Bearings

[turbomaster]

Just wondering what manufacturer of bearings ya'll prefer? Talking mainly fan shaft bearings here. Pillow block style, 2 and 4 bolt etc. What are your experiences with them , pros / cons.
Thanks in advance...

Mike

[heavymetaldad]

Just wondering what manufacturer of bearings ya'll prefer? Talking mainly fan shaft bearings here. Pillow block style, 2 and 4 bolt etc. What are your experiences with them , pros / cons.
Thanks in advance...

Mike

Anything made in the USA, if there's anyone left..........

[Octopus]

I try to stick with the manufacturer especially on the bigger stuff. Like heavy said made in the USA. Those Mexican, Chinese, north Korean bearings just don't have tolerances that are worth a crap. They say +/- .05 and they are
.30 over The metal is substandard they suck as far as I'm concerned.

[tunaguy]

I like Fafnir (Timkin) and Browning but I'm more interested in the locking mechanism and the duty of the bearing. I prefer eccentric locking over set screw type. I've had issues with set screws coming loose on a poor fitting shaft. Shaft/Bearing clearances are typically .001 or less, especially on the smaller shafts.
When there's a chance of high vibration or a poor fitting then I always use the eccentric locks with good luck. Otherwise, I will drill the shaft for the set screw.

Another possibility of increasing my bearing longevity is to see is I can upgrade the bearing from light-medium-heavy duty style. The upgraded duty will require a slightly higher center of shaft height plus the bolt hole centers will be larger. If I can upgrade the bearings easily "or" the application is suspect, then I will definitely upgrade to a tougher duty.

[heavymetaldad]

I try to stick with the manufacturer especially on the bigger stuff. Like heavy said made in the USA. Those Mexican, Chinese, north Korean bearings just don't have tolerances that are worth a crap.

Recently had a set of pillowblocks made in Turkey........

[hmscool]

usually i use what manufacturer sends(browning or fafnir) but the supply house i use has browing if i just go with them. havent done one in a few mths so hopefully this wont jinx it for me!!:pop:

[heavymetaldad]

I like Fafnir (Timkin) and Browning but I'm more interested in the locking mechanism and the duty of the bearing. I prefer eccentric locking over set screw type. I've had issues with set screws coming loose on a poor fitting shaft. Shaft/Bearing clearances are typically .001 or less, especially on the smaller shafts.
When there's a chance of high vibration or a poor fitting then I always use the eccentric locks with good luck. Otherwise, I will drill the shaft for the set screw.

Another possibility of increasing my bearing longevity is to see is I can upgrade the bearing from light-medium-heavy duty style. The upgraded duty will require a slightly higher center of shaft height plus the bolt hole centers will be larger. If I can upgrade the bearings easily "or" the application is suspect, then I will definitely upgrade to a tougher duty.

Good points, Tuna.
Eccentric seems better to me, set screws get a dab of loctite, a land will be made for a set screw, and heavy duty is always the better option, if the application will allow the use of.

[turbomaster]

What about FYH (Japan) ?
I have used them in a few applications, mostly Liebert but I wonder about using them in some of the more heavy duty stuff. Sealmaster is my favorite here lately they seem to be the best of the best. I really like the 360* shaft clamping system instead of the eccentric or set screw locking styles.
Next I'd like some opinions on belts, guess I'll start another thread on that.

[duke of earl]

Browning and Optibelts are great belts.

[bobby m]

SKF Has a new line called concentra check it out.

http://www.skf.com/portal/skf/home/aptitudexchange?contentId=0.237932.237933.237935.2 37964.238228

[gasnowman]

Been working on a few Dodge bearings lately. One had a 3 7/16 th bore. They were industrial strength type bearings. They have 2 and 4 bolt flange base patterns. Good luck....

[double bubble]

I helped out servicing rtus at a dodge rockwell pillow block bearing mnfg plant in Marion ,NC. The plant in my opinon turns out great quality . I believe Baldor motors is either parent company or part of the same mega corp .

[yellowirenut]

i keep a ball bearing in my pocket..so as to say i have not lost my bearings yet. I also have a marble