Roller (drawn-cup) Bearing>Source

[Jack]

I am trying to find a replacement bearing for a 25+ year old Northlander bandsaw mill.
Specifically, the roller bearing in each 3.5 inch cast iron caster which rolls down the rails.
Dozens of hours searching the web [with search engines using A.I. these days] I find finding what I am looking for more and more difficult!

What I am looking to replace:
Roller bearing 20mm outside diameter,
21mm length,
12mm bore (center hole)
These casters have Zerk-Axles, and it is a borrowed mil (2 1/2 years so far) so I hate to change anything too much, but I would like to keep the parts consistent.

My only other option is to replace all four casters with 4" when the weather warms up, but that will require stripping everything from the saw carriage to cut/replace/re-weld mounts.

It's been a while since I have been here, so I apologize if this is not the correct place to post this.

Thanks in advance, Jack

[Ironman]

Why not have brass or bronze bearings machined in a shop or someones lathe?
This is not a high speed application, and in my opinion the bushing will hold up better to the weight and dirt in use than an needle roller bearing will. Needle rollers are used where high speed and small space is needed, such as the cups of a U joint.

If this was my machine I would make these bushings out of Acetal

[Jack]

When I couldn't locate the replacement bearing, I thought similarly. I cut a piece of 1/2" copper pipe to length, drilled holes for grease transfer, and drove it into the old bearing case. (one end was fairly blown out anyway) and peened it in. Certainly not a precision job, and it is apparent when rolling the carriage. Currently the mill (when sawing/new blade) feels like the brakes are on.

I live off grid (as far as power), extremely limited income, I owe nobody a dime! With small-ish generators I can repair many things, weld a little, and fabricate some on the fly, to make things stay working.

Machine shop costs here in Maine start around $150 an hour, plus set up fees, if you find someone not too busy for your little project.

So, I am hoping to find a source for a specific bearing, if anyone knows of one.

[Shade Tree Welder]

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/be.../length~20-mm/

[LKeithR]

One of the larger manufacturers of needle bearings is INA. Have you looked on their site? I know there are other makers as well.

Also, have you tried contacting a local bearing supplier? They would know where to search...

[mccutter]

Originally Posted by LKeithR

One of the larger manufacturers of needle bearings is INA.

This is one of the INA timing belt rollers for my VW. About 1" in dia, probably more like 24mm. It was about $12, I think.

[willyfixit]

Here is a bearing that could be doubled up if that would work for you. 12mm bore, 20mm OD, 11mm length. Bearing is about $15. I have done this in the past in certain situations.

[Jack]

Originally Posted by LKeithR

One of the larger manufacturers of needle bearings is INA. Have you looked on their site? I know there are other makers as well.

Also, have you tried contacting a local bearing supplier? They would know where to search...

If I had an engineering degree, I could maybe decipher all the codes and terminology!
I have been there... for a couple hours.
Thanks though!

[Jack]

Originally Posted by willyfixit

Here is a bearing that could be doubled up if that would work for you. 12mm bore, 20mm OD, 11mm length. Bearing is about $15. I have done this in the past in certain situations.

I have actually thought of this idea, and went looking in that direction.
Thank you, but still no luck.

[Jack]

Originally Posted by LKeithR

One of the larger manufacturers of needle bearings is INA. Have you looked on their site? I know there are other makers as well.

Also, have you tried contacting a local bearing supplier? They would know where to search...

I heard there is a bearing supplier around Augusta Maine. If I can locate them I will be visiting very soon.
The INA site is wrought with codes and terminology I don't comprehend. I am not an engineer, just a backyard homesteader-fix it guy, just getting by.