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Don Hughes
Ian:
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In response to your post here about babbit bearings, I have worked in the past most extensively with babbit. Before I became a toolmaker, I was a journeyman and used to use a lot of machines that were equipped with babbit bearings and the such. I used to pour the bearings and machine the bearing as well after pouring. My comment is this. Having worked so much myself with babbit, you must have the lead at the right temp. to pour and make a "good" bearing. I believe we used to pour at around 350deg C to ensure a solid pour for the bearing and the consistency. The machines that we had the babbit bearings on were larger engine lathes, swinging approx. 60+ inches and located in the headstock where we weren't turning the spindle all that fast. Truthfully, after seeing the amount of rigidity that is required for CNC applications in the rigorous movement of the axis' at the given feed rates, I don't feel babbit is the best way to go. Each application is different for each of our uses, and if babbit will suit your application, and give you the tolerances required, then by all means if you see fit, use it. This was just my opinion and not criticism in any way. Regards, Don Hughes Poured lead or type-metal bearings are still used extensively on some |
