Delta Unisaw 36-L31X arbor bearing repair?
12/5/18
This saw is 12 years old and now needs new bearings. Can anyone point me in the direction to find bearing size and where to purchace as well as instructions for how to do the replacement? The parts manual does not list any of this info.
thanks
12/5/18 #2: Delta Unisaw 36-L31X arbor bearing ...
Bearing size is on the bearing. Surely someone on Youtube has made a video. Doubt if Delta ever made a change to that procedure in 50 years.
12/5/18 #3: Delta Unisaw 36-L31X arbor bearing ...
Just ordered the bearings and xtra retainer ring and closure nut just in case.
The videos on youtube that i could find are of really old unisaws.
I am dreading doing this as i have a huge outfeed table bolted to the saw on 3 sides and i know the whole thing is going to have to come apart..rails, top.
Was just hoping someone would chime in had done this on a newer saw like mine.
12/5/18 #4: Delta Unisaw 36-L31X arbor bearing ...
We just did bearings on a Unisaw from the 70's. It is really not that big a deal. Talking your tables off and putting them back on will take more time then replacing the bearings.
While you are at it I would replace the belts.
Good luck.
12/5/18 #5: Delta Unisaw 36-L31X arbor bearing ...
There is bolt in each corner of the top. If you can reach them from the side or through the blade opening you could lift the top and leave the tables attached. Prop the top up and pull the saw out from underneath.
This is all based on what I remember about the unisaw so take it with a grain of salt.
Gerry
12/5/18 #6: Delta Unisaw 36-L31X arbor bearing ...
As long as it’s not the new Unisaw with the both the blade raise and tilt wheels on the front, than it’s the same to change the bearings in a 1939 saw as a 2000’s saw. The only difference might be the earlier saw had extended inner races on the bearings, yours will not. I agree it’s a simple replacement for a semi handy person.
12/5/18 #7: Delta Unisaw 36-L31X arbor bearing ...
Thanks guys..much appreciated. Im going to get a bearing puller from harbor freight.
Gerry talked about pulling the saw out from underneath..Looks like i would just have to unbolt the front rail and then i could slide the saw out? That sure would be nice if i could do it that way. My out feed table is pretty elaborate with built in cabinets and clamp racks and all the legs are bolted to the floor too.
12/10/18 #8: Delta Unisaw 36-L31X arbor bearing ...
Support and un bolt your extension tables from the saw.
Slide the saw out and flip it over onto the floor. Either secure the motor or take it out first
Un bolt the table and stand the saw back up
Remove the arbor, change the bearings and belts
Put the table back on and align it to the blade
Try it out before you put it back in the extension tables (don't ask me how I know this part)
The very best info and knowledge on this is over at OWWM.org
12/11/18 #9: Delta Unisaw 36-L31X arbor bearing ...
Actually it is possible to do the replacement without removing the top. There used to be an instruction on it somewhere on the net, though it was well over a decade ago I read it so can't help you finding it. Anyway I did two Unisaws over the years without removing the tops as I also had large outfield tables as well as being connected to another tablesaw. So couldn't afford to have two saws down. You do have to have good access to remove the motor and get in through the side though!
good luck,
JeffD
12/20/18 #10: Delta Unisaw 36-L31X arbor bearing ...
Guys i am EXTREMELY SUPER EXCITED to report that i did the repair successfully without removing the saw or the top or the motor. It was a pain but i would do the same way again. I did have one major problem where I thought i was going to have to get a new saw as these Unisaw arbors are not sold anymore and i was super stressed for a little bit. the threads on the arbor bolt are the same diameter as the shaft and they got sort of buggered up/ mushroomed and i found that out when the nut would not thread on. So i had to remove the arbor and used a medium scotch brite disc on an angle grinder and a file to clean up the threads and it worked! HUGE RELIEF. lol Runs smoother than a babies butt now. I did find the instructions on the net where the guy did it without removing the top and it was helpful but there are some things missing. The puller i bought would not fit so i rigged up a jig with angle iron to remove the bearing nearest the flange. Also had to use an 8" C clamp to press the arbor through the second bearing. Thanks for all the help guys!!!