Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Ball screw / ball bearing lubrication?

In a message dated 29-Jan-02 07:54:52 Central Standard Time, jswayze@...
writes:

> Are ballscrews/ballnuts supposed to be lubricated in some way?
>
> What about ball bearings (angular contact bearings in particular)?

Yes! And word is, NOT with "30-weight motor oil", but some specific
"machine-tool oil" such as Shell-Tellus. AND, ballscrews should have
wiper-brushes on either end of the nuts to keep dust out, as packed-dust can
STOP things, and even do damage.

Angular contact ball-bearings are generally "DCC" (shielded AND sealed),
permanently-lubricated. I once asked, "What does "permanent" mean in this
case?" and was told, "For the life of the bearing." "And how long is that?"
"Until it ceases to function!". Right. (I'm not kidding! It happened!)

However, if you resented the fact that you had to pay nearly $100 for a
single 1.5" I.D. ACBB as did I, you might consider making a hole through the
center of the outer ring, being professionally-careful not to fill up the
bearing with HSS shavings, and then mount the bearing in whateever housing or
pillowblock, etc., so that there is a grease-fitting immediately over this
hole through the bearing's O.D. Then, "gun in" some lithium (white) grease
every 50 hours or so of use. Better: Ask a professional at a
bearing-manufactory!

Lossa luck! Jan Rowland


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]