50's Craftsman Table Saw Arbor

[chestmaker matt]

Hey Gang,

Just looking for some info here. I am thinking about finally rebuilding my vintage Craftsman cabinet saw (model 103.22450). Concerning the arbor shaft: I was able to get one of the bearings off but the other is proving difficult (the one by my thumb). I think it is pressed on to the side be where the blade goes. Was this bearing not meant to be replaced? I have tried a small 1 ton arbor press to get it off but it wouldn't budge. At this point I am considering just pulling the shield off, cleaning out, then repacking that old bearing still one the shaft. But I would rather put the pair of new ones on I already bought. Any direction would be helpful. Thanks!

-Matt

 

[Innovate1]

vintagemachinery.org has a copy of the saw manual. It states that the flange is pressed on and faced during manufacture to insure it runs true. That captures the bearing. This press fit likely takes more than 1 ton to get it off. You may not need or want to get it off. I would spin the bearing by hand. If it turns smoothly I would just put it back together and run it. If you already tried pressing it off by using the outer race (doesn't look like much of the inner race is outside the shaft step to use) you may have damaged the bearing. Still if it turns smoothly I would just run it until there is a problem.