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Old 06-16-2011, 05:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Neptune View Post
Here's a question~~How many can pour babbit and scrape a bearing?

Having an avid interest in antique machinery, and owning a 1700-pound, 36" bandsaw dating from about 1910, and a few other pieces of old machines, I am familiar with what babbitt bearings are and how one pours them and scrapes them. I have read all about it and have seen it done close up, but never have actually done it myself.

Yet.

That bandsaw I mentioned is awaiting a full restoration. I have not yet closely inspected the babbitt bearings. When I disassembled the machine to transport it home, I gave them a quick a look, and they looked pretty good overall, so I might not have to melt them out and re-pour. But the bottom one might need a little attention. If so, I have a buddy who has built himself a very cool lineshaft-driven blacksmith shop, with his newest machine dating from probably some time in the early 1930s. They're all babbitt bearings, and he knows how to pour them, so I would enlist his assistance if it turns out to be necessary.
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