To use or not use thrust bearing? That is the question

[Rccrawlerguy]

Hey guys. I am building a motorized track torch for my plasma cutter. I am going to use threaded rod hooked to a DC drill motor. I am going to turn the ends down so they ride on bearings, but here's my question. Would you use thrust bearings as well? This thing might see a couple pounds of pull on the ends.

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[Stuey]

I can't visualize it, but if there's a shaft interface where you'd consider adding them, why wouldn't you?

 

[Millwrong]

A deep groove ball or tapered roller bearing will take all the axial load a track torch will throw at it. Personally, I wouldn't bother with an actual thrust bearing.

 

[Rccrawlerguy]

Another option I was thinking about was just making a brass or bronze flanged bushing. I saw a couple of different designs on youtube, some didn't even have bearings/bushings I am a firm believer in overkill. Haha. If im going to make something, it's going to last.

 

[Firebrick43]

A deep groove ball or tapered roller bearing will take all the axial load a track torch will throw at it. Personally, I wouldn't bother with an actual thrust bearing.

Just use a doubles sealed (2RS) 6000 series bearing of suitable size. They have more than enough load capacity and are cheap.

Bushings would suffice as well.