John,

 

I sent you a friend request. ( It shows in the log in/out area at top right of page)

 

Accept the request, and we can communicate back channel.

 

The parts are most likely cast Zamak.

 

Larry

Old Woodworking Machinery Forum Host

Ok, I found a part that's close. It's the same part from a model 720. Only difference is the shaft is .022 smaller than the original. But since it's a sleeve bearing I should be able to replace the sleeve on the wheel. Only problem will be finding a sleeve that will take grease instead of oil.

If the sleeve is brass ( I think that's what you said before) why not buy a blank sintered bronze bushing (they sell all manner of configurations and sizes) and just drill it out yourself?

Sounds like the shaft has worn over the years.

 

 

 

The shaft on the 720 was downsized to accommodate roller bearings. I have found the right sized bearings at McMaster Carr. Just need to wait until next week to talk to them. But you're right, I can just machine them myself.

Ball bearings are much nicer than brass.

That's for sure. But unfortunately the wheel/axel assembly won't allow it. I have to go with bushings.

 

 

you can get cored bronze bushing material from ENCO
Brass and steel are a perfect bearing combination. It'll last a very long time if lubricated regularly. If you make your own from brass bar stock be sure to get what is called "hard" brass.  Drilling it requires  a trick: ya gotta tale a hand stone to the lead edge of the drill bit and hone a tiny flat on it to prevent grabbing.  The  size of the flat only needs to be about 0.005"

 

I plan on using bearing bronze. I don't want oilite because the original specs call for grease lubrication. They went to oil when the 725 was released.

 

 

Well, it's not really a stress part. It just supports the upper wheel. The only stress would be from the blade tension which would be several lbs at best. All that would be on the hinge section, transferred to the main support. I think pot metal should be ok, since the original was probably ZAMAK.

John

Check your local Ace Hardware store for bronze bushings.

The store by me carries quite a selection of them.

I can usually find something in their stock that I can make work.

It might take fitting two together to make up what you need.

Larry

 

 

 

 

Old Woodworking Machinery Forum Host

 

Thank you, I tried them, but couldn't match the OD. Found something that will work at Accurate Bearing. A little long, but I can handle that without too much of a problem.

I should have the bearings in a few days. I ordered a few extra so I have spares when I make a mistake.

 

 

Hi John, how did you make out with you WT snowflake ? I have parts you need for that saw.

As a mater of fact, all bearings are installed just waiting it's turn. I have a few others to do first. I'll post photos when done

Nice, I will love to see it. I have the same saw, BUT I am missing the wheel covers. I do not want to run it without them.

Have you checked on owwm? Might be able to find them there. If not why not just make them. I use MDF to do some part fabrication. I would think you could fabricate them from MDF and some nice 1/4" Popular ply.

I thought about that. I just need some time to see how I am going to go about it .

Brought up from the archives, wonderful back n forth by the members on this one, great job guys!