MAKING LINEAR NEEDLE BRG. CAGES

Design and construction details of needle bearing cages to convert my Mitsui surface grinder vertical travel from plain ways to preloaded linear needle bearings.
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I am "robinrenzetti" Instagram lots more content there!
"Shop Notes"* by brs_workshop
• Overview of the vertical ways on the Mitsui and the change to needle roller bearings
• Acquiring needles from standard radial bearings
• Design of modifications
• Rails from planer blades:
Grizzly Tools: www.grizzly.com/search?q=(pla...
• Kinematics of rollers and cages
• Fixture design and setup for the cage grinding.
• Silicon Carbide wheel for grinding 'crispy plastics', 50D gasket material for vacuum hold-down
• Buddy Rich drum solo?
• Sanding block with diamond film
• Fly-cutting abs as sacrificial backer
• O'-flute cutter:
www.harveytool.com/prod/End-Mi...
• Deburring with Diamond sanding blocks
What I believe is the correct product:
McMasterCarr: www.mcmaster.com/sanding-sponges
• Robin sympathizing with every dentist (aka deburring)
*Not affiliated with any manufacturer or supplier.

[@tesladrummer]

"Shop Notes"* • Overview of the vertical ways on the Mitsui and the change to needle roller bearings • Acquiring needles from standard radial bearings • Design of modifications • Rails from planer blades: Grizzly Tools: www.grizzly.com/search?q=(planer+AND+blade)+OR+(planer+OR+blade)# • Kinematics of rollers and cages • Fixture design and setup for the cage grinding. • Silicon Carbide wheel for grinding 'crispy plastics', 50D gasket material for vacuum hold-down • Buddy Rich drum solo? • Sanding block with diamond film • Fly-cutting abs as sacrificial backer • O'-flute cutter: www.harveytool.com/prod/End-Mills-for-Plastics/Material-Specific-End-Mills/Browse-Our-Products_253/End-Mills-for-Plastics---Square-Upcut---Single-Flute_113.aspx • Deburring with Diamond sanding blocks What I believe is the correct product: McMasterCarr: www.mcmaster.com/sanding-sponges • Robin sympathizing with every dentist (aka deburring) *Not affiliated with any manufacturer or supplier.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks again brs_workshop for your excellent contributions. Added to the video notes.

[@andersjjensen]

I really like your shop notes. It's a nice way to recap after I've watched the video. I hope you'll continue to do them! :)

[@zachary3777]

@@ROBRENZ Can you use hardened dowel pins as roller needles?

[@ROBRENZ]

@@zachary3777 Not accurate enough

[@laughlan22]

@@ROBRENZ i'm guessing 'precision ground drill rod' is not precise enough either

[@ThisOldTony]

brilliant!

[@jbtoby8585]

The use of bearings as a supply of needles is just so robin. Lateral thinking to the max. Thank you for spending the time educating us all.

[@howder1951]

Wow, I don't think I could imagine a job that would scare you away Rob, amazing scope of project!

[@natthewsmith]

You, sir, are a mechanical wizard.

[@tshudy32]

Great video Robin. Best one yet. The filming, voice over, content ,thought process ,and actual fabrication was excellent. Long overdue. Only one complaint .The video was not long enough. That 31 minutes went fast. Keep them coming!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks Craig, and thanks for commenting. You can always come over for an extended version! ATB, Robin

[@StefanGotteswinter]

Thats a lot of thought in those parts, enjoyed and learned something! We use phenolic a lot for electrical test fixtures, but it never occured to me to grind it. Those are some interesting hardjaws on your cnc mill ;)

[@StefanGotteswinter]

The best thing about your videos: You rewatch them and still see/discover new things. Thanks Robin!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks Stefan, I think you may have seen some video footage of the jaws from a industrial spy!

[@kenhutchens513]

Sir, your level of ingenuity and machining is insane. That is a total compliment to your skill and way of thinking, on how to fix things in any way you want. I have also seen you help other youtubers out with your 3D profiling and tips.

[@SteveSummers]

Great video Robin. I learn several things every time I watch you.

[@stephenmurray2335]

Hi Robin. A new video showing you at work is such a marvellous thing I actually turned off the rugby to watch it. And that is a rare thing indeed! Many thanks for sharing, and like so many others I'm looking forward to the next instalment.

[@TonberryV]

I love when your videos come out! It's like Machinery nerd christmas.

[@kittadyne]

Conversion from box ways to bearings?! This is awesome!

[@seantap1415]

No one is immune to mistakes....loved the vid

[@FredMiller]

Amen! Mistakes happen to us all. All we can hope is no personal injury when they do! Work as safely as you can and quit when you are tired or distracted...

