Bandsaw bearing seal type?

[Yetty]

Hi, just got my first bandsaw home, a second hand BAS315. Then found 1 of the 2 small thrust bearings (upper) has seized, type “626Z”, shielded.

Is it okay to upgrade the bearing seal type from SHIELDED to SEALED type? Or does the moving blade ruin the neoprene really quickly?

Any guidance (ho ho!) welcomed!

 

[ivan]

Yetty, when the shielded brgs first siezed up (well before worn out by blade) on my bandsaw I replaced with the sealed type, which I've used for ~ 20 yrs. Haven't seen a blade damaged rubber seal yet. I presume shielded fitted as standard as a few pennies cheaper.

 

[ike]

The seals if I recall are usually sub-flush to the race so no problem.

Ike

 

[Yetty]

Thanks chaps, sounds like sealed should be fine, yetty.