Photo Index - Oakley Co., Inc. - H-5

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Oakley Co., Inc.
Bristol, TN; Bristol, VA

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Sander
Machine Size:	58"
Submitted By:	T.J. Forrester

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	H-5
Date of Manufacturer:	60's ?
Serial Number:	2635
Last Updated	1/2/2009 1:12:01 PM

Comments:

I purchased this edge sander a few weeks ago at an auction here in the NW (Thanks, Phil, for allowing this to happen!) I was really wanting an Oakley H-648 with 4 foot platens, but decided to bid on this one as it was so close after carefully doing the space planning to be sure it would fit in the shop. The sander is in excellent original condition. It has 58" platens and 62 inch tables. All three tables can tilt as well as adjust in height. It has a 7.5 hp motor and .5 hp oscillation motor, both with new controls. I removed the unnecessary back table for use in my one man shop. The factory it was at was the original purchaser, although no dirty paper or receipts were available. The rust spots on the end table are from sitting under a tarp that had two small holes at these locations. They should clean up easily. Winching it off of the trailer was a real challenge. I used one of my existing 1/2" flush concrete machine anchors in the shop floor to fasten the snatch block in place for a reverse line pull. As you can see in the photo, it failed. I've never used a flush anchor for this purpose, and will never do it again. I was careful not to be in the line of fire at any time. I set a new 3/4" concrete stud anchor behind it (what I usually use) and pulled it the rest of the way without incident. I estimate the machine to be around 3000 lbs, most of it at the motor end - too heavy even for a Johnson bar. Once on the ground, a friend and I easily rolled it into the shop and turned it 90 degrees on pipes. This is my first Oakley and I must say I am very impressed with the stoutness of the castings and simplicity of construction. I will clean and lube all of the actions, put a new belt on it and run it as is.

Update 1/2/09: The machine is pretty much ready to run. I installed new bearings in the idler, freed up the frozen table elevation and belt tension assemblies, polished the tables and installed a new belt. I also fabricated a dust collection shroud. I had a sheet metal shop roll up a 26 ga sheet metal can to fit snugly over the motor end bell bolt bosses. I cut a slot in the side and modified a 14" x 2" x 6" dia HVAC boot to fit. I also cut entry and exit slots for the belt. The lid is a Boy Scout popcorn tin lid and is removable to change belts.

The machine runs well except that the oscillation mechanism is noisy - sort of like a washing machine out of balance on the spin cycle. I'm guessing this is not normal and will correct it right away. I understand Oakley is still in business on a limited basis. Does anyone have contact info? I'd like to get some dirty paper and a parts diagram.

I've been told the Oakleys are unique in that the oscillation occurs only at the idler end of the belt, versus the whole sanding mechanism oscillating in others. It would seem the belt would only oscillate on the idler end this way, yet it oscillates along the entire length of the belt, riding up and down on the face of the drive pulley. This is a very solidly build machine. It will be a pleasure to use.

Photo 1:

Comments: As purchased - little cleanup required
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Photo 2:

Comments: hard to get it all in at close range
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Photo 3:

Comments: failed flush anchor - broken off halfway
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Photo 4:

Comments: auxiliary or 'back' table frame
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Photo 5:

Comments: Ready to run, through dirty lense
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Photo 6:

Comments: dust shroud close up
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