If l built this again l wuld go with motorcycle wheels. The curved face on the wheel shuld stabilise the blade better, also the axle connects on both sides so there is much less stress on the bearings. Also, if my bearings get loose or used up some, the resault is the wheels geting squeezed together. Not the case with motorcycle wheels.
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Kristijan, would it be possible to use standard sealed bearings as the blade guides? I get a lot of serpentine belt pulleys and on some I press the bearings out.
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Thanks for the tip Kristijan. I’m thinking of trying to buy an old metal band saw and redo it.
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Its what l use. Dont go too small thugh, the rpm of the bearing goes up as the diameter decreases. I use 35mm l think. Also, keep a good eye on each and every one of them at startup. They WILL seize from moisture and rust, work each one till it runs free. If not, it will grind the bearing face useless.
Jan, only problem l see is size limitation and the fact that they spin slow. I think l calculated once that the blade on myne runs well above 100kmh…
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I built my mill with motorcycle parts because I had a Honda 450 cc that was seized up. When I got the engine torn down the cost of the replacement parts was ridiculous so I just used the wheels and a few other things and just bought a 420 CC Preditor. If I built another one I would get the 18 inch steel wheels that Surplus Center sells . Motorcycle tires are OK but not ideal. I guess I’ll do a show and tell video on the other saw mill thread.
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Hey guys what Kristijan is describing is axial loadings.
Side thrust loading from just tightening the band. Front wheel drive automotive have the bearings narrow spaced NOT center on the wheel/tire center.
A trailer wheel set up does.
A motorcycle wheel does.
Then there is the side trust made by continually pushing the saw band into the wood.
Think about it.
If a front wheel drive vehicle was only driven at 60mph/100kmh in a circle, ONLY in a circle; just how long would the wheel bearings last, eh.
S.U.
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Good point Steve. So the old trailer wheel bearing is the best way to go. On the band saw itself there are blade bearings guide and they support the blade thrusts movement pressures.
Bob
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Thanks Steve, so you think I can use the wheel axle I showed these are for trailers?
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If it uses a normal type of bearing and not a cone bearing it should be fine.
Some lawn mower and go kart parts distributors also sell adapters that use sealed bearings to accept the 4 lug 4" pattern wheels. Golf cart 4 lug pattern fits 4 lug trailer wheels sometimes if it’s 4 inch pattern. I used these hubs on the mini truck I’m building.
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Yes others have here U.S.A.
Very popular.
S.U.
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Thanks, then I need to find a way to fix the drive, I have seen someone drive with a V-belt directly on the tire.
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Look these up on YouTube.
Also look and see many who did use motorcycle wheel assemblies and then added an outer square tube metal axle-to-axle support bracket.
S.U.
I should add saying this:
only look favorably at those who show actually milling on an ongoing basis.
Look for the plies of sawn dust! S.U.
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