[@zHxIxPxPxIxEz]

Robin, We desperately need a mitsui rebuild update! Hehehe I just picked up a worn out mitsui clone and need to get it up to snuff with my work grinder. Great ideas here. Thanks as allways

[@nyccnc]

Love this! Thanks for sharing!

[@JeffCowan]

Oh man. A ROBRENZ video. Makes my day.

[@duckdovetail3385]

Glad to see you posting on here again, thanks for taking the time to share it with us 😁

[@sblack48]

Ok who besides me can imagine themselves dropping one of those cages after we have loaded a hundred needles in by hand? 😱

[@houseofbrokendobbsthings5537]

Mad genius creative Robin! _Dan_

[@OldtimeIronman]

Robin -- I think that you have just redefined "attention to detail" for many of us. Thank you for sharing. ATB,- Pete

[@TheWidgetWorks]

Mr. Bozo, probably was that Old Tony dude with the dam voodoo dolls having a crack at you more likely than not :)

[@akfarmboy49]

you made me laugh.

[@jamesdavis8021]

I don’t see any more videos on the Mitsui surface grinder rebuild. I am really looking forward to seeing the progress you are making on this project.Even minor progress.

[@DudleyToolwright]

As always, you really have a knack for descriptive narration. I love that you share the thought processes that allowed you to arrive at your final design. You have a fantastic channel. I never fail to learn a lot. You really set the bar way up there.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thank you, glad you enjoy the content.

[@robc2536]

This is quite an undertaking Robin. I'm glad you're sharing it with us. Can't wait for the next video.

[@eugenecarkoski4591]

you never cease to amaze me thanks

[@tnekkc]

Can you imagine being in Harbor Freight, and in the checkout line, you see Robin Renzetti?

[@kellerrobert80]

Your setups and attention-to-detail are world-class. Keep up the great work, Robin.

[@LaKapec]

Good idea to measure and sort needles with high accuracy (in 0,001-0,002mm) before putting them into one side of linear bearing. Their size may differ from bearing to bearing.

[@bielanski2493]

may as well throw in taper and runout while you're there.

[@bobbob8229]

And out of round😈😈😀

[@Gottenhimfella]

@@bobbob8229 and straightness...

[@aserta]

The fact that new technology can save old technology, and the fact that you, and others like you are using it, well, it brings a tear to my eye. And i'm not even kidding. It's so nice, so very nice. I'm definitely showing this to others, maybe more tech can be fixed instead of being scrapped.

[@SolidRockMachineShopInc]

Another great video Robin. I am looking forward to seeing the finished grinder and how well it works. Thanks for sharing. Steve

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks Steve! I am trying to make sure I won't have grinder envy in the future. ATB, Robin

[@oddjobbob8742]

Thank you for taking the time to create this YT. It was very helpful to me for a project I am designing that will need large bearing. Sincerely, ojb

[@ROBRENZ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bcbloc02]

This is an interesting challenge but how you guard all this to keep contaminates out especially on a filty grinder will be the real challenge I want to see!!! Best way I can think is to enclose it all and use fine filtered compressed air to provide positive pressure to the enclosure so contaminates can not get in.

[@Engineerd3d]

ABL = Always be learning. Thank you for each and every lesson. :)

[@bobeboph]

In solidworks, if you want the cage to move half as far as the head, you can use the linear/linear coupler mate in the advanced mates section. Not important for what you're using it for, but it can be nice to see everything moving properly.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, I was looking for that mate but thought it was in the mechanical mate section so didn't see it. Mate applied!

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Nice to see a new video Robin. Learning something new every time. Thanks for sharing! If you have the time I would love to see some more videos about surface grinding in the future. I just bought a surface grinder. The basics are there but you seem to have a lot of knowledge about different ways of clamping (like the fingers / vacuum) and about the use of grinding wheels for different materials.

[@piccilos]

always enjoy how thorough you are in planning projects

[@63256325N]

Wonderful attention to detail. A fine addition to the machine. Thanks for the video.

[@Goodwithwood69]

It's been too long! Glad your back!

[@gh778jk]

I have been wanting to watch this video for months now!! In answer to your first question...you plant a needle tree and wait two seasons..... On your third note : "crazy" is good.... yeah, I'd say it is... In conclusion, another Jedi-Master level project! My salutations Obi-Wan Renzetti ! Paddy, humbled PS we all know you milled in that parallel on purpose, just to make us feel not too incompetent.... you ain't foolin' nobody !!!

[@bob_mllr]

Great video Robin. Awesome seeing how you think things through end execute it.

[@zephyrold2478]

I second that.

