First of all, this forum is quite a resource. You guys have been a big help. I've been lurking for a while mainly because I didn't have anything to contribute, but I came up with something last night that I think is pretty sweet.

It's sort of a cheapo DIY bearing mount for a lead or ball screw. All these parts are available from McMaster (I'm an ex-employee, nice resource but awful place to work) and make for a pretty cheap bearing. The sleeves are made from bronze and the balls are obviously steel.

I'm thinking of tapping the central sleeve and threading the acme rod into it and securing it with Loc-tite. I know that normal taps won’t fit an acme thread, but I think that the "non-fit" will just act to hold the screw in place.

I have it sized for a 3/8" screw. The total cost for everything minus the balls is $12.51. The balls are super expensive on McMaster ($10.70 for 10?!?!?), I picked them up at the hardware store for 13 cents each.

The only problem I can see is that the bronze might be a little soft and might deform around the balls, but I'm using this for the z-axis which will see very little force. Also the alloy is 932 bronze which McMaster says is very strong and hard.

Any feedback would be welcome. Thanks
:idea:

Why go to so much effort,
for a homemade bearing mount. You can make almost as easy,
from skaterbearings and using some delrin, some nylon or such.
This will be lots easier to built, and has (my vision) no disadvantages versus your idea.

Greatings!

I'm not sure we're on the same page here. There is no effort whatsoever involved in making these other than tapping the central bearing, which is beyond easy. After that it's just a matter of putting the pieces together.

Also I don't think I can bring myself to employing non-metallic parts. :)

Aight,
Now i understand. It was just an idea, worth uppering.
Mind my comment, as unsaid ;).
Succes!