Engine Selection For Sawmill Application

So,

How much of the power train do you want to replace? Just the motor, or everything.

How is the power presently transmitted between engine and output shaft?

During a cutting cycle how long does the engine operate at maximum load? I assume there's a big difference here in pitch with blade speed.

Replace big 1914 motor with electric starter, transmission, gearshift & radiator.

Leave table assembly, leather belt, collets, sawblade assembly.

Power from engine goes through flywheel, clutch and 4-speed transmission.

Electric would be my first pitch to the boss. Solves lots of problems, if you have the infrastructure.

Otherwise a big, in-line six cylinder engine.

I would agree, except out in the woods he might not have a large enough electric service available.

I would procede with some caution, just because OSHA is not some small town in northern Wisconsin. If the engine driver is upgraded, how much additional safety equipment, like belt guards, will need to be upgraded.

That said, any truck engine/tranny combo with an output shaft close to the existing shaft diameter could probably handle the load. Many of the suggested engines on earlier posts would be the low cost way to handle.

Diesel could be nice due to better fuel efficiency, power and torque, and many tractor engines could fit the bill. But if the boss man doesn't like it, it ain't gonna work.

What about using a farm tractor with PTO drive? When the mill is not in operation, the "engine" can be driven into a suitable shed to be out of the weather.

Consider joining the 21st century and using used electric motors.... with VFDs if required.

I assume that there is a need for variable speed operation, but I am not sure from your mill description

Your initial capital costs may be higher, but maintenance and operating costs should be much less.

Noise will be much less also.....

Find any car engine/tranny combo capable of about 120bhp. Some machining may be required to mount the proper belt pulley, but it should be straightforward. I don't think this is a difficult problem, but it may take a little looking around. Good luck--sounds like a fun project. Please keep us posted, with maybe some pix?

2 cylinder Kuboto diesel tractor engine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfFt1lgfnRE

Sorry, didn't read far enough to see the owner doesn't like diesels....

He needs torque so a 360 cubic inch Chrysler v-8 out of a motorhome, circa 1980's.

Preferably one with less than 50,000 miles on it but they last forever.

The Chrysler 225 cu in Slant Six is very reliable and economical. I personally would move up to fuel injection, maybe a Ford V8 302 from a Crown Vic. Lots of expertise is available because it's used in taxis.

Hi,

How about some pic's of the existing engine and drive setup.

jim

The owner would do better considering all his options, including diesel. Especially, that the equipment needs plenty of torque. In that case an engine from a trailer truck or a heavy equipment with plenty of mileage would be a candidate. Right rpm range, plenty of torque reserve, right price. Stationary, low stress use is ideal for it for a long time use.

On a different note, the leather belt transmission is quaint. We have to insist on a picture album for posterity. Cogbelts are the modern, no maintenance replacement. Vendor supplies the belt, cog wheels, and basic engineering to get it right. No maintenance for years.

Other than that, going really modern is the VFD is the way to go. But, an overkill for a modernization proiect, IMHO.

5.9 CUMMINS from a wrecked dodge 91-97

Have you considered an LPG or CNG engine from a forklift or similar. Really clean to work near and economical as well. Rex Dev.

Maybe look at a gasoline powered farm tractor, such as an older John Deere,Case or IH, these were all good old engines and parts are still available.

You could buy the whole front off one of these including radiator, fuel tank, dash and all covered with the original hood, all neat and tidy, and easy to mount up too.

These engines have governors already fitted so when you feed the log into the saw bench the governor will keep the available power at a constant.

JP

258 cuin six from a Jeep Dherokee or some other Jeep sittng around...lost's of torque and bolts up to about anything in the way of transmissions even if you have to buy an adaptor.