Bandsaw thrust bearing

[Random Orbital Bob]

The lower thrust bearing on my bandsaw (RP BS300) has become very difficult to turn. Do I assume its seized and just replace it? Despite a new Tuffsaws blade on the machine I think this last mammoth blank cutting session was perhaps a little too much for it.

 

[Steve Maskery]

If it is difficult to turn it has seized. It may need replacing or you might be able to free it with some WD40 and a good scrubbing with a toothbrush.
S

 

[Spindle]

Hi

Whip it off and have a close look at it - you may be able to remove the grease shields, wash out with solvent, re-grease and re-fit the shields. It's probably either dried out or has crud in it.

Regards Mick

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Ah OK...I always assumed once a bearing was knackered it was because the metal had actually buckled somehow....never even thought of dis-assembling and cleaning...thanks chaps. (Steve and Mick)

 

[Myfordman]

Bearings are so cheap (provided you stay away from manufacturers spare parts that is) that you would be foolish not fit a new one and buy a spare to have in the drawer.
Simply bearings, Bearing boys and Arc Euro Trading are just some of the many suppliers.

MM

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Thanks MM I'll give them a try in the morning.

 

[Tony Spear]

Thanks MM I'll give them a try in the morning.

There's also Berkshire Bearings in Newbury, who I assume won't be too far from you.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Thanks Tony. Newbury is close but I called Simply Bearings first thing and ordered one (£2.01 incl postage). I daren't imagine what the manufacturer would have asked!!

Will arrive tomorrow along with a couple more of Tuffsaw's excellent 3/8" sabrecuts. Ian wasn't even in first thing this morning. He responded to my e mail around lunchtime to say not only had he made it (its a non standard length) but that it was in the post already. That guy does give superb service I have to say, leave alone the quality of his blades and welding. Really excellent. Nice one Ian if you happen to read this.

 

[Grayo]

Thanks Tony. Newbury is close but I called Simply Bearings first thing and ordered one (£2.01 incl postage). I daren't imagine what the manufacturer would have asked!!

Will arrive tomorrow along with a couple more of Tuffsaw's excellent 3/8" sabrecuts. Ian wasn't even in first thing this morning. He responded to my e mail around lunchtime to say not only had he made it (its a non standard length) but that it was in the post already. That guy does give superb service I have to say, leave alone the quality of his blades and welding. Really excellent. Nice one Ian if you happen to read this.

Hi Bob,

I also have the RP BS300 and was just reading what you said about the blade not being a standard blade and that Ian had to make you one. What size blade do you use on your machine ??? I thought the size of blade that fitted our machines was a 2370 size ???

Cheers

Graham

Ps I'll be contacting Ian myself in a couple of days to order some more of his fantastic blades.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

2370...that's right. On Ian's website ,the 2370 length isn't available in his pull down menus ie you cant order it off the peg so I've always assumed he makes 'em to order. Could be wrong mind...often am

 

[Grayo]

2370...that's right. On Ian's website ,the 2370 length isn't available in his pull down menus ie you cant order it off the peg so I've always assumed he makes 'em to order. Could be wrong mind...often am

Just looked and the 2370 is available in all the blades. That's why I thought it strange when you said he had to make it lol.

Have you ever used a 19mm blade on your machine ??
All the best

Graham

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

well I must have missed something. I checked it this morning and couldn't find it?? Mind you I ordered by phone so I didn't spend a lot of time looking to be fair.

I have used a 3/4" blade Graham. It's brilliant if you want to do very straight cuts, fine veneers and that sort of thing. The rigidity of the blade helps it to avoid the classic drift type problems so its an aid to a straight cut. However, cutting radii is not its forte of course.

My favourites (for wood turning stuff ie logs, green and thick stock generally is the 3/8 size. I also like the 1/2" blades for more straight cutting as they have more beef. I would definitely say 3/8 is my most used blade for general turning blank production and radii generally.

 

[Grayo]

Thanks Bob,

I've not used the band saw in anger as yet, I've only had it a couple of weeks but I have received a couple of blades from Ian both 1/4" blades one 6tpi and the other 10tpi, but want to order a couple more of the most common blades so think I'll get a 3/8" and a 1/2" blade for now and that should keep me going for a while.

Many thanks

Graham

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

what are you planning to use it for Grayo because the tpi is critically important as well as the blade thickness.

 

[Grayo]

what are you planning to use it for Grayo because the tpi is critically important as well as the blade thickness.

At the moment I've got a pile of used timber (old pallets) which I've de-nailed. Because I'm just getting back into woodwork after a 30 year break I'm going to do something simple at the moment like nesting boxes and feeding tables. I've also just purchased a scroll saw so plan to do a bit of scrolling like names and letters and so on. I decided I need to do something after sitting in the chair at home for the last four years after having to retire on ill health grounds so take things easy to start off with lol.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

OK so dry timber, nothing in the round or too wet. So the more tpi you have the finer the cut. The ones you quoted will be great for that. I look forward to seeing those nest boxes. I've made a few from plans I downloaded off the RSPB website which I'll send to you if you like

 

[Grayo]

Hi Bob, Yes please I would be grateful if you could send the plans.

Many thanks

Graham