spindle bearings

[kiinstructor]

I have a machine with four spindles that was built by leonard Bludworth. Anyway the spindles are not holding tolerance and need to have the bearings replaced. I have taken them apart and the bearings are pressed on the spindle at a slightly thicker part of the spindle shaft. Not a hard fix but my question is. The bearings are a 6003-ZZ a common size that have many makers and as you can guess many prices. Some range from 2.00 to 40.00 each depending on the maker. The tolerances and sizes are pretty much exact from bearing to bearing. I spoke to Timkin bearing a US made part and they told me that most bearings are similar and they suggest NSK, SKF and others were pretty much the same. Has anyone had experience with differnt bearings. I just want something to hold up and give me good tolerances. The speed is about 20K so most bearings tolerate that RPM. Thanks for any help.

Happiness
Mark

 

[conetip]

I have a machine with four spindles that was built by leonard Bludworth. Anyway the spindles are not holding tolerance and need to have the bearings replaced. I have taken them apart and the bearings are pressed on the spindle at a slightly thicker part of the spindle shaft. Not a hard fix but my question is. The bearings are a 6003-ZZ a common size that have many makers and as you can guess many prices. Some range from 2.00 to 40.00 each depending on the maker. The tolerances and sizes are pretty much exact from bearing to bearing. I spoke to Timkin bearing a US made part and they told me that most bearings are similar and they suggest NSK, SKF and others were pretty much the same. Has anyone had experience with differnt bearings. I just want something to hold up and give me good tolerances. The speed is about 20K so most bearings tolerate that RPM. Thanks for any help.

Happiness
Mark

For a spindle, you want to buy the high concentric tolerence bearings.
Look for Swiss/German made or American made Bearings. New Hampshire used to make really good spindle bearings, not sure if they are around.
They cost quite a bit more than standard, but have a much better ball race finish and usually have a rounder smother ball as well.
Do Not use a hammer on their assembly but use a press and sleeves to push on the inner or outer ring, which ever is the ring with the interference fit.