New Bearings?

[Doug Carpenter]

I have a PM 33-B Belt sander.

It is a strong sander with built in dust collection.

It is however a little rough. Is it possible that the bearings in the drums are worn?

A little insight would be great.

I guess I was expecting a little smoother operation.

[Neil Brooks]

Bearings are bearings, generally.

When they're in good shape (not full of grit; well packed with decent grease), the gizmo should turn pretty freely, and pretty smoothly.

If it doesn't ... well ... then the bearings surely could be the problem.

[Doug Carpenter]

I should mention that it tracks just fine. I don't know if that means anything or not.

[Kirk Poore]

It's quite possible. How old is the machine--1970's? 80's? Here's a 1989 manual: http://owwm.com/pubs/detail.aspx?id=3173 (http://owwm.com/pubs/detail.aspx?id=3173) It might have a parts diagram in it.

Assuming it's like my PM 30 belt/disk sander, you'll need an arbor press or shop press to get them out and get the drums off of the shafts. The bearings may have retaining rings holding them in place too. You'll likely need to take the bearing out to see what they actually are and order new ones.

If it's tracking good, then the drums and shafts are probably still good.

Edit: If it's newer than the 1980's it may be something else--you'd think bearings would last at least 20 years. But it is a sander so could have been abused, I guess, if it had a previous owner.

Kirk

[mark kosse]

Doug,

As a belt sander it's not a very quiet machine. Of course, that IMO. Mine groans like a tank, and the bearing in it are fine. My Delta at home is quieter.

Mark

[Josiah Bartlett]

You might want to try a different belt. A lot of it could be how smooth the joint is where the ends are joined together. Also check the drive belt for smoothness.

[Doug Carpenter]

It is gold and green. I thought it was from the eighties.
I did download the manual right after I bought it.

I should check the drive belts. I have wondered if it was just the abrasive belts as well it does feel like it is the bumb of the seam.

But it could use some smoothing out.

I should give it a good going over. I looked and the bearings are almost sixty bucks a peice. There was a delta for asle last weekend for $250.

I like the PM though.

[Bruce Wrenn]

I looked and the bearings are almost sixty bucks a peice.

I like the PM though.If you buy your bearings from PM, and pay their INFLATED PRICE, they too will like you. Bearings are a generic item, many brands are available. Just be sure and get double sealed bearings.

[Dave Lehnert]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#bearings/=9gqgz1

Another option for bearings.
Auto parts stores can also be a good source.