Idler bearings?

[thosj]

Could someone post the bearings, the 1/4 ID ones, used to make idlers? Someone, somewhere, posted what type of bearing they used and I can't find it on Yahoo. Seems I remember them coming from VXB and maybe eBay. 9/32" wide if I remember.

Thanks,

Tom

[mhackney]

They are standard skate bearings that you can get at a sporting goods shop locally. x x 22 x 7. Here's a link to the options at Boca Bearing. The cheap ones, 8 for $7.99 are more than enough for this application. I use Boca a lot for bearings, their shipping is always reasonable.

cheers,
Michael

[Chris Muncy]

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:18869

You need this to insert in to the bearings in order for them to work. Really easy to print but print 4 at a time so that they have time to cool in between layers.

[thosj]

The bearing I was remembering was R4AZZ, 1/4 x 3/4 x 9/32. I got some. No need for spacer 8mm to 1/4, same 3/4 OD as original plastic idler. Seems a better fit, I'll find out!

Thanks

Tom

[Chris Muncy]

OK I was referencing that if you were to use the skate board bearings.

[michaellatif]

R4A 2RS 1/4" X 3/4" X 9/32"

E-bay 10@$13.75 shipped, not bad.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/160757033936?ss ... 1439.l2649

I have them installed on my X and Y axis, I found that I need 10x32 (I think that's the size) washers on the outside so that I give the center race some thickness so that it doesn't bind or rub against the plastic washers.

I will post pics later tonight for assembly and installed.

I definitely notice a substantial difference in print quality between the plastic idlers and these bearings.

[thosj]

Hey Michael,

I would think a #10 washer would have to be drilled to fit the 1/4 screw/threaded rod where the idlers go. I think I have some small diameter 1/4" washers I can use, or I can make whatever I need on my lathe.

Did you just use one bearing per idler, or 2? Did you use the plastic flanges, or something else?

Thanks

[Chris Muncy]

You only use 1 bearing per idler. I used leftover washers with the kit for spacers on my bearings.

[Polygonhell]

I replaced a number of my plastic idlers with skate bearings last night, the mod definitely worth while.
I haven't replaced the one idler on the threaded rod, though I will likely get to it.
For those printing the little inserts, the holes tend to come out undersized easiest way to resize them is to heat a #8 (or 5mm) drill bit and run it through the print.