Band Saw guide bearings

[stu senator]

I was changing the blade on my 14" Grizzly and I spun the guide bearings before installing the new blade.
The lower side bearings would not spin so I removed them and ordered new. They are 608 sealed, the same size as roller blades it seems.
I removed the seal to see the problem, it seems wood dust can get anywhere, even sealed bearings. (most likely lungs also)


Seals removed for curiosity and picture.

Stu

 

[Lou Jacobs]

Curious you just posted this Stu. I was going over my old Delta 14” saw and found that the lower guide bearing was seized. Just got a package of 10 bearings (6200Z) from Amazon for $10. McMaster-Carr had the bearing I needed for $5 each, plus shipping. I figured I could replace it several times for less cost, even if it’s not as good a bearing.

 

[Don Wattenhofer]

I figured I could replace it several times for less cost, even if it’s not as good a bearing.

Been there done that and yes you will be changing them soon.

I removed the seal to see the problem, it seems wood dust can get anywhere, even sealed bearings. (most likely lungs also)

Those are not sealed bearings, but rather a shielded bearing, a sealed bearing will have a gasket on the shield that rubs on the inner race.

 

[stu senator]

see

https://toolsbible.com/shielded-vs-sealed-bearings/

These are sealed bearings, maybe not so good but sealed.
Stu

 

[Doug Rasmussen]

It may not be best idea to buy bearings on price These days the inexpensive ones likely are third world of unknown quality.

I just replaced the bearing in the lower drum of my classic Delta 6 x 48 sander. The originals were shielded. I went to my favorite local bearing house to get replacements. They had both shielded and several brands of sealed in stock. The clerk asked the rpm. I made a guess on rpm based on the pulley sizes. He suggested a sealed bearing that was rated for up to 5,000 rpm. Great.

If I had bought sealed bearings online who knows the upper rpm limit? In years past I don't recall the sales people being quite so thorough. I know I had previously (years ago) been told not to replace shielded bearings with sealed bearings because the seals couldn't tolerate the higher speeds.

 

[Simeon Mackrides]

I have a Grizzly 14" and Grizzly's Extreme 17" bandsaws. I went to Carter's guide bearing kits for both.
As for replacement bearings, I go with OEM.