[@glennfelpel9785]

That is a great idea of using the planer blades for the hardened surfaces, Thank you for that one and all the rest of the information in the video. Also, I like the Grizzly tools, not terribly expensive but yet good quality for the money. :-)

[@bhleblanc]

Love that you're considering the cost per needle bearing in your design decisions. All your videos include funny quips about cost of material and how your are being efficient.

[@cliffordarrow6557]

epic video. was a treat to watch such a real world problem being thought through and worked on!

[@martinvernon4571]

Hi Robin, Excellent, Thank You... Your attention to detail and thinking is as always, exemplary. I'm with you on the the Tufnol de-burring, did a lot of work in this stuff during my Toolmaking apprenticeship; often in tiny little parts 20, 30 thou thick keys in alloy tubular spanners (wrenches on your side of the water) for tightening nylon retaining rings in optics systems etc. and I still have the micro-fine 'knife profile' needle file I used back then (though I managed to snap the tip off it but not bad for over 40yrs old). Looking forward to the next episode, All the Best....

[@saartal4524]

Wow!!! What a project!!! Fascinating!

[@shitzoalc6v]

This is amazing! I can't wait for the next video. I have the greatest admiration for your work.

[@billlee5307]

Very nice design and fabrication! You have my respect for how well you managed the Phenolic. Years ago I had make a devise to hold and position a cat that allowed for the animal to be rotated in a magnetic field. The devise was all Phenolic and by the time all the parts were made I developed an allergy to the stuff. I also remember it was a pain to get the machines and shop clean. Many thanks for you videos.

[@sma11]

Isn't it absolutely terrible? Used to machine very small quantities of clutch friction elements and different electrical insulators, the stuff is just awful. Even being careful, you could smell it throughout the shop and it is quite a hazard to inhale.

[@than_vg]

Thanks so much for the complete overview, I have followed all this in instagram but it's so much clearer now!

[@larrytomb3896]

Your thought process is simple yet complex thanks

[@Regular6782]

Amazing work as always Robin, thanks for sharing.

[@dennyskerb4992]

Never cease to amaze us. Great idea & design.

[@moeszyslack4676]

Incredible. Always a joy to watch a true master craftsman and artist at work.

[@christurley391]

Amazing work as always Robin. Thanks for the video.

[@ajtrvll]

Your content is, as always, a real treat! Thank you.

[@sebastianiragorri6884]

This right here is real innovation!

[@kristiandelchev4034]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@benjaminwanglund4959]

Above and beyond as always. Eagerly looking forward to the next epispode!

[@MF175mp]

Awesome explanation of details and good video also. Thank you Robin.

[@sethbracken]

Great video as always, thanks for sharing.

[@MikeBramm]

Thanks Robin. You always have some really interesting projects to work on.

[@bostedtap8399]

Excellent inventive and elegant solution, mesmerising attention to detail. The linen based on is an a excellent material, many companies don't like to machine it, ref health, and difficult to clean the machines after. Great set-ups, and production methods. We use it to clamp hydraulic piston rod material for friction welding the rod end or eye, it is manufactured by Tufnol here in the UK, Carp brand is cotton based. Can be glued together, cross grain for strength. Best regards from the UK.

[@samc5898]

Interesting. Glad I found this video, looking forward to more

[@jamesdavis8021]

I am amazed with the thought and detail you put into this.Great video.

[@MCEngineeringInc]

Great video! You have an amazing knowledge of things. Thank you very much for sharing!

[@stumccabe]

Thank you for another fascinating video - always worth watching - I always learn something.

[@billdlv]

Looks good Robin, nice work.

[@OldIronShops]

Lots to learn in this. Thanks for sharing Robyn

[@piroman16tnt]

Oh man! That 30 minutes video was so informative I can't even believe that. You have new subscriber and You deserve more. MUCH MORE! Also, this little super fine nylon brush.... I have never seen this before and I know what will be my next tool.All the best!

[@bugrobotics]

Enjoyed it Robin. Thanks for sharing!

[@danielaviles7178]

Wanted to design my own needle bearing and this was the video to go to. You do not need SolidWorks for this video. Thank you for all of the great detail you put into this video.

[@FredMiller]

Wow! I am virtually speechless! Can't wait for the next in the series...

[@elyedwards5181]

Another amazing video thank you Robin

[@BuickDoc]

Wow! Your original thinking amazes me! What an elegant solution to gain more rigidity!

[@shakdidagalimal]

absolutely amazing

[@sharkrivermachine]

That is quite a project. You are going to have the slickest grinder in existence. Looking forward to seeing it.

[@EliteHydronics.]

Thank you Robin!

[@woodscreekworkshop9939]

Simply amazing!

[@copasetic216]

Good to see you. Thanks for sharing

[@wheelitzr2]

Excellent work as always!!

