Bandsaw bushing? Is this right?

[S Brian]

In March 2014, I had a problem tightening my bandsaw table and found out that there two tilt lock configurations, depending on the age of your bandsaw. Here are links to three posts, explaining the differences and what I had to do to fix my saw.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/maint ... 14180.html

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/maint ... 14208.html

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/maint ... 14280.html

This may help with some of the questions with your bandsaw.

[JPG]

Unless you have all the original parts, I think the only option is to get all new version parts. EDIT - There be a bushing 'issue' - see links in preceding post.

[Cornell]

Looks like I have the older version, upgraded with an aluminum table, instead of cast iron.

I do note that the washers that go between the trunnion and the body are thinner than the ones I got from SS, maybe that's all that's needed to smooth out the operation of tilting the table.

Now I have concerns about switching out to new parts. If the new bushings have larger O.D. then the old one, I'm going to have trouble enlarging the holes.

What I've learned now, is that I do have all OEM parts, with the possible exception of the washers, just an older version.

Anyone with the older versions, with aluminum tables, feels that their table tilts smoothly, or jerky?

[JPG]

Could the '50 repair expert' have been on to all this?

The non-oem bushings may work if modified.

They appear to be too long.

They are definitely too 'skinny'.

So cut em to length and build up the od may be a 'fix'.

Slipping a larger id bushing over the small on may get closer to .689.

So what size is the - wait you said they were jammed in!!????????

[Cornell]

Could the '50 repair expert' have been on to all this?

The non-oem bushings may work if modified.

They appear to be too long.

They are definitely too 'skinny'.

So cut em to length and build up the od may be a 'fix'.

Slipping a larger id bushing over the small on may get closer to .689.

So what size is the - wait you said they were jammed in!!????????

I'm thinking the non-OEM bushings are OEM, just previous version. The I.D. is fine for the new screw. It's just the length. And some folks are saying the new bushing have bigger O.D.

But cutting them to length might be an option.

I'm going to call SS tomorrow and hope that there's a new length bushing with the old O.D. ;-)

[S Brian]

If you read through my earlier reply, with links to the older posts, you will see that my problem started when the old style bushing started rotating within the aluminum housing. I think this rotation caused some enlarging of the housing hole. The bushing was still a very tight press fit, but not tight enough to keep it from rotating. I don't think a new bushing (if available) would have solved my problem. After modifying my housing and using the newer style parts, my saw is in good shape after two years of use.

[Cornell]

Yes, S Brian, I'd read them. And I'm not in a position to mill the body. My bandsaw, as is, is operational, just not... smooth, easy to use. I'd thought that the missing trunnion support was the problem, but now I know that I've an older configuration.

I called SS today, and the fellow who answered couldn't help. I'd asked about new length bushings with old O.D. He said not. He also said that the engineer was on vacation this week, so maybe I'll have better news next week.

As an aside, he also said the DIY PowerPro's weren't expected until mid August :-(

Rather than spend the money to have a machinist bore out the holes for the new bushing, I may just stick with the old configuration.

[beeg]

I called SS today, and the fellow who answered couldn't help.

NO COMMENT!

[JPG]

I called SS today, and the fellow who answered couldn't help.

NO COMMENT!

Sad part is, he is the most experienced 'one'.