Bearings for Wood Bandsaw - "zz" vs "2rs"

[aesmith]

Hi,
One of the lower wheel bearings rumbles a bit, so I was going to replace them as part of my campaign to try and get the brute running with as little vibration as possible. They're 6203 bearings. The existing are "-zz" with metal shields both sides. The environment gets lots of fine rust, hopefully no large objects or water. My reading suggests "rs" are better at keeping dust out so I wonder if they'd make sense.

A good thoughts? I'm not convinced the manufacturer knows best, I've replaced loads of bits because the originals weren't very good.

 

[Mark 5]

A good thoughts? I'm not convinced the manufacturer knows best, I've replaced loads of bits because the originals weren't very good.

Japanese NSK and German FAG brands are the ones I read most recommended for replacements.

 

[timgunn1962]

I'd go with the Rubber ones myself. Definitely go for premium bearings. I usually use SKF bearings at work unless they are unavailable, when my supplier (who I trust) will offer something else decent instead: NSK, FAG, RHP or a few others. Note that you'll not be able to regrease the shielded bearings, so the grease that's in them wants to be good. The decent manufacturers use decent grease.

 

[frank horton]

was gonna say, def 2RS......
then pop the inside seal to check for grease.....it must not be over greased.....thats assuming there is a double bearing on the shaft.....
a lot of time the bearing can be a little lacking in the lub department.......

sometimes when I build a machine I often use this kind of bearinf, this is from a Fiesta but there are many sizes.....
I have in the past remachined shafts n hubs that were worn with this kinda bearing.....High speed and v high load....
The inner race is split and needs a nut to tighten the race.....

Pardon our interruption...

 

[aesmith]

was gonna say, def 2RS......
then pop the inside seal to check for grease.....it must not be over greased.....thats assuming there is a double bearing on the shaft.....

I did consider that. There are two bearing per wheel. In theory the inner faces wouldn't need to be sealed, unless the seal is needed to keep the grease in place.

I usually stick with SKF, apart from some motorcycle specific bearings where people recommended Koyo parts. However I don't think I've ever worn out a bearing I've replaced so I don't have direct experience on how long these things last.

 

[Turbo]

2rs every time on a bandsaw. They keep the dust out better.
Plus you can slip the seals off and clean and regrease them when they get notchy.