I needed a ball bearing to replace a frozen guide bearing on my Rikon bandsaw. I tried searching online, and found cheap sources there, provided I could wait, or pay the premium for fast shipping. I called Woodcraft, where I had bought the bandsaw, and they suggested I get the part at an auto parts store. NAPA wanted about $16 for the bearing, much more than what I'd seen online. I called Barbo, and they normally stock the bearing, but were out. They suggested
McGuire Bearing, a company I didn't know about.
McGuire is terrific! Founded here in Portland, now in multiple states and still family owned, they are basically a wholesaler that is happy to sell retail, and their price was excellent. The bearing I needed, a 608ZZ, is apparently a pretty common part used in many applications. They were perfectly happy to handle the transaction with me, for all of $2.05, about an eighth of the $16 that NAPA wanted! I love discovering places like them.