Hi, All...
Just to add my experience...
Some years ago, I converted my mini-lathe to tapered roller bearings.? A good friend recommended that I freeze the spindle and heat the bearing, so I wrapped the spindle to minimize moisture and put it in the freezer overnight.? The next morning, I put the bearing in the oven at 300¡ã or 350¡ã... I don't remember which.? After a couple of hours, I removed both and rushed downstairs to the shop and quickly placed the bearing over the spindle.? To my surprise, it slid right on and seated fully.? One minute later, I couldn't budge it.? I calculated that, between the freezing and the heating, I had increased the clearance by about 0.0016 inches, about 2/3 of which came from the heating.
I have been using the lathe since (maybe 6 years) with no negative effects from heating the bearing.
Thanks,
Charlie
