty5.0 · August 07, 2019, 11:53:06 AM

Apologies for digging up an old thread, but I am trying to educate myself on the pulleys before I buy.

Does the blade ride on the OD of the pulley and only uses the guides to stay in place, or does the blade somehow fit into the groove of the pulley?

Thank you!

doc henderson · August 07, 2019, 11:59:56 AM

the band rides on a band wheel that looks like a pully but the grove is filled with a belt the same size as the wheel. so the band blade rides on the belt in the groove of the band wheel. some people use tires on a wheel.. you should go look at a few mills if you have not already. if you add your location to your profile, there may be members in your area that might volunteer to show you their mill.

doc henderson · August 07, 2019, 12:03:23 PM

the guides keep the part of the blade cutting the wood from being pushed back, and also make a strait section to get flat boards. there are pulleys from motor to band drive wheel, and poss. an idler pulley. some companies offer parts as well as head units, and you build the frame

Hoopty5.0 · August 07, 2019, 12:16:11 PM

Quote from: doc henderson on August 07, 2019, 11:59:56 AM
the band rides on a band wheel that looks like a pully but the grove is filled with a belt the same size as the wheel. so the band blade rides on the belt in the groove of the band wheel. some people use tires on a wheel.. you should go look at a few mills if you have not already. if you add your location to your profile, there may be members in your area that might volunteer to show you their mill.

Thanks Doc. I updated my profile to show location and age.
Earlier in this thread, people were talking about using this pulley from surplus center for band wheels. From what you are telling me, I'd need to buy a V belt with the same OD as the pulley and slip it over to fill the groove?
I'd love to buy the cooks pieces, but that's just not in the budget.

doc henderson · August 07, 2019, 12:23:33 PM

yes. the band wheels are heavy cast wheels that are almost like flywheels. they used to recommend the v belt be tight and there was a whole procedure to change them, now they are using them more loose so the saw dust can fall out. a pulley would work. it will need to be linked to a drive pulley on one side, say linked on a shaft. do you have machining skills? some have had success with a harbor freight model if you are just wanting to get in cheap to start. with all your time and material cost I am not sure how much you save. unless you have lots of time and materials already. Good luck. others will likely have opinions as well.