pillow block bearings

[GeeksGoneBad]

Hey everybody! I had a quick question... I'm trying to use two brand new pillow block bearings (these to be exact - http://www.thebigbearingstore.com/se...Bearing/Detail)

well I got them in today and also some 5/8" stainless steel shaft... the shaft fits perfectly in the bearings but the pillow blocks aren't flat I think they should be flat - shouldn't they?

if these don't lie flat then how the heck are you supposed to use them? LOL

I'm attaching a picture for reference - but I think I got some bum pillow block bearings (which by the way are both skewed)

[revwarguy]

I think you're right - they're bum ones. I would send them back with your photo and tell them you either want some that are true, or your money back. Of course, you might get someone with a machine mill or surfacer to make them flat, but you really shouldn't have to.

[Jesse B]

Those definitely look defective. I'd contact the seller and see what you can do.

[BigMike4u]

Those appear to be self aligning pillow blocks. If they are, the shaft hole will align itself when you bolt it down.
Post a picture of the side of one of the blocks please.

[FandZ]

I have the 1/2" of those bearings and the bottom of mine are flat. It was a pain to get the swivel inner bearing to unlock so I could get them parallel with each other. I didn't use a grease gun so I probably made the job a lot harder than it needed to be.

[GeeksGoneBad]

Ah - it would be nice if they are self aligning here's two more pics - and thanks for the help

[Torsten]

Same as those
http://www.mcmaster.com/#mounted-bearings/=5qzr3f

Read the part about "Extreme Misalignment" in the specs.
That should clear things up, I hope.

[FandZ]

Originally Posted by GeeksGoneBad Ah - it would be nice if they are self aligning here's two more pics - and thanks for the help

Make sure you loosen the inner bearings up before you try to bolt it all together. I soaked mine in oil, then clamped mine down and used a 1ft socket extension to pry it free. You should be able to get them loose enough that you can adjust the alignment by hand. Once you get them loose you can actually flip the bearing upwards and it'll slide completely out of its housing.

[FandZ]

Geeks, you're not planning to use those bearing as end supports for your rods? I'm just trying to figure out why you have a smooth shaft inserted in the picture.

[BigMike4u]

Yes, they will align. As stated, some oil and a little work and they will move.

[GeeksGoneBad]

Cool - thanks for all the advise guys - I will work them out tomorrow

FandZ - my idea for these are going to be the bearings for my new 4th / rotary axis - the one I made before was with MDF and a little on the loose side



Edit: Actually I couldn't wait - just got back from the garage working out the bearings - all's good, sorry for being a n00b hehe

Thanks again guys!

[FandZ]

Originally Posted by GeeksGoneBad Cool - thanks for all the advise guys - I will work them out tomorrow FandZ - my idea for these are going to be the bearings for my new 4th / rotary axis - the one I made before was with MDF and a little on the loose side

Ahh... Should be real smooth. Looking forward to it.