new comm lathe--- V blocks or bearings?

[JoeTheShmoe]

I just got my trinity commlathe today, and it can use etiher bearings or v blocks? It says v blocks are low maintnence, but bearings must work better if you also have to clean them?? otherwise why would people use them?! Also looking for tips so i dont mess anything up. Im gonna do my first cut on an old comm that came out of a motor that i melted the endbell on. :)

[SteveP]

I personally prefer V-blocks over bearings. When the motor shaft and the bearings are rolling together, the chips can cause the armature to bounce. Also, there is tolerances in the bearings, where the V-blocks have none. As long as you oil the V-blocks, you can count on a more consistent cut in my opinion.

[Grizzbob]

I agree, I've had my Cobra mod lathe for several years now(it has V-blocks), & it still cuts like new, as long as I keep a good bit in it..... :)

[william2001]

Yep, run the v-blocks. As Steve said, bearings have tolerance, and you'll be dealing with something called "bearing runout". Cut quality will not be as good.

[SirSpeedy]

Grizz hit the nail....

You have to keep a sharp bit in it. Diamond or otherwise. I have an old Eagle, with BB guides. Started cutting poorly, had the diamond re-lapped, perfect again.

[Railman]

I have always been of the opinion, from the very 1st add I saw, that ball bearing ways were just a way to glitz up a lathe make it more expensive. Ball bearings just add more variables to the lathe setup that can go wrong. This is an area where simpler is better. Who cares that a V takes a little more power to turn the arm? I'm convinced that the idea came from someone that saw a static balancer, & thought it would be cool on a motor lathe. Problem is they are two
different animals.
Joe

[ 09-10-2001: Message edited by: Railman ]

[jeepinator]

My Cobra lathe actually has U blocks. But, it is older than the hills ... the point is exactly that though ... it STILL cuts comms quite well.

[Roostachuck]

I dunno.... i got a Hudy w/ Ball Bearing guides.. it's been cuttin' totally awesome since the day I bought it (used off ebay I might add!). It's the "Hudy Extreme". I dunno.. I've had no problems w/ the bearings.. just a drop of motor oil (not REAL car motor oil!) every couple o' cuts and it's been good. I cut people's comms @ my local track for $2.50 and I have had NO complaints. The track owner wanted to try my lathe and liked it better than his. (not trying to brag.. just pointing out). I really dunno.. it's all personal preference. .. :D :D ;) :D ;) :D :D ;)

[Ras Thavas]

I have the Hudy with the V-Blocks also. Works fine, i'll ditto others, less moving parts means less stuff to screw up your cut.