Just finished restoring and setting up an old Tower edger. I have never used one before and I am uncertain what rpm it should be run at? It seems to cut well in the 1200 rpm range. After pouring all new babbitt (8 bearings on this machine) I just wanted to make sure I am running at a safe rpm.
Tripp
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19711/2336/DSC01283.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19711/2336/DSC01284.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19711/2336/DSC01287.JPG)
Here is a pic of a recent snow. We don't see this very often in south GA.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19711/2336/339.JPG)
You're accumulating quite an operation down there, Tripp. Look out Weyerhauser! There's a new competitor in town.......
Greg
http://www.owwm.com/
This site has about anything old. Should be able to find your answer there.
I have a Tower 27" one. You are missing your left infeed fence. I run it on a 10 HP motor. The previous owner had it set for a seperate feed motor.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/15568/Edger.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/15568/Edgermotors.JPG)
JHSN,
Thanks for the info. From looking at your pics I may be missing a kickback and chip guard on the infeed side. My machine throws alot of chips at me and has no kickback fingers. Am I seeing correctly.
Tripp
First, you've got to tell us what that power unit is. ;) Looks like a U-2?
Dave,
The power unit is a u-4 Farmall. It is the same engine that is in a International H model tractor.
This engine used to power a grain mill in the early 1900's. When I bought it the motor had not run in over 55 years. The pistons were not stuck, but the valves were. It was also missing the magneto and carb. After a thorough cleaning inside and a few new parts the motor runs great.
Tripp
I figured it was either a 2 or a 4. I couldn't quite make out the details on the side. Actually, a closer inspection confirms the governor housing of a 4. I shouldn't have second guessed myself. ::) That 4 should toy with an edger. :)
It looks like yo are missing the infeed hold down roller. Mine has a piece of u channel for additional weight and to deflect the chips. I saw a newer 1953 tower edger and it had some kick back fingers they added at the factory to the 1953 model. The owner of that one explained. I asked since on his it looked cobbed together but was actually factory installed. His also had a working feed chain. The chain had little nubs that helped push the board thru the unit. To me it looked like they would do little but he said it helped quite a bit when you were edging only one side and using the fence. Mine has the chain feature but no chain.
Grew up learning to drive tractor at 12 on an H farmall. Sweet sounding engine. That was early 50's, not early 1900's ;D ;D
looks like it's time to build a feed roller chip deflector. Sometimes the boards would want to bounce when feeding them into the saw. A good heavy hold down roller would sure help.
Thanks for the help.
Tripp