I’ve got a General 350 cabinet saw that is around 30-40 years old, and while it’s a great saw, recently I’ve noticed some vibrations. They’re minimal, and aren’t really affecting the saws performance quite yet. The problem I’m finding is that anything left close to the edge of the extension table will slowly “walk” off the edge. I have never experienced this with the saw before(a penny could balance on edge while cuttting before), and because it’s old, I’m thinking that the bearings might need to be replaced. Everything is still running quiet, and I don’t want to remove the top if I don’t have to, but I also don’t want to have things fail at the wrong time. Should I replace the bearings now, or wait and see if things get worse?
Also, if anyone has replaced the bearings on this saw before, do you have any tips to help things go smoothly?
Thanks
Andrew
Replies
get new belts.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"I've..seen all good people turn thier heads, so, satisfied, I am on my way.."They kill prophets for profits"..And, that's...the truth.........phhatt
And while you replace those belts, check that the pulleys are aligned(with a straightedge). Yes, the top will have to come off to do this, not a big deal.
Feel the bearings after it has been running .If they are really hot or noisy replace them .Only then! The problem as has been said is probably the belts.If they have streched it is easy for one of them to rub on the casting.In my experience one belt will crack on the underside then stretch.All this gives vibration.I have been running General 350 's for years and it has happened several times but we are hard on our saws.If you need bearings be careful as general used bearings with an extended inner race(built in spacers )on early saws I believe the later saws have the simpler bearing .Both are very common from bearing houses.Don't buy anything but Japanese,U.S or Scandinavian from well known makers.There is a lot of Chinese, Rumanian, etc crap out there and good ones are cheap
Jump over to the Old Woodworking Machines website http://www.owwm.com. There's a forum there loaded with people who can help accurately help you diagnose and fix this. See you there!
Pete
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