replacing blade guide rollers

[GrDingee]

I am having difficulty removing the idle side blade guide roller. I've removed the lock nut and the spacer but the roller itself refuses to slide off the threaded bolt. The woodmizer tech I spoke with thougth perhaps the roller guide has worn a groove in the threaded bolt therefore preventing it from sliding off.

If that is the case, I need to order a new bolt along with the guide rollers. Somehow, I don't think this is the issue.

I have an older WM LT40 Hydration- 1998 year with nearly 11,000 hours. - which I bought about 6,000 hours ago. I last replacced the guide rollers in 2015, but cannot remember that far back whether the rollers gave me any trouble at that time.

any suggestions how to get this roller off?

[Southside]

Have you tried any penetrating oil?  Maybe the race is rusted to the bolt.  What about a small wheel puller?

[Magicman]

On a '98 model you probably need to replace the entire assembly anyway.  Rust from lube water gradually eats away at all of the metal.  I replaced mine a few years ago and was surprised at how horribly it was pitted and rusted.

[CCCLLC]

If the threaded bolt is the type that takes grease to lube the older style greasable rollers, give it a couple shots of grease to help get it over any groove and helps recenter roller while pulling.

[terrifictimbersllc]

Blue creeper or other penetrating oil, wait wait wait, thread a sacrificial bolt in the shaft so you can hit the head of it, tap tap tap & patience,, if it doesnt come out take the shaft and wheel off of the machine and rig a support for the wheel and tap it harder, but use patience and care.   If no patience just order all new parts. I've got mine off several times latest at about 18 years and 4000 hours.


OOPS I was talking about idle wheel bearing & shaft not blade guide  rollers. Save this for another day. 

[cabindoc]

Hi guys,

Rather than start a new thread, I'm going to hi jack this one so when someone else is looking into this issue, they dont have to wade through too many threads.  

I have a new WM35 and the blade guide roller on the adjustable arm (infeed side) has locked up.  I removed and cleaned and tried to lube, but it will only roll with some persuasion ,not spin freely like the outfeed.  Is this something I can repair/lube?  or do i just need a new one?  and do you think this is a warranty item seeing how I have less than 50 hours on said mill.

Thanx for letting me hijack the thread

[Magicman]

You have a bad bearing and the bearing can be replaced fairly easily.  I always have a spare bearing kit but I have only used it once in 18+ years of sawing.

Give Wood-Mizer a call and explain your situation.  They will probably warranty the blade guide.

[Southside]

That side is more prone to bearing failure given the water drip system is right there, it's the only one I have had to replace on either of my mills.  Get a spare bearing to have on hand.  I spray the front and rear of the roller, hoping to get into the felt washer, with a combination of penetrating oil and a home brew ATF + bar and chain oil we use, on a somewhat regular basis and that seems to help offset the water issue.  

[78NHTFY]

GrDingee--had same problem on my 1999 LT 40.  Lotsa penetrating oil over a few days and it finally came off--with difficulty.  Lube water will do a number on the metals.  As a preventative going forward, I DW-40 both rollers and adjustment nuts before and after use.  Haven't had a problem since.  Good luck & all the best, Rob. 

[Magicman]

I always have a spare bearing kit but I have only used it once in 18+ years of sawing.

I didn't mean to imply that I run the blade guides 18 years.  I replace them about every 3 years but if a bearing was to go bad within that time, I have a bearing kit and it's simply a tailgate repair.  Tailgate Repairs

I never spray anything on my blade guides.

[Southside]

From the looks of it @doc henderson runs his blade guides that long.   ;D

[Hackeldam Wood Products]

a air chisel with a blunt bit is the best way to separate a bearing from a shaft or similar assemblies.

Just a few light shots will do it without damage.  

[cabindoc]

Thanx guys, bearings were rusted up. most likely from lube water and so I pressed them out and replaced with new ones.  All good now.