Posts: 182
Threads: 17
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Packer Land/God's Country
Gots me some frozen up bearings on my Rikon B/S. Sounds like this is pretty normal to have the guide bearing constantly freeze up on these bsaws. Funny that Woodcraft doesn't carry bearings, and I can't find any in town either. Checked all the local industrial shops, motor shops, hardware stores, sporting good stores, and taverns. Aint nobody carry them.
So asking the help of the WN brain trust. I'm definitely not a big fan of the Rikon stock guide, but I'm not going to change it right now so I just want to replace the bearing.
Here is what I have found on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015RP...T987H7WA7G
and
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045F...PDKIKX0DER
Not much price difference with one being ceramic and the other steel. Wondering if one would be better than the other, or would it be better to go with a higher quality bearing costing more. Suggestions are always greatly appreciated.
Mike
Posts: 2,002
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2003
Both look fine. Cheap is OK. You can also look at E-bay. There are a lot of sellers peddling bearings there at $1 - $2 per unit with free shiping.
Only real requirement (for me anyway) is that they are "double sealed". Sometimes they just call them "sealed". Each side has a seal to keep wood dust out and lube in. Two sides x 1 seal on each side = double sealed. Double shielded will do but eventually pack-up with wood and lock-up or will spit out a big glob of lube. Open bearings are not advised unless you want to clean them after every use.
If you have a local seals, bearings, and O-ring store you can find them for instant pick-up. Otherwise you will need to order. As you note, most hardware type stores don't cary bearings. You could try a skate shop if you have one around.
Posts: 20,950
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2005
As a woodturner who cuts wet stock often, I bought an appropriate set of these.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_fb...ames%2C348 Then I discovered how well they worked for all my other bandsaw tasks - as long as the blade width was 1/4 or greater. Less than, go phenolics or oiled maple. No real lover of roller bearings.
Better to follow the leader than the pack. Less to step in.
Posts: 848
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2006
Location: Central MA
How about 10 for under 5 bucks;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-PIECES-608-2R...SwJQdXBu5Y
There is nothing to be gained by using a more expensive bearing than this for bandsaw guides. They are a consumable in this application.
Posts: 30,389
Threads: 1
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: DuPage County, Illinois, USA
(08-08-2016, 12:32 PM)MichaelMouse Wrote: As a woodturner who cuts wet stock often, I bought an appropriate set of these. https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_fb...ames%2C348 Then I discovered how well they worked for all my other bandsaw tasks - as long as the blade width was 1/4 or greater. Less than, go phenolics or oiled maple. No real lover of roller bearings.
Sound advice. I've personally been using Lignum Vitae guides for years.
Posts: 1,560
Threads: 0
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Mid, MI.
Posts: 7,964
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2006
I have no idea where I got this idea, but I was once told that some band saws, or at least my Craftsman, use the same bearings as a skateboard. So I went to a skateboard shop and bought a set of bearings in a k00l d00d box. They fit like a glove and worked like a charm.
Phydeaux
Posts: 13,006
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2003
WD40 might get you by in a pinch. worked for me.
Al
I turn, therefore I am!
Posts: 2,540
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Long Island, NY
I got bearings from Amazon as well.
Posts: 4,439
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2005
Do a search for "Power Transmission" and your zip code.These supply houses carry bearings,pulleys and belts etc.Every thing you need .
mike
