Fractional HP pulleys

[stuckmotor]

I'm looking for some large pulleys to build a bandsaw mill. *Many bandsaw mills run their blades around two large pulleys with a V belt filling in the groove.* There are some pulleys at Surplus Center for a very attractive price but the descriptions of the ones I've found say, "fractional HP". Doesn't that mean they are only rated to handle less than one horse power? I really don't understand why a big cast iron pulley would only carry such a light load. There are some kits available at reasonable prices BUT they don't give a HP rating on the band carrying pulleys. There's even a bandsaw mill build on youtube that gives a part number to Surplus Center pulleys. That number leads to one of the fractional HP pulleys.
Will someone please tell me if I'm wrong on the meaning of "fractional HP". If anyone knows where I can find pulleys around 19" with a horsepower rating of 13 horse power or more, I'd like to know that too.

 

[4570Man]

It’s not hard to come up with stuff like that in scrap yards around here.

 

[Fallon]

I'm looking for some large pulleys to build a bandsaw mill. *Many bandsaw mills run their blades around two large pulleys with a V belt filling in the groove.* There are some pulleys at Surplus Center for a very attractive price but the descriptions of the ones I've found say, "fractional HP". Doesn't that mean they are only rated to handle less than one horse power? I really don't understand why a big cast iron pulley would only carry such a light load. There are some kits available at reasonable prices BUT they don't give a HP rating on the band carrying pulleys. There's even a bandsaw mill build on youtube that gives a part number to Surplus Center pulleys. That number leads to one of the fractional HP pulleys.
Will someone please tell me if I'm wrong on the meaning of "fractional HP". If anyone knows where I can find pulleys around 19" with a horsepower rating of 13 horse power or more, I'd like to know that too.

Fractional HP means a fraction of 1 HP, 1/2hp, 3/4hp, etc.

If the shaft size was appropriate (probably 1" or so) I probably wouldn't worry & give them a shot regardless of markings or lack thereof.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

The pulley you need may depend on the saw width. Here is a handy chart. View attachment Form_9806E.pdf

Ron

 

[stuckmotor]

Thanks to everyone. I've finally found a site with both heavy and light duty pulleys. It shouldn't take me more than a month to learn the terminology, compare the measurements, and figure out which pulleys I need for my build.

 

[davedj1]

Just use a couple of trailer hub bearings (or Jeep or the like) and a couple of tires. Cheap and readily available.
Homemade bandsaw sawmill - YouTube

 

[Stimw]

If you haven't found it yet- forestryforum.com
Is a wealth of info with a lot of people building their own mills.
I bought a HF Mill and am very happy with it.

 

[Rustyiron]

http://store.cookssaw.com/parts/ and Portable Sawmill Parts,
Some b/s mill wheels & parts.

 

[stuckmotor]

Thanks Rusty Iron.

 

[stuckmotor]

Davedj1,
That was plan A. Now I'm considering the cast iron wheels. I may go back to plan A.