Grizzly bandsaw question

[glenbo]

I have a 14" grizzly bandsaw and I am looking to replace the guide bearings. Can anyone recommend decent replacement bearings and supplier? Also looking for a quality blade. Thank you, Glen

[kennym]

Hey Glenn,

I bought bearings at a local machine shop for around 3.00 each, they were also sealed and the originals were open. Lasted longer because there was nowhere for the dust to get in.

Also heard somebody say skateboard bearings off the big auction site but never tried them.

As long as inside/outside/thickness dimensions are the same, you're good.

Blades- I run Lennox Diemaster 2  in 6 tpi I believe , some folks say Woodslicers are good and thinner kerf, I didn't have much luck with Grizzly blades tho....

[Roy from Pa]

There will be a number on the side of the bearings. Take it to an auto parts store and they can order them for you, about $3.00's like Kenny said.

Don't use the roller skate bearings, they are oiled and not sealed. Makes a mess and don't last long.

[macbow]

608Z Or 6000Z

Iif you look these up on the e** auction site they are ment for,scate boards.
I've been using them for 2 years with no problems.
The ones I bougt at NAPA were $12 each and didn't last as long.
Never found any $3 ones local.

[Mad Max]

They are cheap as_ bearings.
Mine go bad to quick.
I got 10 cheap, same part number, for $10.00
They are no good either.


Go to a Industrial bearing House and get good bearings

I need to go to the bearing house too.

I did Machine work and Tool and Die work for 28 years.
Cheap bearings are no good
Buy good ones from the right place!!!

[glenbo]

Thank you guys

[macbow]

Mad Max usually I would agree but I have had good luck with them.

[Mad Max]

Macbow
Mine is 2 years old, maybe they changed bearings.
I have been through 5 or 6 bearings.
I always make sure the bearings turn free next to the blade.

[macbow]

I had a lot of trouble with even the expensive bearings the first 3 months.
Then I watched a set up video on a different brand.
The guy was working a trade show and showed the proper way to set up everything.

Made a big difference. I think I change out bearings every 4 months. If I get one that gets a little noisy I change them all.

[macbow]

This is the link to setting up bandsaws if,anyone is interested.

[kennym]

I've found if your bearings turn all the time with blade running, they won't last. They should only hold the blade when it tries to wander. Use sharp blades!

[Roy from Pa]

Yupper ole timer..

[kennym]

I like to slide a folded dollar bill thru mine to set. Roy uses a $100 bill but it works the same....

[David Flanrey]

Kenny you sure he don't use a silver dollar?  They for sure won't wear out that way.

Ha Ha just kidding Roy.     Couldn't resist.

[kennym]

[Mad Max]

Macbow
I will give it a try
Thanks

Speaking of guides... Does anyone prefer blocks over bearings??  I thought bearings were the way to go when I first saw them but after using them I think I like blocks better... The bearings can be noisy and gum up and gum up blade also...

[Roy from Pa]

McKenzie, your bearings have been gone for years..          

David, LOL...

I change all 10 bearings once a year, cost me about 36 bucks. I get quality bearings at the auto parts store I frequent. Kenny is right that if they turn all the time, they wear out quickly. I adjust them so when I turn the blade, they don't roll. But when cutting they will turn, but not a solid turn. At first I was making them too tight and they wore out a lot quicker.

The biggest thing in setting up a band saw is centering the blades "teeth" on the center of the wheel like shown in the video Mac posted.

Shredd, the bearings kick the blocks butt. Much better straighter cuts. Maybe you are making them too tight. That wears them out and they do get noisy. Watch the video above that Mac posted.

[Mad Max]

Thanks Macbow
I re tuned my band saw, I sound's better.

[glenbo]

Thanks for thi input guys. I watched the setup video, replaced the bearings and blade. She is all ready to go. I can't believe how out of whack it was.