Shopsmith Forums

After changing the bearings in the Emerson motor, now I'm ready to check the quill.


Getting the knurled silver ring off was interesting. The set screw was extremely tight, it took a 60 m soak with pb blaster, then a brief touch with my propane torch, then a few raps with a hammer on the Allen wrench to get it turning. After taking off the knurled ring the snap ring was removed as well as a very thin spacer ring. Then the shaft and bearings drop out easily.



The shaft is two pieces held together with a roll pin.



The outside bearing is a 6003z.



The inside is a 6002z.



Now to order replacements since there is a definite rumble in the outside bearing. Thoughts on the best place to order from? VXB
.com?

If you have not already done so, mark the shaft before removing the roll pin so the shaft goes back in the same orientation. If it is rotated 180 deg the roll pin may not go back in. Ask me how I know. Vxb Bearings is a good outfit to deal with just make sure you measure the bearings with a set of calipers to get the right size.
Bill V

Two things to remember. First, Be sure to measure the ID, OD and width of any Shopsmith bearing. The same bearing number can be available in several different sizes.

Second, I try to find at least a ABEC3 rated bearing as each one of this 2 bearing quill I have disassembled had a loose and noisy ball back bearing that was needing replacement. This is a 2 piece quill shaft where you have to remove the roll pin first to separate the shafts. I always replace both bearings when I have the quill apart. Shopsmith also had a one piece shaft with the back bearing in the same location at one time. I am aware of 5 different double bearing quills from Shopsmith with the latest and best having a 40 mm OD front bearing, a 35 mm OD back bearing on a one piece shaft.

Thanks!
Is this bearing a good choice from VXB? The size is right, but it is very confusing to select. Not sure what the "e" stands for.

http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/PROD/Kit9533

I prefer sealed bearings rather than the shielded ones.Nachi does make a premium bearing in my opinion. Whenever I rebuild a headstock I use sealed Nachi bearings. They also seem to run quieter. My opinion only. The bearing you showed will be OK If the sizes are OK
Bill V

Thanks Bill. So you would prefer this one?

http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/PROD/Kit9678



I don't understand the difference of shielded versus sealed, I guess. There must be advantages and disadvantages to both?

YES!!!
Bill V

I find the sealed bearings will operate hotter than the shielded bearings. I recommend sealed bearings if any sawdust, dust or dirt will come in contact with the bearing housing like in the electric motor. The control sheave bearing should always be a shielded bearing so the aluminum and belt dust can be flushed through the bearing each time oiling occurs. That why I recommend putting lots of oil in the control sheave (speed set to FAST) each time you lubricate the headstock. I look for the highest ABEC quality rating before comparing prices when buying bearings. I try to always buy ABEC3 or higher rated bearings when possible.

billmayo wrote:I find the sealed bearings will operate hotter than the shielded bearings. I recommend sealed bearings if any sawdust, dust or dirt will come in contact with the bearing housing like in the electric motor. The control sheave bearing should always be a shielded bearing so the aluminum and belt dust can be flushed through the bearing each time oiling occurs. That why I recommend putting lots of oil in the control sheave (speed set to FAST) each time you lubricate the headstock. I look for the highest ABEC quality rating before comparing prices when buying bearings. I try to always buy ABEC3 or higher rated bearings when possible.

Thanks, Bill. I don't see where vxb.com rates these bearings as "ABEC". Not sure what that means. The price is not a factor. I'm still at a loss for what to purchase, and where.

One vote for sealed (Bill V), two votes for shielded (Bill Mayo and ShopSmith), so far.

rcplaneguy wrote:Thanks, Bill. I don't see where vxb.com rates these bearings as "ABEC". Not sure what that means. The price is not a factor. I'm still at a loss for what to purchase, and where.

Does this help? Looks like a trade name.