Bandsaw Wheel bearing

[MIGNAL]

It's time to replace the main wheel bearings on my small Bandsaw. 6203-Z is the number, which I think indicates it has a metal shield. The originals always did 'tick', even from new.
Do I go like for like? or use the rubber seal variety?

 

[tjwoodms]

i always go for rubber sheilds
they are far more effective at keeping the dust out and should cost the same
The Z does indeed denote a metal sheild and rs or 2rs denotes rubber.
Check out www.simplybearings.co.uk thier prices are vert reasonable and usually arrive next day even with standard shipping. Dont be tempted to go for the budget bearings i would go mid for range on a bandsaw.

 

[OPJ]

I'd recommend you go for the rubber-sealed variety and I also recommend SimplyBearings.co.uk for both price and service. The rubber seals should prevent the ingress of dust. I did the same upgrade to most of the bearings on my previous bandsaw and they certainly outlasted the original metal-shielded ones.

EDIT - Sorry, I started typing before Tim had posted.

 

[RogerS]

Just digressing ever so slightly but regular readers will know that I go on about the slop in the bearing in cheapie drills. I was beginning to think that I was being fussy.

Well, I was having a very pleasurable stooge round a few tool shops in Hereford today. Tried a large Sealey....slop. Found a second-hand Clarke (like mine) ...slop. Then I came across the large Jet circa £300+. Beautiful. No slop whatsoever. It oozed quality.

I also tried a couple of Makita LS1018's to check out their slides...same old rubbish.

Sorry to go OT...back t'thread.

 

[MIGNAL]

Thanks for the replies.
There's no slop in the bearings on my machine, apart from some front/back movement of the upper wheel - as though there is a washer missing. Seems to be a little under 1 mm. That same movement is not evident on the lower wheel. Not sure if that will affect the performance.

 

[CHJ]

Thanks for the replies.
There's no slop in the bearings on my machine, apart from some front/back movement of the upper wheel - as though there is a washer missing. Seems to be a little under 1 mm. That same movement is not evident on the lower wheel. Not sure if that will affect the performance.

Certainly won't help with the tracking when in use, if you take the upper wheel off, check that the inner race of the bearing is firm on the shaft or firmly clamped on the shaft, -use spacing washers- you don't want the bearing spinning on it's shaft.

If the bearing should clog with dust then instead of stalling the machine it will rapidly wreck the supporting spindle.

 

[MIGNAL]

I've taken both wheels off. The lower wheel bearings seem fine, a touch 'rough' when you spin the wheel whilst placing your fingers in the central holes. The upper bearings are a touch worse. I don't think they are worn, just cheap bearings.
The 'play' is on the upper wheel shaft - i.e. there is space between the outer bearing and the circlip. The bearings look seated well in the hub.

 

[CHJ]

......The 'play' is on the upper wheel shaft - i.e. there is space between the outer bearing and the circlip. .

Then this needs to be elliminated and the inner -centre- bearing races should be a good fit on the shaft or trapped/pinched so that they don't revolve on the shaft in preference to the race itself.

Take a good look at the upper shaft and make sure it does not have score or wear marks on it that would indicate the bearings have been spinning on the shaft.