(11-27-2017, 09:21 AM)®smpr_fi_mac® Wrote: I picked up a well used Foley Belsaw planer this weekend for $100. Needs new feed rollers. The switch is disassembled; seller thinks it's damaged.
I want to convert it to a drum sander as I already have and love a PM100.
Have any of you done this? How's it work for sanding duty?
Looks like more than just the switch is missing? There is a magnetic starter in there, or supposed to be, and they can get pricey for a 5 HP motor; or at least that's what was on the one I had. But I guess you could put a new starter on it and still have a great deal for what you paid for it.
Mine had the sanding drum accessories, too, but they looked like a PITA to install and change. IIRC correctly, you had to install three separate strips of paper, one with each gib. I had a drum sander already so I wasn't looking at it for that function. I regularly made molding on the one I had and it did a really good job. Good luck.
I have the magnetic starter in hand; the PO had taken it out while trying to figure it out. I also have a few spare caps; the one on the motor is bad.
I don't currently have a drum sander but really want one. If I can get this one running decently well (and fairly inexpensively), great. If not, I may just keep it in case I decide to give molding a try in the future. I had one of the older versions of this (cast iron frame sides, green paint) five years ago but sold it because I was so limited in space.
(11-27-2017, 11:03 AM)®smpr_fi_mac® Wrote: I have the magnetic starter in hand; the PO had taken it out while trying to figure it out. I also have a few spare caps; the one on the motor is bad.
I don't currently have a drum sander but really want one. If I can get this one running decently well (and fairly inexpensively), great. If not, I may just keep it in case I decide to give molding a try in the future. I had one of the older versions of this (cast iron frame sides, green paint) five years ago but sold it because I was so limited in space.
Oh that's good that you have the starter. The switches can go bad on them; was on mine. If it runs by pushing in the contactor manually (with a non-conductive stick) then the switch is the problem. Those switches are readily available and cheap.
I think Belsaw still sells feed rollers for them. As I recall they weren't cheap. I also think some other company recovers old worn out rollers. IIRC, someone here or on SMC had a link to who does that. Someone at OWWM probably knows, too. I replaced all the springs and bushings in the abused machine I had. I got all the parts at McMaster Carr. Fortunately, the F-B planer is a really simple machine, easy to work on, and very robust. Once you get it running it likely will sound awful - but do a great job.
(11-27-2017, 03:57 PM)®smpr_fi_mac® Wrote: ~$100 for a pair of rollers and ~$120 for the sanding thingamajig that attaches to the cutter head.
Really can't complain about those prices if it turns out to be a decent drum sander.
I'll need to fab up a dust hood to fit over the drum, but that's no biggie.
I have a older Belsaw planer that I have hung on to thinking I would make a drum sander. Everything on it works, so don't need any new parts. John's comment about his planer was converted to a sander by just attaching sandpaper to the head using the existing gibs sounds like something I would like to try. Thanks for bringing this subject up.
11-28-2017, 06:05 AM (This post was last modified: 11-28-2017, 06:07 AM by CARYinWA.)
(11-27-2017, 03:33 PM)jteneyck Wrote: I also think some other company recovers old worn out rollers. IIRC, someone here or on SMC had a link to who does that. Someone at OWWM probably knows, too.
John
Western Roller does it. I had some redone on a JPM-13 last year.
"There is no such thing as stupid questions, just stupid people"
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
