pulley problems

[CalG]

12 inch diameter wheels would do well with a third "drive wheel" so the bald runs a triangular path and not true 180 degree bends to get to the business end of the cut.

 

[Stimw]

For the OP and anyone interested in info on band saw mills there is a great forum that will have ANY info that you might want-
www.forestryforum.com
I'm a member but have no further ties, just passing on info.
There are home made millers up to Super pro's making a living, some international!
I have the HF mill and am happy with it and how it works.

 

[polingrran]

Thanks jemclimber for the info. The 12" wheels I'm using also have ties mounted to them to create a bigger diameter for the blade to run on. Also, I went with a 144" blade because I wouldn't be milling anything bigger than 26"-28" logs. That will allow me to mill up to 8" depth and 20" width which should work out fairly well. This whole process has been a lot of trial and error, but thanks to everyone for helping me get over the hump! I think all the feedback will make it go.

 

[texasranger556]

If your wheel diameter is bigger than 12", you'll need more reduction. For example if the blade is riding on an 18" diameter wheel you'd want about 5:1 reduction from your engine RPM.

 

[jemclimber]

TR,

I think those pulleys would be fine. Woodmizer uses similar ones on my lt15 and they use a loose belt system, a B57 belt.

 

[KYErik]

I used trailer tires for my home made band saw mill: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ome-built-bandsaw-mill.html?highlight=bandsaw

My wheels are small trailer tires- I did break one blade- but I was pushing it through a dried out dogwood. It was a small log but very hard wood.