Saw guide bearing seized.

**munruben** · 27th July 2009, 11:44 AM

Was resawing some timber this morning and my Jet bandsaw just siezed up. After some investigation into the problem I found the bottom sawguide bearing on the saw guide was siezed. I removed it and with some difficulty and sewing machine oil, freed it up but the outer case of the bearing is damaged by the back of the blade scoring into casing of the bearing. You can see the groove in the pic.
Few questions. As I said, the bearing spins fine but I think if I reinstalled it the way it was, it might have some problems and foul up on the blade,
So, do you think it would work okay if I installed it around the other way so as the damaged face is not facing the back of the blade as it was originally. The front of the bearing is not damaged.
Secone question..It appears the bearing is contained in an outer casing, can this bearing assembly be be bought complete like that or is the outer casing and the bearing two seperate parts. Guess what I am trying to say is. Would I be able to buy that complete bearing with casing from any bearing supplier or do I have to get it from a Jet retailer?
What clearance should I give the bearing in relation to the blade for best performance?

The blade guides are just standard ones I think and you can see from the picture of the guide, it only uses one bearing. Do you think I should replace the guides for the ones like carba-tec sell with 3 bearings on both top and bottom guide. Would they fit the Jet Bandsaw?

**DJ’s Timber** · 27th July 2009, 11:51 AM

That bearing is a stock standard part that you'll be able to pick up from any bearing supplier.

When you go and pick one up, ask them for a sealed one as that one isn't and it's filling up with the fine dust causing it to seize.

**Skew ChiDAMN!!** · 27th July 2009, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by munruben

Do you think I should replace the guides for the ones like carba-tec sell with 3 bearings on both top and bottom guide. Would they fit the Jet Bandsaw?

The last I looked the carbatec ones fitted the JET, yes. But that was a few years ago... I also vaguely remember an "in-between" set that has rollers in blocks that simply replace your current guide blocks. I think?

I'm sure someone here will know for sure...

Anyways, if you're using a 1/2" or wider blade, then bearing guides are the better choice. I find they keep the blade cutting straighter & cooler.

However, if you're using 3/8" or narrower blades then stick with your blocks, as the bearings are too wide and will flatten the set on the blades teeth.

I haven't done any 1/4" scrollwork on my BS in a long time 'cos I'm too lazy to swap my bearings with the blocks... but that's perfectly do-able if you want both worlds.

BTW, I say 1/2" & 3/8" are the "dividing line" because that's how it works on mine. The JET may be different - I don't think so - but it's just a case of measuring to find out. The side bearings should not touch the teeth when the back of the blade is pressed back against the rear guide, else you'll damage the blade and, eventually, the bearings.

**echnidna** · 27th July 2009, 01:00 PM

in an emergency you could reverse the bearing, but it really needs replacing, get a couple of spares whilke you are at it.

Make sure you get bearings with neoprene seals instead of metal shields as they are far superior at keeping the fine dust out of the bearing.

**munruben** · 27th July 2009, 01:34 PM

Thanks guys. appreciated.

**wheelinround** · 27th July 2009, 03:40 PM

Gary Pye is Jet dealer or CBC bearings for a replacement Sealed bearing I wouldn't use that again John

**munruben** · 27th July 2009, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by wheelinround

g I wouldn't use that again John

I didn't. I went down to the local bearing store and got 2 of them. $13 for the two. Up and running again. Sweet as a nut.

**munruben** · 27th July 2009, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

. I also vaguely remember an "in-between" set that has rollers in blocks that simply replace your current guide blocks. I think?

Your memory serves you well Skew, Carba-tec still sell those, next time I'm up at Carba-tec I will check them out.

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