Thread: Conundrum Curiosity Complex.

As I formulated the bicycle sawmill contraption, I foresaw the possibility that scavenging every part for it might not be completely feasible. Either due to usable lifespan of the part, or the fact that some things just do not survive replacement.

Like bearings (rolling-element bearings). I can't scoop up some spent bearings from work, for a couple of reasons. First: being a mostly metal component, they get sent out with the other junked metals for recycling. Second: when maintenance has to replace a bearing, they are not gentle. Like the time I watched them use a cutting torch to free the shaft for a conveyor belt, from the bearing. Yes, like slicing a pie, they cut up the bearing with fire because either the bolts were giving them too much trouble, or the bearing was just too tight around the shaft. The repair, btw, was to replace worn cogs that move the conveyor belt; the bearing was just collateral damage.


So, where would I look for cheap bearings?? Not that they are cheap, but the Grainger we had locally closed about a year or two ago. Can't think of any other places locally that would have/specialize in this sort of thing . Since this won't be a "high intensity industrial" application, I'd probably be alright with a cheap Chinese made bearing. As long as it rolls smooth! Oh, and pillow blocks?

Hmmm... *falls down another rabbit hole*

So, I guess, commonly pillow blocks already come with bearings. The bearing is a given by that point, so I wouldn't need to order the two separately. Kinda like ordering a couch: it automatically comes with cushions. So, I think pillow blocks would better suit my needs than just bearings lol.

Next item: tachometer/rpm meter. Completely optional, but it would thoroughly tickle my statistical curiosity! I've found what may be my best option for this.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0153...=IY188XXFWETCW

So far, any bicycle "multifunction computers" I've seen start at about $20. And they don't mention having an rpm readout. Six ways to slice, dice, and display speed? Yes! But no RPMs lol.

I'm open to suggestions! There may be suppliers of industrial machinery that would have a similar product for less money? I have never needed a list of suppliers for things like that, so I don't know. I also looked on aliexpress, and found some tach's for about half the cost, with free shipping. But... I haven't heard a lot of good things about that site .

Maybe I should look at The Bay, while I'm looking at Amazon. Couldn't hurt, I guess...

Wanna look at bearing?
McMaster-Carr

McMaster is fast and has an asinine amount of stuff, however they can be on the pricier side of things.

Mounted Bearings & Pillow Blocks - MSCDirect.com
MSC is similar, might have better pricing.

https://www.thebigbearingstore.com/p...lock-bearings/
Never heard of these people, but could be good.

A lot of the bearings that you are looking for are going to be made in china. The tolerances and materials required are not that demanding.

As far as the RPM thing goes, I would assume a standard speedometer for a bicycle would work? I don't think they run very high when having limited bells and whistles. Might have to convert MPH to RPM's though.... However, you'll have to run calcs to get the true RPMs of the blade versus the powering bicycle wheel. At the end it would just be a number to multiply the RPM value of the powering wheel.

I might also recommend McMaster Carr:
McMaster-Carr
cheaper....McMaster-Carr
Since you are going to be low speed the pricing would be a lot better.
I might use cast pillow blocks for the arbor itself and the actual pedal mount but a unit from a bike with long pedal arms welded to a plate would suffice for your usage.
~Richard