Bandsaw Squeal

[gatheringsplinters]

Dusty,

What I do find interesting is that the newer type of bearing is advertised as eliminating the 'squeal' which would infer that the brass ones were the ones with the issue. Yet, here we are with many people reporting that the newer version also squeals...

I'm wondering if a wider single bearing would solve the issue. Granted you wouldn't have the 'groove' but that would take it out of the equation all together.

[dusty]

Strange and confusing problem. I have been thinking that maybe I should change back to bearings with a brass bushing (think LDH). I am thinking that having the bushing in between the mounting bolt and the inner race of the bearing might be the fix.

This is like seeking a solution by experimentation rather than engineering analysis.

[JPG]

I do not think you be in left field. Some blue locktite between the inner race and the 'bolt' should prevent intermittent rotation.

[jsburger]

I have spent most of the morning reading and rereading this thread and contemplating all that is being reported here. Why? Because I experience the intermittent squealing. It is not happening right now but I have been there before. It will return.

But, I gave a bit more thought to the solution proposed by LDH. I had made up my mind that I had done this but I did at best "a version". I used different bearings and no bronze sleeve. In my application, I have the bearing and the 1/4"x20 bolt in direct contact. The bearing inner race is not suppose to rotate but if it does, could the movement of the inner race against the bolt be the cause of the squeal.

Those users who report using the old bearing configuration (with the brass bushing) report NO SQUEAL.

Just a thought but it is provoking enough that I may generate a McMaster-Carr purchase order soon. Am I in left field with this line of thinking?

I would certainly think so.

I did LDH's mod in 2008 right after he posted it. My band saw has had a lot of use since then and has no squeal at all.

As you say the inner race should not turn. Since there is not an interference fit between the bolt/sleeve there must be another way to prevent the inner race from rotating. Hence the McMaster-Carr shims. They bear on the inner race and prevent the inner race from turning when the bearing stack is bolted up. Of course the shims on the right hand (threaded) end of the bolt also provide proper alignment with the blade.

And no you are not in left field with your line of thinking.

[JPG]

. . .

This is like seeking a solution by experimentation rather than engineering analysis.

Not a bad thing when trying to track down the unknown source.