Good idea to replace track runner wheels with metal?

[beentheunseen]

Hi all,

I'm restoring a ULS 25A laser cutter machine, and the bearings in the plastic wheels that run on the aluminium x-axis track havve a lot of play in them. They're a very odd size, with an outer diameter of 18m and inner diameter of 6mm, and thickness of 6mm. I have searched high and low and can't find any plastic wheels that will fit anywhere. I was thinking I could just use plastic/acetal bearings with the outer race acting just like a wheel. However, the closest standard OD seems to be 19mm which is too big. Then I found these: http://shop.jvl-europe.com/Titman-steel ... aring-18mm

The dimensions are perfect, but obviously they're made from steel, not plastic. Is it a good idea to run steel bearings on an aluminium track? Or will I just wear out my tracks?

Cheers,

Ben

[lasersafe1]

Not cheap for the originals.. http://parts.engravingsys.com/Bearings_c_15.html

I would not recommend going to metal wheels. There was a reason they switched from metal skates to urethane.
These seem similar in size to model airplane or car wheels. When mine wear out, I was going to look into this. Certainly someone makes something similar. Or Nylon or other workable plastic on a lathe and put inexpensive BOCA bearings inside. The economy series bearings in slot car size are only $1 each in packs of 10.

http://www.bocabearings.com/bearing-applications/rc-bearings

[beentheunseen]

Cool thanks, seems like parts for my 25A are not even remotely available (they seem to be completely to those for the 25E). Do you know off the top of your head what the pitch of your belts are?

[lasersafe1]

I do not and I am not near the unit today.