Bandsaw Mills

[Chooks74]

Questions for anybody using a Bandsaw mill.

What power do people use to drive their mills with how big a motor (electrical or petrol)?
What is the speed of the blade (either rotational or linear) If rotational then diameter of wheel as well?
Does anybody use blades from china, if not what is recommended?

[weisyboy]

here are some liks for some home made bandsaw mills.

this one is a bit of a heap
http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Home_built_bandsaw_mill.html

this is a good one
http://www.pennswoods.net/~zigbug/
3rd line down from the top no less than 3hp but id go to 10hp

discusion on a nother forum
http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Bandsaw_mill_blade_speed.html

on arbourist
http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=39745

a handbook

http://books.google.com/books?id=dL1biU1_0OcC&pg=PA30&lpg=PA30&dq=bandsaw+mill+power&source=web&ots=twA-2jTYVi&sig=lkBHbTHYs9kcEN-BhJ2QYXD-Yxg#PPA31,M1

[whitewood]

I have a Westford Mill produced in Perth. It is based on an US Linn mill.
Mine is the smallest size and the details you are interested in are
Motor 12HP Kohler - petrol
Blade speed is supposed to be 4400fpm
Diameter of the drive wheels are 19"
Motor speed when cutting is 2000 RPM
blade length is 138.75"
Blades - I use an american Brewer Redstreak ($46) to cut soft wood and a hakkasen bi metalic ($100) to cut hardwood. I have not tried any Chinese blades.
Email me direct if you want further information.

[whitewood]

Chooks 74

I thought about your inquiry while I was out collecting a bandsaw that I had purchased on eBay. I don't know whether you want to buy or build a mill. If the later your welcome to have a good look at mine. It is a simple but effective design and all parts a standard gear from stores except the guide rollers. I posted photos and specifications of my mill on this site on 8/6/07. I would be about 2.5 hours drive from Ipswich and you could bring your own camera and tape measure.

[Chooks74]

Thanks whitewood i will keep that in mind. I will be building a mill. Can anybody see a reason why not to use a motorbike engine?

[echnidna]

I had a aussie made mill (forgotten the brand)
It had a 5hp engine on it , handled 24" messmate logs ok.