Old Band Saw Refurb Questions

[algale]

I recently came into possession of an older Shopsmith band saw. Not taken care of and extremely dirty. I have a couple of questions as I go to clean it and rehab it.

First, instead of double autotrack bearings, there is a single roller bearing in the autotrack position. The pic is here: http://shopsmith.net/forums/showpost.ht ... stcount=16 (The same kind of bearing is used in the upper and lower back up bearing positions.) I was so surprised to see a single bearing in the autotrack position that I initially thought this was a modification by the prior owner; but the manual shows this is how it came from Shopsmith. Does anyone still use the single autotrack bearing set up? Is it satisfactory or should I upgrade to the double autotrack bearing?

Second, there is definitely some play in the upper wheel needle bearing. How much play is too much?

Thanks much,

Al

[JPG]

The rear guide bearing is one of those things subject to opinion. It adds another thing to get aligned properly in more than one direction. The single bearing simply needs to have it's axis of rotation perpendicular to the blade travel. The double bearing adds the requirement to position it front to rear to again coincide with the blade. There is no adjustment towards the back casting.

As for the bearing, no number, but if it affects anything, that would be my threshold.

[eartigas]

I bought a maintenance video for the bandsaw on eBay and the guy prefers the model you have over the bearings.

So, even if you upgrade keep them handy, just in case.