How to Make a Bearing Box

Whenever you have two cylinders in a machine that move against each other, such as in a drive shaft, ceiling fan or even a dentist's drill, you need a means to manage and minimize friction. The ball bearing is a proven mechanism that preserves engine and drive train parts and maximizes efficiency. But, they occasionally break down and the ball bearing box or cage as well as the balls themselves may have to be replaced or rebuilt.

Instructions

1

Determine the type of bearing box your system requires. Possible options include deep-groove or shallow-groove, self-aligning or Conrad style. Consult the owner's manual for the machine you are repairing for more information.

2

Cut two slices of steel tubing from two different-size steel tubes. Cut each part, or "race," slightly larger than the planned width of the ball bearing box. The smaller tube should fit inside the larger tube with some extra space, depending on the tolerance for the machine you are building.

3

Cut the ball bearing recess into each race on the inside of the larger race and around the outside of the smaller one. The ball bearings will float between the two races inside the holes. Pay close attention to the machine drawings and specifications since the recesses must be precisely cut to the size of the ball bearings.The depth of each recess must be consistent all around the race,

4

Heat-treat the races by inserting them into a furnace at 1,150 degrees Fahrenheit. This process can take hours. Dip them in oil, and then place them in a second furnace at 300 degrees Fahrenheit

5

Grind the races using metal grinding wheel machine tools. Polish the insides of the races using a fine slurry, which is a mixture of oil or water and fine nonsoluble particulates, such as silicone, that acts as an abrasive.

6

Fashion the cage. This is a metal framework that holds the ball bearings themselves apart and ensures they are spaced evenly, which evenly distributes the load around the shaft. You can buy them prestamped in plastic or you can cut them from sheet metal and bend them into a circle.

7

Assemble the bearing box. Place the small race inside the larger one and insert the bearings, one by one. When you have them evenly spaced, place the cage in place, either by riveting a metal cage together or by snapping in a plastic cage.

8

Lubricate and rustproof the assembly.