Rikon Bandsaw guide bearing problems
I bought the new Rikon 14″ deluxe bandsaw shortly after they hit the market. It is my first bandsaw, and I bought it mainly for its re-saw capacity – 13 inches. I had planned to do, and have since done, a LOT of re-sawing.
I have had issues with the guide bearings, though. They continually seize, or lock up, and no amount of cleaning, soaking or lubricating will get them turning again.
I have gone through three sets of Rikon’s bearings, and have even substituted bearings from my wife’s rollerblades (luckily she hasn’t used them in years!)
Rikon’s technical support has offered this one bit of advice: DON’T USE COMPRESSED AIR TO CLEAN THE BEARINGS! I have never used compressed air to clean the bearings. I use a vacuum to get the heavy dust deposits after every use, and I use a brush to get into the small places. When things look a bit gunked-up I remove all the bearings and wipe them off with a rag – I’ll use a tiny bit of acetone if there’s something like pine pitch stuck to them – never soaked…, not enough to ever penetrate the seals.
I’ve become meticulous about setting up the machine, and adjusting the guides, but nothing helps. I’ve emailed Rikon again asking for further advice (fourth time) and have gotten to response other than to not use compressed air. I’ve inquired about set up procedure – maybe I’ve missed something in their manual (which is poorly written,) and the dozens of articles and books I’ve read on the topic – and I’ve asked, twice, about the possibility of retro-fitting guide blocks, what they’d recommend, etc.
Has anyone else had this problem…, with Rikon, or with bearing guides in general? I know they require some care – maybe more than usual – but at this rate my investment is going down the tubes with all the time spent on maintenance, CONSTANT re-adjustments and trying to get Rikon to answer my questions.
I’m not new to woodworking, or to machine maintenance. I’m not an expert, either, but I’ve been able to adjust and fix table saws, jointers, miter saws etc. I’m stumped by this bandsaw!
Thanks in advance to anyone who might offer some advice…, wisdom.
Josh Whipkey
Replies
Josh,
We've had the same problem with a Grizzly band saw. The stock bearings are shielded and sealed bearings do a better job of keeping the dust out. You should be able to get the bearings at your local auto parts store or industrial supply companies like Enco, MSC or McMaster Carr can supply sealed good bearings. We bought the ceramic disk guides from Grizzly to avoid investing a lot of money and time into bearing replacement. I don't know if Rikon offers similar guides, though.
Thank you! I'll look into all of those things. I happen to have a McMaster Carr catalog right beside me, and a Grizzly catalog in the next room!
Josh - I have the 18" model of this bandsaw and I just experienced the same thing with two of the bearings. I was looking to get them replaced with better bearings so I would be interested to see what you find and how the sealed bearings work for you.Thanks,
Josh
I would email Rikon if you havn't already. I'm an advocate for demanding that tool manufacturers stand behond their product.
Rod Burrows is who has responded to all my emails to Rikon. He has sent two replacement sets, the latest set have a black nylon face - I assume they are sealed because you sure can't take them apart and grease the inside.
I've been battling DeWalt, too, for a few years about the quality of parts they use in some machines - thickness planer is one. I've been spending too much time fixing tools and machines, and replacing parts that are only a few months old. My new Makita cordless drill is less than two years old and both batteries are shot, already.
Anyway, I've gotten lackluster feedback from Rikon which is causing me to doubt their claims to better tools because they "listen" to the people who use them, but I'm gonna keep pestering them, or I'm gonna sell everything I own and buy Bridgewood - they are excellent with service!
I'll let you know what happens on my end.
Josh
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