Is This Normal? (Idler Shaft Bearing Green Ooze)

[EliWalton]

P[...] I am surprised that SS does not use sealed bearings in the Power Pro. [...]
Bill V

Especially for the idler shaft, which is smack in the middle of the dusty, unfiltered cooling air intake to the powerhead...

73

[dusty]

P[...] I am surprised that SS does not use sealed bearings in the Power Pro. [...]
Bill V

Especially for the idler shaft, which is smack in the middle of the dusty, unfiltered cooling air intake to the powerhead...

73

After all these many years that this hardware configuration has been operational, are we really challenging component selection?

Furthermore, it is possible that the most advanced and most costly parts available are not necessarily the best parts for any particular application.

Cost is always a trade off.

[JPG]

Ah but that hardware combination has recently changed from the original totally sealed water pump bearing to a more conventional ball bearing pair that is not sealed but shielded!

[EliWalton]

P[...] I am surprised that SS does not use sealed bearings in the Power Pro. [...]
Bill V

Especially for the idler shaft, which is smack in the middle of the dusty, unfiltered cooling air intake to the powerhead...

73

After all these many years that this hardware configuration has been operational, are we really challenging component selection?
[...]
Cost is always a trade off.

Yes, I am a great Shopsmith fan, but there is no harm in questioning some of the design decisions. In the PowerPro headstock, the idler shaft may be running twice the speed as in a conventional headstock. And as far as price, we're talking a few bucks per unit for upgraded bearings....

IMHO, the decision to retain the idler shaft at all with the DVR motor should be questioned. The torque and speed range would allow a single belt or perhaps even direct drive. And the jointer could probably be run from a motor shaft takeoff... And why didn't they use this opportunity to beef up the spindle? Would probably have needed a new headstock casting design, but wow -- we could have had a V8!!

73

73

[JPG]

Backward compatibility was a wise decision IMO.(also allows replacement a of no longer in production water bearing assembly). I think the idler shaft redesign preceded the PP anyway!

Also simultaneous saw/joint operations without changing speeds between operations(the reason I believe for the dual speed shafts originally).

Yes we be second guessing, but do not ignore history in the process.

[charlese]

Yes, I am a great Shopsmith fan, but there is no harm in questioning some of the design decisions. In the PowerPro headstock, the idler shaft may be running twice the speed as in a conventional headstock. And as far as price, we're talking a few bucks per unit for upgraded bearings....

IMHO, the decision to retain the idler shaft at all with the DVR motor should be questioned.

73

The idler shaft is used to run the jointer. The jointer is a very valuable SPT. It is used on almost every piece for straight, smooth surfaces. Users would be very upset if their jointers didn't work.