Turbo Bearing for 550b

[dmazur]

I hardly ever "pitch" something, but this thing is simply amazing.

Turbo bearing

It's a roller-bearing replacement for the Dillon 550b index sprocket.

As the ad copy claims, it reduces wobble and play in the shellplate.

It makes the "snug but not so tight it won't move" bolt adjustment a thing of the past.

I realize it isn't essential, as the original part does work. But it sure is easier to use!

 

[armabill]

That's a good idea. I wonder why Dillon didn't think of it.

 

[guzzi]

550 bearing

Looks like a forty dollar fix for a problem I have not seen with my 550.

 

[StaTiK]

That's a good idea. I wonder why Dillon didn't think of it.

Looks like a forty dollar fix for a problem I have not seen with my 550.

I'm guessing that's your answer
-StaTiK-

 

[EddieNFL]

Have one on my 650. Think I paid about six bucks, shipped.

 

[dmazur]

I should perhaps explain better -

The Dillon original parts consist of a shoulder bolt that bears on the aluminum index sprocket. With careful adjustment, the press can be set up for a little shellplate wobble, and you don't have to use undue force to get the shellplate to index. A drop of oil on the indexing ball helps.

The replacement parts consist of a roller bearing, a pair of hardened washers and a replacement index sprocket. The index sprocket has a molded recess for the washers and bearing.

When assembled, shellplate wobble is reduced to almost zero. The shoulder bolt can be adjusted to this point without increasing indexing force because of the roller bearing.

So, it isn't necessary by any means. The Dillon original design works fine. The only thing the roller bearing does is permit a "snug" center bolt adjustment that is as easy to turn as a looser one w/o the bearing.

Yes, it is overpriced.

 

[Sport45]

I din't do the search, but wasn't that discussed here or at TFL a while back along with the list of hardware store parts to build it yourself?

It's a good idea, but I'm still setting mine up the old way.

 

[Tilos]

That's about a $5 thrust bearing....for $40

Oh wait, you get instructions too, never mind.

Tilos

 

[Sport45]

Mc Master Carr:

1 Each - Thrust Bearing for 1/2" Shaft Diameter, 15/16" OD - p/n 5909K31 $2.76ea

2 Each - .032" Thick Washer For 1/2" Shaft Diameter Steel Needle-Roller Thrust Bearing - p/n 5909K44 $0.92ea

Grainger Supply:

1 Each - Thrust Bearing Assembly for 1/2" Shaft Diameter, 15/16" OD - p/n 4XFN2 $3.07ea

2 Each - .030" Thick Washer For 1/2" Shaft Diameter Steel Needle-Roller Thrust Bearing - p/n 4XFP9 $0.97ea

 

[jmorris]

That's marketing for you. Replace thrust with "turbo" and add $38 bucks to the price. Here is the one that works with the 650. I think even NAPA has them.

 

[Maj Dad]

Not wanting to take my 550 apart to look, isn't it necessary to machine the sprocket to use the bearing/washers? Otherwise the sprocket would set too high to engage the ball bearing stops? Sorry to seem the DumbA but it's cold out

 

[EddieNFL]

Mc Master Carr:

1 Each - Thrust Bearing for 1/2" Shaft Diameter, 15/16" OD - p/n 5909K31 $2.76ea

2 Each - .032" Thick Washer For 1/2" Shaft Diameter Steel Needle-Roller Thrust Bearing - p/n 5909K44 $0.92ea

Grainger Supply:

1 Each - Thrust Bearing Assembly for 1/2" Shaft Diameter, 15/16" OD - p/n 4XFN2 $3.07ea

2 Each - .030" Thick Washer For 1/2" Shaft Diameter Steel Needle-Roller Thrust Bearing - p/n 4XFP9 $0.97ea

You forgot the indexing sprocket. They're about eight bucks from Dillon. Not sure what the machining cost. Runs about $80 per hour here.

I contacted Uniqtek when I first saw this and asked if I could purchase just the bearing for my 650. Apparently, they buy the components in sets (I wasn't born at night) and had no spare bearings to sell. Also, I was assured it would not work as the shellplate bolt would strike the toolhead. Bought the bearing from Grainger's and haven't broken anything, yet. There is plenty of clearance.

 

[4895]

The turbo bearing is a product of a local company here in Tucson, Arizona. www.slashk.com

 

[dmazur]

Otherwise the sprocket would set too high to engage the ball bearing stops?

The thrust bearing needs to go under the shouldered bolt head, above the index sprocket. The index sprocket "fingers" engage the holes in the shellplate just as before.

The problem is, the hole in the original index sprocket is too small for the 15/16" thrust bearing. It can be located on top. The shoulder bolt doesn't engage as many threads as the original design, but it appears to work for those who have done this modification using the original index sprocket.

The Uniquetek (Slash K) modification includes a plastic index sprocket which just about maintains the original bolt location (offset from toolhead) by providing a larger hole for the thrust bearing and washers. This assembly is "recessed" into the new index sprocket.

...and, of course, the instructions.

 

[joed]

I have friends that have tried that product. I saw no difference other then their wallets were a little lighter.

I believe it's supposed to keep powder from spilling while indexing. I just hold my thumb against the shellplate. There are a lot of after market parts in this world that pretend to correct something but really don't.

 

[Rollis R. Karvellis]

I, don't know about the bearing, but I, bought the 650 spent primer dohicky. I, have friction burns on my finger's from typing so fast.