Find a 1/4in Brass Ball Bearing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a 1/4 inch brass ball bearing, with participants exploring the specifications and requirements for such a component. The conversation includes considerations of material properties, alternative solutions, and specific applications involving magnets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a source for a 1/4 inch brass ball bearing.
  • Another participant questions the need for brass, suggesting that outer diameter, load, and speed requirements are critical for bearing specifications.
  • A participant clarifies that brass is needed due to its non-ferrous properties, as the application involves magnets, and mentions that load and speed are not concerns since the shaft will be manually rotated.
  • Concerns are raised about the softness of brass as a material for ball bearings, with a suggestion that stainless steel or phenolic materials might be more suitable.
  • It is noted that even with low speed, the bearing must support static weight, which could affect performance depending on tolerances.
  • Another participant suggests considering a bushing made from brass or nylon instead of a ball bearing, given the manual operation.
  • Ceramic bearings are proposed as an alternative option.
  • A participant mentions that McMaster-Carr has brass ball bearings available, but seeks clarification on whether the request is for solid ball bearings or those with a bore.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the suitability of brass for ball bearings, with some advocating for its use while others suggest alternatives. There is no consensus on the best approach or material for the application described.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of specific bearing specifications, including load, speed, and material properties, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

humanoid
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i am in need of a brass ball bearing with a bore dia of 1/4inch. can anyone tell me where i could find it?
 
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A brass bearing? What is the purpose for specifying brass?

You need to specify outer diameter as well as load and speed requirements. There are a ton of things to spec out in a bearing.
 
FredGarvin said:
A brass bearing? What is the purpose for specifying brass?

You need to specify outer diameter as well as load and speed requirements. There are a ton of things to spec out in a bearing.

i need brass because the use involves magnet and i don want to use any ferrous material. the load and speed is not a prob because the shaft going to b manally rotated.
 
Most ball bearings are constructed out of stainless steels, chromium, and phenolic materials. None of which have much of any magnetic properties. I think you would have a very hard time finding a brass ball bearing due to it being a rather soft alloy.
 
humanoid said:
i need brass because the use involves magnet and i don want to use any ferrous material. the load and speed is not a prob because the shaft going to b manally rotated.
Like Topher mentioned, you can go with a 300 series stainless for the race materials and a phenolic cage. You may have an issue with the rolling elements depending on the bearing.

Even if the speed is low, the bearing will have to support a static weight. Depending on the tolerance you need in the bearing play, you could overload the bearing enough to eat up that radial play. Something to consider...

Take a look at the bearings in McMaster-Carr.
 
If you are turning it by hand do you really need a ball bearing? You may be able to use a bushing made out of brass or nylon etc.
 
McMaster Carr has brass ball bearings. Not sure if you are looking for 1/4 ball bearings or ball bearings with a 1/4 hole through them. McMaster Carr has 1/4 inch brass ball bearings and if you are looking for ones with a hole you could bore them out pretty easily. I might be completely off on what your request is, I was just searching the internet for 1/2" brass ball bearings with a hole prebored and thought this might be what you are looking for.
 
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