An add-on that really works

[Bruce Cohen]

Feeling so good about finishing that last box, and not losing any more body parts, I had a momentary lapse of fiscal sanity.
I ordered a set of micro adjust roller bearings from Carter for my Rikon 14' deluxe band saw.
Now that saw comes with roller bearings, but you need an allen wrench to tighten up any adjustment you made. And of course, that knocks the setting right out. Besides, the stock bearings aren't all that great.

Once I figured out how to install the Carter's (their instructions suck, along with Rikon's), all I got to say is WOW.

It's like getting a new saw. Quiet as all get out, much smoother surfaces when re-sawing, and I no longer feel so bad spending almost $200 for some ball bearings.

Just figured you guys would like to know about them and this not really a gloat, just a slightly biased observation.

Bruce

[radhak]

Link, Bruce?

And any pictures or description of how it works? I googled, but what popped up at Ptree was not very informative.

[MikeMorgan]

Thanks, Bruce. Like you, I've never really liked the stock bearings on my Rikon, but I've always been hesitant to replace ball bearings with ball bearings. Your post may be just the push I need.

[leehljp]

I was wondering myself, if there would be much difference in the Grizzly BBearings and the Carters in performance.

[gsmittle]

I ordered a set of micro adjust roller bearings from Carter for my Rikon 14' deluxe band saw.
Bruce

That's one big ol' band saw! How does a fourteen-footer fit in your shop?

Seriously, though, it's good to hear about an accessory that works. I'll keep it in mind for when I step up from my 9" to a Griz G0555X. All I gotta do is hit the lottery…

g.

[Bruce Cohen]

G,
Never said my typing was any good, but you're the only one who caught the typo.

Radhak, there's the link to Carter Products:

http://www.carterproducts.com/

They also have a video demoing the bearings, although they use another saw,

They also have a video (which you have to buy) that great in really learning about the install and some tune-up tricks that I never knew. But then again, there's tons that I don't know.

Hope this helps.

And Hank, I have no experience with a Grizzly saw, but I would assume a similar performance gain by using them over the stock ones. Especially considering the cost.

Bruce

And BTW, Happy New Year.