Using a microwave to heat a bearing?

[930dreamer]

Has anyone else tried this?

 

[Bill Bowman]

Pretty slick. I never would have believed that would work.

 

[930dreamer]

I have a large bearing for a 7.5 hp compressor motor, I've used a coil heater and placed the bearing in a metal pan, got to be fast though. Also found this video;

 

[Danglerb]

Cheap hotplate works fine.

 

[apollo11]

Wow, good idea.
I have a micro in my garage so I don't have to be p-whipped like the clown in the video and wait for my honey to leave.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Could also just boil water and get the same result.... slower though.

 

[930dreamer]

Don't think I want to put a sealed bearing in water. I have a shop microwave too.

 

[purplezr2]

I use an old cake pan and the oven, works well

 

[royesses]

I use an old deep fryer filled with motor oil. Set to 300°-325° let it come up to temp and drop it on the shaft.

 

[RAS61]

I thought metal in the microwave is a no-no that ruins it

 

[Jimithing616]

Haha funny video. For the size bearings I see in the MC world I just use a heat gun, and then a freezer when I want em to fit in a tight wheel hub or engine case.... fun to see/read how other guys get er done tho.

 

[Jimithing616]

I thought metal in the microwave is a no-no that ruins it

Interesting point.... I once put an aluminum foil packaged thing of pop tarts in the microwave when I was like 9... sparks and a little flame later my mom was pissed but the old nuke-box was no worse for wear... lasted another few decades in fact

 

[Git]

Don't think I want to put a sealed bearing in water. I have a shop microwave too.

But you would wrap it in a wet towel?

sealed bearing in a sealed plastic bag... Water boils at 212, so just as it starts to boil

 

[Richard Cranium]

wow, I would of expected to see sparks, Learned some thing today. Thanks

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I use an old toaster oven.

 

[JABgj]

I actually did try the AvE method this past weekend. Sorta works, I got my bearing up to about 150-160 after a 2.5 minute run in the micro. No sparks and I had to use a socket to tap the bearing on, but it was tapping and not beating. Would try it again.

 

[Farmall450]

Yup, after watching that video nearly 3 years ago.

 

[laser3kw]

be careful if the bearing comes grease packed. Check the operating safe temp for the grease. A lot of low price bearings have grease good to around 185°. Exceed the grease temp while warming the bearing may affect the grease and or the seals to the point of very short bearing life.

 

[littleponderosa]

Way cool. Very surprised it didn't arc, new trick to remember.
Bill

 

[930dreamer]

I really want a bearing heater but at $850 plus, I'm going to wait.

 

[kctyphoon]

I put dog food cans in the microwave all the time.. the metal just can't touch anything else, like the bottom of the microwave without the glass plate inside. Same reason why you can use a metal shelf inside as long as its hung from the plastic clips inside.

 

[DpSyChO]

If the ID of the bearing allows, I usually put a incandescent light bulb in a lamp without a shade and sit the bearing on the bulb. You'd be surprised how hot a axle bearing will get on a 100w bulb.

 

[77Mini]

Getting a little off track......try putting a light bulb in the microwave!

Take a regular incandescent light bulb, completely cover the metal base with electrical tape then throw it in the microwave and turn it on. It will light but it will look like a florescent bulb.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I put dog food cans in the microwave all the time..

Sorry to hear times are so tough.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

That was what I like about GJ learnt something new today. I probably would have just beat the hell out of it or tried to press it into place with a vice. So what if you froze the shaft and when it was contracted slip the bearing on then.

 

[Bobioz1]

If the ID of the bearing allows, I usually put a incandescent light bulb in a lamp without a shade and sit the bearing on the bulb. You'd be surprised how hot a axle bearing will get on a 100w bulb.

Same here.

 

[Jimithing616]

Sorry to hear times are so tough.

Hahahahahaha zinger.

 

[Coach James]

Sorry to hear times are so tough.

LOL!!

Coach

 

[Firebrick43]

I put dog food cans in the microwave all the time.. the metal just can't touch anything else, like the bottom of the microwave without the glass plate inside. Same reason why you can use a metal shelf inside as long as its hung from the plastic clips inside.

Reminds me of the movie problem child 2 and the guy eating dog food



This is the garage journal? No one has or advocating an skf induction bearing heater?

 

[930dreamer]

I microwaved the new bearing that replaced this one for 1minute 30 seconds, dropped right on.

 

[Flatheadpopup]

Cool trick. I always thought the metal in a microwave thing was a no no before seeing this.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

I have a dedicated Weber electric mini BBQ that I use for compressor pulleys & bearings...works awesome. If practical, I'll place the mating part in the freezer.

 

[metaldad]

interesting.
i have used convection ovens, and a oil fryer. i dont like doing it with hot oil.
i have heated up some big bearings (4''and larger id)

 

[VocaTexas]

As I understand it, it's sharp points in a microwave that act like little antennae that cause the sparking/arcing. The smooth round surface of a bearing wouldn't have any points to act like an antenna. Still may not be conducive to a long-lasting oven, though.

 

[RedneckWelder]

We have a nice bearing heater at work (the bearing is at the proper temp when spit bounces off of it lol ) but we have used a toaster when a field tech has stolen the bearing heater. Have not used a microwave yet

We also have a deep freeze freezer to shrink races, bearings and so on too.