I knocked out a thrust washer from some scrap HDPE bar I had to hand several months ago when saw the post and it certainly works for me - big improvement on stock without the hassle of making a ball bearing set up.
Gerry
Leeds UK
________________________________
> To: GrizHFMinimill@yahoogroups.com
> From: winklmj@hotmail.com
> Date: Mon, 5 Sep 2011 00:40:58 +0000
> Subject: [GrizHFMinimill] Re: Y Axis Thrust Washers and Locknut
>
>
>
> I know this is an old post but Holy Cow...the thrust washers made a
> huge difference in my y-axis! I had a small bit of unknown plastic rod
> (I suspect it to be HDPE) so I made up a few washers. Thanks for
> sharing that.
>
> --- In
> GrizHFMinimill@yahoogroups.com<mailto:GrizHFMinimill%40yahoogroups.com>,
> "a3sigma" <dcclark111@...> wrote:
> >
> > Good morning group,
> >
> > I've posted a pdf on the subject.
> >
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GrizHFMinimill/files/D.C.%20Clark%20stuff/
> >
> > These mods seem to me to make a significant difference. The Y axis
> now feels smooth and consistent throughout it's range, and backlash an
> acceptable 0.005 inches. There's no endplay that I can detect.
> >
> > The thrust washers were made of PTFE Delrin from McMaster.com part
> number 8579K28. I also coated them with PTFE grease.
> >
> > Since it takes very little more time or effort to make several
> washers, it seemed a waste of time to make just one of each. Hence, I
> have several pairs. It anyone would like to try this mod, and lacks a
> lathe to make their own, contact me off list and I'll mail you a set.
> You'll be doing me a favor as well, since I'd like to get some other
> opinions on whether this really makes a difference. "Feel" of a machine
> is pretty subjective, and I am always wary of confirmation bias.
> >
> > Best regards,
> >
> > David Clark in Southern Maryland, USA
> >
>
>
>
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