Hey guys, going to place an order for some of the parts to start my build. I've got my list together for most everything I need. I am going to order my pillowblock bearings, band pulleys, drive pulley, and belts from Surplus Center. Should I get the B56 or B57 belts? What do most of you guys that have built yours use? I'm going to order metal this week for the head also.
I had too much trouble trying to put on the B56 and gave up. I use the B57's with no issues at all. All my parts came from surplus center.
I have been using B57's for over 14 years and well over a million bf of lumber sawn. I see no reason to change. ;D
Thanks guys, I've been reading a lot on here, and it seemed the general consensus was the 57's. Just wanted to make sure. I usually read more than I post. I'm up to the first 84 pages on the saw milling forum.
With all due respect to my elders, I tried the B57's for two months and saw plenty of reasons to switch back to the B56's. ;D
The 57's have better lines....
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39553/Better_lines.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1487775159)
Quote from: Ga Mtn Man on February 22, 2017, 09:52:13 AM
With all due respect to my elders, I tried the B57's for two months and saw plenty of reasons to switch back to the B56's. ;D
How did you do that? I tried to the point I figured I would break the pulley and quit.
My experience: use b56's!. I started up (several years ago as I was building my saw) with b56's... and holly camolly were they ever hard to get on! I did it, but I said "never again". Last season, one shredded itself after 20mbf, so I quickly threw a b57 on there. Now I know all belts are not equal, but this one barely lasted a month on the saw. So just last week (during my winter-time sawmill maintenance) I replaced both belts to b56's. To my surprise, they both went on very easily... same belt, same sheave, just way easier. Like a pleasure to install. They are still tight enough to keep out the sawdust, but not a fight to replace anymore.
So to conclude, I would use b56s... I have listened to enough talks by Cooks Saw about reducing vibrations at the wheels, and I see a loose b57 as just extra vibration. That being said, of course others have used them and managed just fine! Ultimately, they both get the job done.
I was not trying to change anyone's mind or to be argumentative, just stating what works for me.
I only use the B57's that come from Wood-Mizer.
Same here, but I can't compare with B 56 never tried them. I like being able to swap and flip the belts regularly to equalize their wear, and easily re-order them with other parts from Woodmizer. If my mill destroyed a belt in a month it would be because a blade broke inside and cut it.
I haven't had any problems with Wood Mizer B57 belts.
The ez boardwalk mill I had used b56. I changed them at 400+ hours. The wm mills I have recomend b57 so that is what I use. However I began having trouble with some sawdust clumps building up under the belt on the drive side. So we put a b56 on. Solved the problem so far.
Lots of videos out there about changing b56 belts. The best thing I found is to not get flusterated, use spray lube vice grips and blunt flat screwdrivers. Change them right on the machine.
PC
I have tried them all and I went back to the 57.
Be aware some belt profiles have changed over the years. You want to be sure the band and especially the set teeth are not running on the steel/iron rim of the sheave. Some belts now are skimpy and don't extend above the sheave. Tightie loosie both work, I like tight as the belts are less prone to damage when the bands come off. Frank C.
I am assuming that you meant break, and yes, I have experienced a belt being cut by a broken blade, but very few.
I have never had a blade to actually come off while sawing.
I've found that when installing b56 belts, you have to hold your mouth right or frustration will set in.
Tried all like Peter, b56, b57, twolf etc,
Back to b57 till i quit.
I built my saw mill with the 18.75 pulleys and belts from surplus center. I used 60” B V-Belt Type B57 or 5L600 - 13-B47 but I have not sawed anything yet 6.05from surplus center versas 25.00 at napa same belt b57
The proper WM belts, which I believe are only available from WM, are not overly expensive.