4X6 bandsaw gearbox

[Ryel]

I don’t remember where I heard it but someone said to change the oil in the 4X6 bandsaw gearbox. They were SO right. I have had mine since June but that stuff was like gelatin and already had brass shining in the goo. Cleaned it out and scrubbed it down then refilled with 90wt and it’s humming nicely.

Ryel,
That was posted on this site(with pictures). I am glad that you cought it defore any damage was done.

for anyone interested here's the post with pictures
http://www.weldingweb.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56

[Franz]

These machines are so damn tightly engineered to sell for cheap money to a mass market the manufacturer can't afford to run the gearbox in properly, flush it, and refill it.
Instead, they leave that part of the manufacturing process to the buyer.I'd almost be willing to bet a whole US Dollar that the gearbox would yield a bunch of chips if it was opened up before the machine was ever run.
Back in the 50s, the final drive gears for LeTurno earthmovers were flamecut from 3" sheet steel with a pantographic torch. They were then run in as they cooled in a sandbox where a couple guys shoveled sand onto the running surface. That technique was a hell of a lot cheaper than machining the gears.

[Ryel]

that is such a visual! wish I could have seen it

[Only2cylinders]

Anyone know where to get replacement gears? Some of us saw this post too late.

[Bluewelders]

Harbor freight sells parts, and I think you can get parts from Northern.
Try where you got it.