1/2” steel ball source?

[Swarfmonger]

Hello all, has anyone by any chance found a source for machinable half inch steel balls to make the elevation screw with per print? The only ones I have found so far that claim they are machinable are 60RC when you read the fine print, yikes! If I can’t find any I suppose I will switch to Plan B and get out the ball turning attachment. Thanks!

[bruski]

I used the brass ones from MSC Co.

 

bruski

[Sparky_NY]

I used the brass ones from MSC Co.

 

bruski

I heard the rumor that Bruski had brass balls, but now its confirmed.

[bruski]

Mine are quite a bit bigger though. :-P

 

bruski

[rayhawk]

I bought the hardened steel one from mcmaster-carr, and just reamed the acme rod for a press fit.

[brk]

I used a 1/2\" construction ball, Carr Lane has them, Jergens probably too.

 

I drilled and reamed the elevating screws for the 1/4 shank and silver brazed it in.

 

Here is a snip from Carr Lane\'s web site

 

 

[brk]

I also added a slot down the length of the acme screw and made a brass finger to engage it to keep it from turning.  Here are a couple photos, one with a flash to help show the groove.

 

I have a thrust bearing under the brass piece that is under the finger.

[Swarfmonger]

Thanks for the pics brk! I like the tooling ball idea and I’m betting I’ve got one already that would work well in my stash of them.

[Larryx]

I apologize for being the stupid one here but if the finger keeps the shaft from turning how does the up/down thing work?

[Swarfmonger]

I apologize for being the stupid one here but if the finger keeps the shaft from turning how does the up/down thing work?

The wheel and the threaded bushing both rotate and the screw remains stationary.

[Larryx]

Got it. Thank you.