Cheap Linear bearings…I bought a set of 10 off ebay, and 2 or 3 of them are really nice…the others? Not so much. Do they free up with use, or am I looking at printing PLA replacements as one of the first jobs?
PLA “replacements” are a really bad idea. I should know, they were my first foray into 3D printing. I didn’t know of the cheap options available to me, and attempted them. Ignore the idea altogether. Start maybe looking more towards IGUS 8mm bushings or self-centering brass bushings.
I may be able to turn brass bushings, with a little research… See elsewhere, but I decided to simplify things with my first printer. I wanted a bigger envelope, but the additional parts list and fiddly complications (plus going it alone with no local support)…I think I’ll stick to Richrap’s stellar design.
I’m a fan of PLA bushings, but I live in mild temps. If you live somewhere that gets warm, no PLA bushings for you! But if you keep PLA bushings oiled, they’re fine, free and silent.
My opinion is likely on the minority here, but I’ve been a PLA bushing fan for years.
I’ve heard of some people solvent cleaning the grease out of bearings then adding thinner liquid lubricant. I’d definitely blame it on cheap Chinese manufacturing. You never know what you’re gonna get, but the price can’t be beat. IMHO, getting a dozen bearings for ten bucks is worth the fallout as long as you figure out the bad ones before installing. What supplier is it from?
Yeah I’ve had a pack of bearings like this, if it’s eBay they’ll send you another pack for free if you open a case. Don’t mark it resolved until you get the replacement in your hands though!
Well, I’ve sent a complaint, we’ll see what happens. A 12"x1/2"d billet of bearing alloy Bronze is under $15, I may eventually take that route. I just know with the gravelly movement in the bearings I have now, it wouldn’t be happy with the results.