Power Feed Roller Life
Softer rollers grip better, but don't last as long. Here are tips on stretching the lifetime of a feed roller. May 28, 2006
Question
I have a Grizzly 1hp feeder and the rollers are starting to wear. Can someone tell me if there is a better roller to put on the feeder? The rubber rollers that came with the feeder seem to slip a lot.
Forum Responses
(Solid Wood Machining Forum)
From contributor J:
You are right! The rollers (the actual term is "tire") that come with the Grizzly feeder are not good at all. The best on the market is Wester Roller with the 50 Duro tire. It is blue and will not slip. You will have to buy their wheel, but it will bolt right on the power feeder.
From contributor C:
The tires simply are pressed on the hubs by using an arbor press or an optional tire mounting tool. Pricing for the tires remains the same for different durometers. The softer the durometer, the better the grip, but shorter tire life.
From contributor G:
This may sound dumb, but it will work. Take the tires off the feeder and sand them down, just enough to see the color change a bit. An edgesander works best. This sands the hardened, oxidized surface off and exposes new, softer tire rubber.
From contributor A:
Is it true that the color of the wheels (tires) eflects the grip or aggression?
From contributor C:
The durometer rating is what truly affects the hardness, and in turn, the gripping capabilities. The lower the durometer, the more traction the tire will have (and also less life). Manufacturers use color codes to denote different durometers. These may be the same, or differ by manufacturer.
From contributor M:
We have also "siped" these type of wheels on the bandsaw for a little extra grip. Put a series of small cuts across the face every 1/8" or so about 1/8" deep. At the end of the day, going with the Western rollers is best.
