Dan_ wrote
Been cutting steel on a couple of tablesaws for a long time
now. No bearing hassles. If the bearings were really old and the seals
were gone, it sure would be a problem.

I third your no problems.

I have an Old Milwaukee circular saw that I have been using since 1982, and
a good part of that was 5 days a week professional carpentry. It has also
cut way too many feet of steel to count, up to 3/8" thick.

It has never had the bearings touched, or even regreased.

I'm not sure how much of this is a testament for the saw's manufacturer, or
that cutting steel will not hurt bearings.
--
Jim in NC