Bearings and Assemblies from eBay, Jacob Anderson, etc

[faultedgeologist]

Can anyone verify a source for the idler bearing spindle that bandsaw-tire-warehouse is selling on eBay? Also the one that Jacob Anderson is selling with his DVDs and parts through his YouTube videos and website? Are they selling the same product?

I've gone over-budget already in purchasing, not expecting two full rebuilds.

Upgraded coupling:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-DESIGN-SHO ... 52080fa3a1

Where do you order from and why? I would want only SS made preferrably, but what JA and others say about some stock items has me thinking...

TIA.

[jsburger]

Can anyone verify a source for the idler bearing spindle that bandsaw-tire-warehouse is selling on eBay? Also the one that Jacob Anderson is selling with his DVDs and parts through his YouTube videos and website? Are they selling the same product?

I've gone over-budget already in purchasing, not expecting two full rebuilds.

Upgraded coupling:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-DESIGN-SHO ... 52080fa3a1

Where do you order from and why? I would want only SS made preferrably, but what JA and others say about some stock items has me thinking...

TIA.

Is that what you are calling the item in the link? There is nothing wrong with the power coupler SS sells even though the 3rd party guys will try to convince you otherwise.

To quote the eBay add in your link...

"Stop throwing away money on those cheap breakable plastic old design couplings."

The SS couplers do not break and I think you will be hard pressed to find someone on this forum that ever had one break. I think JPG has his original from the 60's and I have my original from 1994 and another from eBay of unknown vintage.

The SS coupler only costs $21.49. There is no reason to pay $60 for the same thing.

[beeg]

My 38 yr old power coupler still does the job.

[reible]

Mine is 42 years old and still working. I did get a spare just in case but have never needed it.

The only advantage to some of the printed ones is that you can make them different lengths which could be useful for various reasons. I still haven't got one so I guess maybe they are not all that useful?????

Ed

[bob84]

The only thing I have noticed is the splines inside the cup portion, if it is not solidly in place, will strip out. So, how might that possibly happen? I showed a friend how to use the SS bandsaw, but they were not paying attention when I showed them that the headstock must be firmly pushed into the bandsaw accessory. When they used the bandsaw, (I was not around) the splines got partially stripped out about halfway into the cup portion. The power coupling was still usable though testifying to the design and engineering of the product. Also, there is an Instructables how to do a repair on one with epoxy glue and grease if the splines inside have been stripped out.

[ChrisNeilan]

When I rebuilt my headstock 4 plus years ago I got my bearings from the Bandsaw vendor listed above. I even got the button bearing from them and machined the sheave to accept it. So far, so good.

[jsburger]

The only thing I have noticed is the splines inside the cup portion, if it is not solidly in place, will strip out. So, how might that possibly happen? I showed a friend how to use the SS bandsaw, but they were not paying attention when I showed them that the headstock must be firmly pushed into the bandsaw accessory. When they used the bandsaw, (I was not around) the splines got partially stripped out about halfway into the cup portion. The power coupling was still usable though testifying to the design and engineering of the product. Also, there is an Instructables how to do a repair on one with epoxy glue and grease if the splines inside have been stripped out.

Incorrect usage usually results in premature failure of any piece of equipment. That is not a fault of the SS coupler.

[chapmanruss]

I restore Shopsmith's as a hobby. When I resell them I usually add a "Shopsmith Tip" to the ad. The following is one of them

Shopsmith Tip – Power Couplers

There are several “New Design” Power Couplers available on line for connecting Special Purpose Tools (SPT’s) like the Bandsaw, Jointer, Belt Sander, etc. to the Shopsmith. Some say they are stronger than the original Shopsmith Coupler, but consider this, the Power Coupler is like a shear pin in the system connecting the tool to the power source. If a jam occurs during use the Shopsmith Coupler may break but your headstock could avoid being damaged. This is not a design flaw but an intentional safety feature. Shopsmith couplers also include a spring in the headstock end that that does not allow leaving the coupler attached after the Special Purpose Tool is removed. This is to prevent possible injury from a coupler flying off when the machine is turned on. If you are replacing a broken coupler ask yourself, why did my coupler break. I hope you enjoyed this Shopsmith Tip. These tips are the Authors opinions and are not endorsed by RLF Brands, LLC.

Although I have several I have not broken a coupler. I use them on my Mark V 520 now 7, two Power Stations and 10ER. The oldest one I have is from the mid 1950's which I am not afraid to use.

[everettdavis]

The only ones I have ever bought were for machines I acquired that didn't have one when I bought a Mark V one place and an SPT for it somewhere else.

I haven't broken one in decades of use, like most others here posting about them.

Everett

[ChrisNeilan]

I have broken only one coupler. It rolled on to the floor and got cracked when I stepped on it! Not the coupler’s fault, I then went on a diet.