Author Topic: need help with my stainless steel rod (Read 4922 times)

Michelle · « **on:** July 24, 2016, 07:05:53 pm »

So in the real world I make stainless steel sculptures. I used a 1/2 inch stainless steel rod and trying to put it into the 1/2 inch pillow bearing. It won't fit. I need it to fit! AGH!!!!!!!! What am I missing? I have a sculpture ready to go into a gallery and I need this fixed!

apisbees · « **Reply #1 on:** July 24, 2016, 07:19:53 pm »

How far do you need to insert it? Zero clearance fit it may need to be pressed on. Put the rod in the freezer the shrink and heat the bearing to 450+ degrees and it may give the clearance needed to slip on but it will get tight as the bearing cools and the rod heats up. Put the rod in a drill chuck and use emery paper on it to take a few thousands off it. Make sure the end of the shaft is not mushroomed from being hit or drooped or when it was cut.

neillsayers · « **Reply #2 on:** July 24, 2016, 07:22:50 pm »

Could be a press fit. If the two are very close you could try freezing the rod and heating the bearing(hot water) and gently but firmly tapping the two together. If that doesn't work the remaining options are limited, such as turning the rod down, honing the bearing etc.. Oh also check the edge of the bearing and the end of the rod for any deformity-this you can remedy with emery cloth or a file. Hope this was helpful.

Michelle · « **Reply #3 on:** July 24, 2016, 08:35:10 pm »

the problem is, I need it to be able to be taken out of the bearing and put into it again.

apisbees · « **Reply #4 on:** July 24, 2016, 11:21:36 pm »

the bearing is very hardened steel and the Stainless depends on the grade. Do you need a machined fit or is close good enough. It the fit is not critical you could spin the shaft with a drill and spin it against a bench grinder, Belt sander, angle grinder, File if it is a soft enough stainless, Or emery paper (slow)
Steel rod comes as round bar or shafting. You may have gotten round bar.
https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/difference-round-bar-drill-rod-shafting/

Ray · « **Reply #5 on:** July 24, 2016, 11:43:59 pm »

IS the bearing 12mm? I did that once!

Bakersdozen · « **Reply #6 on:** July 25, 2016, 09:17:09 am »

No advice, Michelle. I am just in awe.

Michelle · « **Reply #7 on:** July 25, 2016, 10:30:09 am »

no it's 1/2 inch!!!!!!! I ned it to fit but not tight. Maybe just a bigger bearing? Sigh, why does this have to be so hard!
Here is a link to my website. http://www.ashtonheron.com/

Some Day · « **Reply #8 on:** July 25, 2016, 11:18:28 am »

Michelle,

I loved your web site!! Just a word of warning, not all fairies are gentle, just like honey bees.

Perry · « **Reply #9 on:** July 25, 2016, 01:16:03 pm »

Wow, that is some beautiful work Michelle!

Zweefer · « **Reply #10 on:** July 25, 2016, 04:17:21 pm »

Agreed! I love your pieces. Hoping you got the issue resolved?

CBT · « **Reply #11 on:** July 25, 2016, 04:22:51 pm »

You may can take them to a machinist and let him or her put a micrometer on it. Lots of folks have em. I got a couple. At least you may get some qualified free advise with a low cost solution.

:yes

Michelle · « **Reply #12 on:** July 25, 2016, 06:42:00 pm »

so I went into the shop today and brought the rod and the bearing in. they are the exact same size. SO I had to exchange the 1/2 inch for the 5/8 inch and have some sort of thing I have to heat up and then slip on the rod and let it cool. WHY don't they make the bearing that just a bit bigger to fit the rod? Sigh. Thanks for all the help!!!

neillsayers · « **Reply #13 on:** July 25, 2016, 07:44:39 pm »

Sounds like you're describing a bushing. That ought to work. In machine work specs are generally in thousandths. For example .500 rod in a .505 or .510 bearing. Press fit is much closer, often the same or .001 difference.

Michelle · « **Reply #14 on:** July 25, 2016, 08:22:15 pm »

I plead ignorance!!!!!! I just make wire sculptures!!!!!! (math was my poorest subject!!!!)

Bakersdozen · « **Reply #15 on:** July 26, 2016, 08:18:34 am »

How graceful, Michelle! Very cool! Do you use a special type of wire that doesn't rust?

Michelle · « **Reply #16 on:** July 26, 2016, 08:20:54 am »

yes I use stainless steel wire for rust resistance!

Riverrat · « **Reply #17 on:** July 27, 2016, 08:13:00 am »

Most generally bearings are a press fit. and you will find the cheaper Chinese bearings tolerances don't run as tight as the good American bearings. Not sure how long your stainless rod is but you may be able to put in a drill press and run some Emery cloth over the rod to remove a couple of thousandth's. another option would be a bronze bushing instead of bearing

Dunkel · « **Reply #18 on:** July 27, 2016, 08:32:38 am »

Wow those were amazing!! Michelle you are gifted

Lburou · « **Reply #19 on:** July 27, 2016, 09:13:56 am »

Michelle, I enjoyed seeing your sculptures!

A long time ago I used a large draw file to shape a gun barrel. The old WWII rifle had step down tapering when it was made, I filed the steps down and then tapered the entire barrel for a modern look. You can remove the excess metal by filing the end of your steel rod and check fitment as you go. Try to file the last two inches of the rod. This tack will help if the end of the rod is mushroomed as mentioned above. If you use a file, check fitment frequently and that will keep you focused on where you need to remove more metal. It won't take that long, just keep at it. Use a vice to anchor the rod and get busy! HTH