Recommendation? Bearing configuration for platen/ tracking wheels

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Pn8hall

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Feb 24, 2020
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Its seems there are 2 different styles of bearing setups when it comes to platen and tracking wheels. I have used both styles and seem to prefer type 1. They just seem quieter smoother running and easier to fine tune.

Type 1- 2 bearings total located on outside ends flush with outside edge with a spacer in the middle.

Type 2 - 3 bearings total stacked together leaving a gap on one end. These usually come with a spacer approx 3/8” to compensate for difference. This style seems to put more lateral force on bearings just by design and I know you should not mix and match styles to prevent pre-mature wear out. Is this just a cheaper way to manufacture them or does it have some benefits that I am missing. At the end of the day does it really matter as long as the wheels are manufactured with tight tolerances and quality bearings?
 
I’ve had a few wheels get noisy over the years and needed their bearings replaced. I knocked out the bearings, ordered the requisite number of bearings and duplicated what the factory initially made. Usually three bearings.
 
Yes same here. Bearing swap is pretty easier on both styles. Just trying to figure if there is an advantage to one style or the other.
 
I'm only going on my guess and observance here, but the difference should be negligible. I have platens with both types and can't say that one has bearings that go bad faster than the other. Bearings wear out if you run them heavy and long. Having replacements on hand is always a wise thing.

My guess is the main reason for the recessed bearing on one end is cosmetic and just to eliminate the bolt head sticking out.
 
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For the widths, rpms and forces we are dealing with, I'd say it's gonna be pretty negligible as well. The more important thing would probably be having everything square and aligned, as as long as the wheels are concentric and parallel, I think either would do fine.

FWIW, I have both styles as well, and I really don't notice any difference.
 
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