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Unread 15-01-2004, 22:04
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Re: Where to get 1/2" Flanged bearings?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Van
I'm not an engineer, nor do I play one on TV, but I hope Andy or someone else backs me up on this...

Use a bushing. We used bushings for our arm last year - worked great. In fact, we used NO BEARING/BUSHING on our arm from 2001. (Just a hardened smooth bolt.) It's lasted two complete regionals and continuous demonstrations/presentations/etc. for the past FOUR years and is still going strong.

-Mr. Van
Coach, 599
'Got your back, Van.

I agree that with a hardened, smooth bolt you can use a bushing. The key to using a bushing depends on the surface finish of the shaft that is turning inside of it. If it is a polished surface, then a bushing works great. If the surface has some roughness on it (like, from some quick lathe work), then you would be safe by going with a bearing.

Also, it really depends on the application. In these gearboxes, the shafts are seeing thousands of rpms. Since arm joints move much slower (like 10 rpm) then using a bushing is definitely the way to go.

Andy B.