Old or New Band Saw Backup Rollers?

[gatheringsplinters]

Greetings!

I was recently gifted my step-fathers Mark V 500 (1984). I've got the SS Band Saw with the bronze back up rollers. I've got to replace the bearing on the upper wheel of the band saw and I'm looking at getting the Band Saw Overhaul kit from SS.

My question is whether I should stick with the bronze backup rollers (I don't get squealing) or move to the new back up rollers that come with the kit?

Thanks in advance!

[dusty]

I have no experience with the bronze backup but if I had the opportunity to "eliminate" the squealing - I would.

Having said that, properly adjusted, the bearings in the tuneup kit will allow you to align everything and eliminate the squealing (at least for some period of time). It has been my experience that eventually those bearings will squeal.

POST SCRIPT:

How ironic. Shopsmith claims the new bearings eliminate the squealing.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... lerkit.htm

[gatheringsplinters]

I have no experience with the bronze backup but if I had the opportunity to "eliminate" the squealing - I would.
...

POST SCRIPT:

How ironic. Shopsmith claims the new bearings eliminate the squealing.

Dusty,

Thanks for the reply. I mentioned that I'm not getting any squealing specifically because SS mentioned that it eliminated it.

I was wondering if there was any benefit to the new style versus the old style other than that 'sound' issue. I can align the band saw just fine on the bronze backup rollers.

gatheringsplinters

[JPG]

Are you familiar with the old adage: "If it ain't broke, don't fixit!"?

If all is fine and dandy and it does not squeal, leave well enough alone.

Time enough fer fixin when it actually needs it.

[Ed in Tampa]

Are you familiar with the old adage: "If it ain't broke, don't fixit!"?

If all is fine and dandy and it does not squeal, leave well enough alone.

Time enough fer fixin when it actually needs it.

I agree with JPG, if it is working fine don't fix it. Instead keep your eye on Shopsmith sales when you see the upgrade kit on sale go ahead and get it. That way if in the future you have problems you have what you need to fix it.

[beeg]

Are you familiar with the old adage: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!"?

[JPG]

Are you familiar with the old adage: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!"?

That would be what getting the stuff while on sale would be.

[gatheringsplinters]

So, what I'm hearing is that the newer type of backup rollers are not an 'upgrade' from the older, brass ones. That's good to know.

[JPG]

So, what I'm hearing is that the newer type of backup rollers are not an 'upgrade' from the older, brass ones. That's good to know.

No! The new ARE an improvement, but if yours ARE functioning correctly you do not NEED the upgrade. The time will likely come when it is needed(since there is not an option to 'replace' the existing version).

The newer version does add to the alignment some extra details.

Generally, ball bearings are better than bronze sleeve bearings.

The dual ball bearing upper guide bearing helps the guide process when aligned properly since it adds a second plane of alignment.

[gatheringsplinters]

No! The new ARE an improvement, but if yours ARE functioning correctly you do not NEED the upgrade. The time will likely come when it is needed(since there is not an option to 'replace' the existing version).

The newer version does add to the alignment some extra details.

Generally, ball bearings are better than bronze sleeve bearings.

The dual ball bearing upper guide bearing helps the guide process when aligned properly since it adds a second plane of alignment.

Ooooh, okay. That's a little more definitive! I figure since I'm gonna get the kit I might as well install the entirety of it then.

Thanks!