Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Model Boating => Topic started by: g6swj on November 11, 2016, 07:42:47 am

Title: Ball Bearings -
Post by: g6swj on November 11, 2016, 07:42:47 am

Help!

I was rebuilding a control stick on a radio transmitter and need to get some ball bearings to replace those that are missing - ( ...long story but the aftermarth involved unsuccessfully crawling over the floor with a torch, a magnet and sticky tape)

Not sure exactly how to measure the little blighters as they are increibly small - > 1mm I think.

Can anybody point me in the direction of a supplier. I think all I can do is buy a few sizes starting at 1mm or so getting smaller and see which ones fit.

Thanks in advance for any pointers

Regards
Jonathan

Title: Re: Ball Bearings -
Post by: Martin (Admin) on November 11, 2016, 09:03:05 am

 
Make / model of Tx?    :-)

Title: Re: Ball Bearings -
Post by: g6swj on November 11, 2016, 09:38:09 am

Hi Martin

TX Graupner MC32

New sticks are £80-120 and factory fit only!

I think my "missing balls" are 0.8mm so will see if I can locate a supplier.

Having just googled lots - I have found 100 for £70 but also realise that they may be the size of the balls in some Biro's so maybe there is a readily available source - just need to find some Latex gloves:)

Regards
Jonathan

Title: Re: Ball Bearings -
Post by: david48 on November 11, 2016, 02:07:36 pm

try Simply Bearings www.SimplyBearings.co.uk
I have had loose steel balls from this company.
David

Title: Re: Ball Bearings -
Post by: g6swj on November 11, 2016, 02:24:45 pm

David,

Thank you for the link - I had found this company on the net = 10 x 0.8mm ball bearings £12 - that's £1.20 each for something about the size of a grain of salt:) but certainly cheaper than a replacement module.

I may resort to this option - for now I am intending to carry out "open heart surgery" on 20 Bic Biro's. Also wondering what else I have in my den (old CD player etc ) that may have some of these little guys hiding in...

Also scheming to use the hoover with an old pillow case or similar across the suction end and see if I can find the absentees

Regards
Jonathan

Title: Re: Ball Bearings -
Post by: Chris57 on November 12, 2016, 05:08:49 pm

Hi, I was at Warwick yesterday, and saw packets of ball bearings for sale on Tony Green Steam models stall. I only remember they went down to minute, (smaller than 1 mm) . BUT, they may only be available in imperial sizes? As per a lot of steam fittings?
Www.tonygreensteammodels.co.uk   - no connection, just a suggestion.


Chris B

Title: Re: Ball Bearings -
Post by: g6swj on November 13, 2016, 03:54:04 pm

Chris,

Thank you for the info - I had a look today the smallest they had where 1/16th I think 0.8mm is more in the direction of 1/32nd

Regards
Jonathan

Title: Re: Ball Bearings -
Post by: g6swj on November 13, 2016, 07:45:51 pm

20 Bic doners......

Just need a bath in some solvent to remove ink

Title: Re: Ball Bearings -
Post by: g6swj on November 15, 2016, 12:14:50 pm

They cleaned up really well - just got to fit them now!

To give an idea of scale this is them sitting on the rim of a 1p coin

Jonathan