[@akfarmboy49]

i remember you mentioned this project, last year, lots of ideas Noted:

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Nice, lots of work.

[@cgprecision]

I like your concept of using the phenolic as a close fitting damper, where I work we build our own specialty machines and we had one rotary corrugating machine (basically large hor.mill) that the boss wanted to try linear rails on. It was an extensive machining project to install the rails without inadvertently raising the table more than we needed to, but we got it done. Machine ran very well but was significantly noisier than the other four machines around it and tool life decreased to about 60% of what it was. It's still running to this day but there is what looks like blood running out of the trucks from the fretting being carried out by the way lube. The rails were 60 mm roller bearings. Just goes to show the damping properties of plain bearings are hard to beat for heavy cutting, I used to wonder why a vertical cnc mill with linear ways had such a thick heavy table, now i know, damping. Your setup should be wonderful on a grinder, cant wait to see the rest, cheers!

[@unionse7en]

cgprecision, my thought also, for low speeds two very large flat surfaces are more easily separated by a film of oil . For higher speeds I can see how rollers could more easily form an oil "wedge" AKA enter the realm of hydrodynamic lubrication. At times (like this project video) lack of "stiction" is more easily achieved without large surface areas "dragging" oil. Man I wish Renz was my dad..all those cool custom machines no stranger could ever appreciate? (well unless they watch youtube! ;-)

[@cgprecision]

@@unionse7en We have experimented with many different materials with all of the machines we build, and for our uses it's hard to get away from properly scraped Ptfe liners running on hardened ways, and actually we have been testing some rulon XL which is not designed as a wayliner but is intended to run on aluminum, it's actually harder than turcite but lower friction overall but what's key is the static and dynamic COF is very close, and due to that we have not experienced any stick slip, also it seems to wear the same on soft cast iron as turcite on hardened rails. We have found over the years that while cast on cast is great for hydrodynamic lubrication or at least elastohydrodynamic, the Ptfe breeds are best scraped for and treated as boundary lubrication setups only, and although they lack the floating wear free hydrodynamic condition they hold up just as well and the ptfe does wonders for vibration damping. We are planning a build in about a year for a fully hydrostatic machine, which is the Cadillac of all systems (including cost!) But were hoping to drastically increase damping wear life and positional accuracy. I see now they offer linear guides which are hydrostatic, which is a novel concept except that you still only have the surface area of the trucks vs a traditional setup which is vastly more. I'd be curious to see if any commercial MT builders start using them.

[@unionse7en]

@@cgprecision , that's great info ...thanks!

[@Engineer_Stepanov]

Rob, is perfect job! Hello from Russia!

[@lloyd4768]

Never would have thought of grinding phenolic on a surface grinder, I've worked with it, it's not the most pleasant stuff to work with. Nice looking job can't wait to see it all finished.

[@weshowe51]

Truly amazing!

[@josephlovell6951]

Wow was just thinking I have not seen you put up a video in a long time. But I guess that's kind of a problem when you're such a perfectionist love to see your work keep it up

[@mamoshimamoshian9078]

everything well I hope. We haven't seen new video from you. I hope that is because you are having a good time at some tropical, exotic place and really having fun. I wish the best for you, and Good Health and a very good year. Good Luck :)

[@pierresgarage2687]

This is an already perfect condition surface grinder, but, not good enough for Robin.....!!!!!! lol I'll be keeping up with the upgrade and surely learn a few good things... ;) Great that you take some time to share this with all of us out there, Pierre

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks Pierre! and thanks for stopping by. ATB, Robin

[@TheJjb56]

unbelievable thank you

[@1jtolvey]

GREAT VIDEO !!!

[@gentharris]

Awesome as usual!!!

[@curtisvonepp4335]

Brilliant Rob wish my Covel had that feature 😁👏

[@maxcnc777]

For 14 minutes and 10 seconds I was thinking.. I hope that's not glass filled. I should have known better. Good stuff Robin. I am already coveting your grinder and it's not even finished yet!

[@chronokoks]

exactly! I thought that too.. "man won't it scratch the pins?" :D

[@smithparkins4862]

Love it!

[@davidcolwill860]

Excellent video! It sounds like you have a live samba band playing while doing the grinding :)

[@literoadie3502]

I can't wait to see these go on!! So satisfying to watch every part of the machine rebuilt/modified to be the absolute best it can be!! Thanks Robin. I wish I could work in your shop! @Swansea_Road_Bikes here.

[@brucekoehler276]

Awesome!

[@samuelfielder]

Watching Steve Summers he reminded me of you, and coming here I rewatched what I had seen 10 months ago. Surely it's time for another video on this project?

[@davidmoore5021]

Thanks for sharing

[@Max_Marz]

YES.