Rockwell Bandsaw Identification, Help and Conversion
Went to a local fab shop during the week and bought some 32mm round and 10mm plate. The intention is to push ahead with the reduction drive parts so I can finally get this bandsaw working. I have a real need for it, so want to get it up and running, but loads of other projects keep popping up and taking priority.
The problems with making all these parts is:
1. They take quite a bit of time
2. Some of them are 5” which fits in my lathe but the flat belts keep slipping and so I really need to upgrade the lathe to a belts (Hercus C), so I have to chat to Mal about what’s involved.
3. Cutting plate is a pig. I only have an angle grinder which works, but a plasma cutter would make it much less of a chore.
First up I turned the bush. It’s a stepped arrangement so the larger step will take the plate to mount the larger sprocket to. The smaller step will have a 10t sprocket welded straight to the bush. To mount the larger sprocket I need a carrier. So I cut one out of plate and then had to make it round on the lathe. Interrupted cut and I only had threaded rod to attach it to the chuck. Didn’t work well but was able to slowly take cuts and get it round.
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Next up I put it on the bush and welded the rear section. Time for some holes. Got to try out my new DRO and bolt hole function. Wow how easy. Not only drilled mega easy but the fit is exceptional!
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Here’s the side that will take the small sprocket. I need to turn this shoulder further in, but that’s a job for next time.
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Other side. This will be drilled for a set screw to lock it to the 17mm jack shaft:
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The holes lined up perfectly. Have to say the DRO makes a huge difference here. I need to buy some cap headed bolts with a shorter length and nylocks (this was a test fit with what I had on hand):
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This smaller sprocket needs to be drilled out to 22mm but I’m not sure how to do that yet. I suspect I’ll need to mount it in the 4 jaw chuck or maybe buy a boring head for the mill.
Then I just need to make 3 more [emoji15]
Rockwell Bandsaw Identification, Help and Conversion
In the shed for an hour or two this afternoon and I have the majority of the jackshaft finished. Fingers crossed it fits under the saw as I built it up on the bench, but I’m quietly hopeful.
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I was going to put an adjustable slot for one of the shafts but haven’t yet, might see how I go first as the rotation of the chain seem to self tighten a little anyway.
It’s super smooth and works beautifully.
https://youtu.be/VNgfWyCKVZ8
Just need to make another couple of carriers for the sprocket at the rear, one for the rear of the jackshaft and the one for the saw itself.
I had a 10T on the motor but will change it out for a 13T as it didn’t have enough meat for me to be comfortable with the setup. I have the 10T welded to a carrier already but would prefer to have more meat on it and look to slow the motor down instead.
Before anyone says anything. The bolts are temporary. I have 1 set screw in each carrier at the moment but will probably fit 2 on each.
Annoyingly I should have put some registers in the sprocket carriers (large ones) to centre the sprockets. Might still do it so I can get them nice and centred.
Rockwell Bandsaw Identification, Help and Conversion
It works!!!
At 30hz I’m getting exactly 60 RPM on the 14” wheels and nearly 100-110 RPM at 60hz. That has me at 220 SFPM, not the 110 I was aiming for but I’ll see if I can get a tougher blade to allow the faster blade speed.
At that speed I ran some plywood through and the motor didn’t even flinch, even at 20hz, so I don’t think I’ll have horsepower problems, just have to be careful with motor heat.
Doing a bit more reading it looks like 220 might still be fine, so I’m really happy with that as I’d prefer to run the motor at 50hz if possible.
Very pleased.
It’s also surprisingly quiet considering the chain drive. And it’s also rock solid, no wobbles or shakes, from 20 through to 80hz.
Trying to find a way to limit the lower end of the potentiometer to 25hz too, can’t find it. I suspect the VFD doesn’t have that option. So I’ve set the VFD to shut off lower than that but I’d prefer to have the potentiometer bottom out at that value. I might add a resistor in.
Now to buy a metal bandsaw blade.