pillow block bearings

fathead · February 21, 2009, 11:15:26 PM

in the process of building a20hp 30in. portable bandmill and have been told that i need to use a factory bearing assembly instead of two individual pillow blocks by the way my plans are for 19in. wheels with a two in. shaft

tyb525 · February 21, 2009, 11:37:49 PM

Welcome to the forum! I can't help you, but a more knowledgeable member should be along shortly :D

Fla._Deadheader · February 21, 2009, 11:53:35 PM

Many portable bandmills use pillow blocks. ??? ???

fathead · February 22, 2009, 12:09:39 AM

thanks for your reply im just learning to use the internet i think it will take me longer to type than to build the bandmill

bck · February 22, 2009, 12:12:46 AM

Quote from: fathead on February 21, 2009, 11:15:26 PM
have been told that i need to use a factory bearing assembly instead of two individual pillow blocks

The person telling you that trying to sell you a factory bearing assembly ?

Using pillow blocks here with no problems.

Fla._Deadheader · February 22, 2009, 12:33:27 AM

Let me add, a factory bearing ASSEMBLY probably uses OIL for the bearing lube, instead of grease zerks.

fathead · February 22, 2009, 12:46:31 AM

thats good to know the bearing assembly price for a 2in. shaft was awful dear what brand pillow bearing would you suggest the ucp brand was very reasonable .skf has always been reliable but they cost 3 times as much

Fla._Deadheader · February 22, 2009, 07:19:49 AM

Brand names don't mean much, anymore. Try to find out if they are made in China. If so, I would not buy. Quality is not good, and, China has helped create the financial mess of the world, with cheaply made junk. Just my opinion, here. :

:

MaddiesDad · February 22, 2009, 07:55:19 AM

Dodge bearings are pretty nice, also I'm guessing (not familar with bandmills) but does that have to be a self centering bearing?

bandmiller2 · February 22, 2009, 07:59:01 AM

FH,how far are you along on your build?For your bearings consider a trailer wheel and stub shaft from northern supply get the one with the four wheel studs,mount it so with nuts you can adjust all ways.The stub shaft is where you mount your taperlock pulley.Now you have tapered roller bearings and shaft all in one.

bandmiller2 · February 22, 2009, 08:07:24 AM

FH,most come from China now I have used them without incident.A two inch shaft is enough overkill so you shouldn't have a problem.Many of the old names come from asia now depends on the specs.you demand.Frank C.

fathead · February 22, 2009, 03:10:49 PM

thanks for your opinion i think i found a set of 2in. link belt pillow bearing that are usa made and should be quality bearings for under 200 dollars that will save me over half the cost on the factory assembly

Larry · February 22, 2009, 06:35:56 PM

Just a thought...my Kasco has 2" shafts and uses pillow blocks. First generation bearings had eccentric locking collars which did not work. Second generation the collar is drilled with a allen set screw...still occasional failures but an improvement. Third generation is two allen screws and drilled into the shaft which seems to be the fix.

The problem was as bearing begins to fail or maybe just from hard use the shaft would spin in the bearing making the shaft scrap iron. The shaft is quite expensive...more than the bearings.

Pictures in me gallery someplace of what happens.

fishpharmer · February 22, 2009, 07:27:21 PM

I used pillow block bearings from Motion Industries...not sure the brand. Had a choice of cheap (china) or expensive (USA) I got the expensive ones. See them in my gallery. I don't have alot time on my mill but have had no problems so far.

On the idler side I used a trailer axle stub shaft and hub from Agri-Supply out of North Carolina.

These folks will help you. Pay attention to their advice. I wouldn't have a operating mill without them.

burlman · February 22, 2009, 08:53:26 PM

my 1st mill I bought 20 years ago had twin pillow blocks. due to the pressure of the blade tension, and rpm speed. they would burn out every month. they finally admitted it was a poor choice of pillowblock...ball bearings... they were replaced with heavy duty tapered roller bearings. not much trouble after that. watch out not to over grease, causes over heating and premature failure. good luck.

fathead · February 23, 2009, 09:18:37 PM

thanks Burlman, the tapered roller bearing that you used where they in a pillow bearing or some other type of assemble

fathead · February 23, 2009, 09:22:38 PM

Burlman the tapered roller bearings you used where they in a pillow block or some other type of assemble

jpad_mi · February 25, 2009, 09:56:53 PM

I used 1 15/16inch double row tapered roller pillow block bearings on my homebuilt. They are Browning E920 series. I'm running them at roughly 1000rpm with a fairly large overhung load and have had no problems (mine is a hobby mill with limited use, so your mileage may vary). I've been careful not to over-grease them based on the recommendation of the more knowledgeable folks on the Forum. I picked them up relatively cheap on eBay and am hoping I never have to replace them at retail price.

I bought locally available low carbon (1018?) cold rolled bar stock for my shaft. In hind sight I should have held out and bought 1144 Stressproof steel. It has nearly double the tensile and yield strength of standard cold rolled and is a better choice for shafts.

Good luck!