cost-benefit question on old jointer

user-172505 | Posted in John White on August 26, 2008 04:20am

I recently had a cutterhead bearing fail on an old 6″ jointer that I’ve used for years. The machine is of unknown provenance–labeled Pryor, La Habra, Californa. It appears that the ball-bearing races are machined into the body casting, rather than using a sealed cassette which I assume would be current practice. I have already replaced the machine with a larger, modern tool. My question though, is whether or not it would be feasible and economical for someone to to repair or replace the cutterhead bearings, given the low prices of current imported machines. I ask because the old machine is substantial, with flat 72″ coplanar tables and a long flat (if somewhat awkward to adjust) fence. Is it junk, or would it be worth someone’s effort if I donated it (sans motor)? If it is junk, what is the environmentally responsible way to dispose of it? Thanks for your help.
Bob Dean

Replies

JohnWW | Aug 27, 2008 11:08pm | #1
Bob,

It is highly unlikely that the bearings are machined into the castings, it would be very, very difficult to machine and the cast iron or cast steel wouldn't have the right properties for strength and wear resistance. Pre-assembled ball bearings have been standard in smaller machinery since before WWII.

If you take the machine apart you will probably find that it has standard ball bearings but it may take someone with mechanical experience and a few specialized tools to get them out without damaging the shaft or the bearing housings. If you can get the head assembly with the bearings unbolted from the base, a machine shop would be able to take it apart in a few minutes.

A few ball bearing sizes have become more or less obsolete but the majority of them are still available from any bearing supplier. A good pair of bearings shouldn't cost cost more than $30 to $40 and even if someone charged you for an hours shop time, the repair still probably won't cost more than $100, so it would seem to make economic sense for someone to repair the jointer.

If you scrap the machine, a scrap metal dealer will be glad to take it and will even give you some cash for it.

John White

user-172505 | Aug 28, 2008 04:26am | #2
John,
Thanks for your lucid and helpful reply. I'll take steps to keep it running.Bob

rwhpi1 | Aug 28, 2008 06:09pm | #3
Milo:

I agree with John White in salvaging a well-built machine. Regarding your bearing scenario: If the shaft is 1 inch in diameter, and you are able to remove the housings from the shaft, Woodmastertools.com may be able to supply you with new bearing housings at a good price. Their planer/moulder/jointer combo machine parts fit a number of other brands, including Craftsman. Their bearing housings are 1 inch. If you're able to pull the housings from the shaft: To avoid damage, check out harborfreight.com or go to a nearby retail store of theirs and look at their puller kits (really cheap prices -- and I use the pullers frequently for a variety of projects). Good Luck!

-Bob