Shopsmith Forums

About 20 parts soaking in evapo rust right now, should look great by this afternoon.

A couple questions:

1. since I have it 100% apart right now, should I replace the wheel bearings? Honestly both seem ok although the lower bearing, which I think is sealed, is a little clicky. Both spin great though. If replace, suggestions for which ones to buy and from who?

2. Behind the tensioner arm I have a plastic bearing the blade runs on, and it looks a little beat up. I've seen that other years these were metal bearings. Seems like something I should replace, any suggestions for which one to buy?

3. The upper and lower bearings behind the blade above and below the table also looking a little rough but are working and not squealing. Thoughts?

Thanks!

Replace them with the current version.

Orrr do the dual bearing thing. Someone will provide a link.

1. If the lower wheel is turning smoothly don't worry about it. That is a sealed bearing and can be difficult to find and replace just it. Otherwise you have to buy a complete Lower Wheel Assembly. As for the upper wheel remember to grease the needle bearings inside the wheel while you have it off the Upper Wheel Arm and Axle.

2 & 3. I would definitely replace the Auto-Tracking Bearing. It is very worn down and likely has the blade tracking farther back on the wheels than desired. While at it go ahead and replace the Upper and Lower Rollers. The Back-up Roller Retro-fit Kit will give you the parts needed to do all three bearings.

If the tires are in good shape great but if not consider replacing those too. You can use either the original rubber type tires or urethane tires. The choice is up to you.

Ok, I think I'll follow all that advice (stick with existing wheel bearings, grease them up, get the retro-fit kit).

About greasing the upper wheel arm, I was able to get off the circlip and washer, but then wasn't able to easily pull the arm off. Is there a trick? Pull harder?

Thanks again.

If you really want a lower wheel bearing you can find them online. I got one from eBay but they seem to be out now. I think this is the right one according to the dimensions. I have seen them other places as well.

Here is info that might be useful:

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=8361

Ed

If you are trying to take the arm off the post attached to the Main Frame Assembly first remove the Tension Spring bar and the Tension Indicator Scale. The scale can slip and catch the retaining ring groove. Try rotating the arm up and down while pulling it off. Normally the arm should move freely up and down on the post limited only by the Tension Spring bar. It should not take force to get it off. If difficult lay the Bandsaw down and try getting some penetrating oil in between the post and arm's hole.

Why are you attempting to remove the arm?

I just figured I'd take everything apart and clean it. In the end I left it alone. Things mostly look great (updated to cool blocks, new bearing kit, greased, new guard, new belts, de-rusted, scrubbed and waxed everything) however it is vibrating more than seems right to me. I'm pretty sure the upper tire has some glue under one spot that didn't smooth out. I saw the little wobble before putting things back together but ignored it hoping it would be fine.