Raynesford Balancing Service

Description

A page devoted to ideas and examples related to this trade that we hope to be helpful. Shaft Care Tips One of the first lessons I was taught when I went to work for my dad at Raynesford Dynamic Balancing Service in 1968 was, that you NEVER take a hammer and pound on a rotor shaft, because it will bend the shaft. A common method of removing old rolling element bearings in order to install new ones, is to hammer on the pillowblock to move it along the shaft for removal. It is very important not to let the hammer hit the shaft, as there is a great potential for bending the shaft if this happens, especially if it is done repeatedly. Similarly, sometimes old bearings are burned off the shaft with a torch. If the shaft is heated cherry red, this will also bend the shaft. It is very much prudent not to let the shaft get hot. A good method for removing old bearings is to take a piece of pipe with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft, cut it in half lengthwise, polish it to avoid scratching the shaft, and place the end of this tool against the INNER RACE of the old bearing while tapping it to move the bearing along the shaft. Alternatively, use a piece of brass as the pushing tool. For old bearings, this brass is not a problem, but if installing a new bearing, take care that brass chips generated in the process NOT get into the new bearing, which can ruin it on startup. Similarly, when installing new bearings that are snug on the shaft and difficult to move along the shaft, use the same tool to tap the bearing along the shaft into operating position. If you hit the OUTER race to move the bearing, you run the risk of imprinting the rolling elements on the bearing races, which ruins the bearing and can lead to very short life. Tapping on the INNER race avoids this possibility. Just let the outer race and, if applicable, the pillowblock, ride along with the inner race. Jim Raynesford, 2003

Products & services

Similar companies nearby