Rotating ball nut, Ballscrew Pitch, RPM limits, and my particular build pickle

**A_Camera** · 12-04-2021

Originally Posted by Bongo

Hey A_Camera, thanks for this, seems a sensible start. Any idea how likely I am to be able to get the balls back in the nut or how difficult it is? Would love to hear if you (or anyone out there) has done it? Estimated time investment?
Thanks again, B.

I don't know how long time it takes for you, it depends on many things, but no doubt that it can be done. I did clean sixteen linear bearings, and it took me a while, but the results were well worth the effort. I am sure that ball bearings are not more different, especially the larger ones.

**routercnc** · 12-04-2021

A ballscrew I had which sounded like that had very slightly undersized balls in it. If you can determine how well they fit and can find a slightly larger diameter set of replacements that could help. However I’ve searched and not had any luck other than in large quantities.
But given that they very occasionally get stuck suggests a good clean would be a good start. I did post a YT video in my drill press series on the grease method but I do like Muzzer’s quick method above !

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QbvH5dnUF1Q&t=3s
Starts about 26:00

**Bongo** · 12-04-2021

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts guys, appreciate that. @Muzzer: great link and info thanks. I will try pulling off the nut and see how I go, though it sounds like to get good rapids out of the machine I will ultimately want to change the pitch to something like 15mm and get a smaller toothed pulley for the servo...
Good call on the Place in Korea BTW, I actually got my servos, drivers, and the ballscrews for the y and z axis from that e-bay shop, and have been well pleased. I have looked a few times, and if they had anything in the right length, dia, pitch, I'd be going that route... I will keep checking and might shoot them a message. Though I don't relish the extra cost, I feel the hours I've put into the machine build would justify it...

@Routercnc Thanks for this - an interesting watch... I'll see what I get and how it goes tomorrow. I must admit, my first thought was that the balls might be a bit undersized, or possibly just unevenly sized. I can't detect any backlash (by hand).
Thanks again guys, I'll report back with the findings.