worm end play solution

[kinetic]

Hi,

I'm not sure if this is a common way to deal with end play
in a high precision worm/worm gear situation (if it is then
sorry for stating the obvious!), but I found this little
gem in a gearbox I pulled to bits today.

You can see the thrust/ end play of the worm is
taken care of by two ball bearings trapped in nylon races
either side of one of the mounting bushes.
Slop is tensioned by the nylock nut on the end.
I thought it was brilliant and worth passing on to
ATMers / home machinists.

The second pic is the original motor/gearbox reduction shown fitted.
(I had to remove it to get the first picture)

Steve

[Gama]

You can get "thrust bearings" from many bearing shops.
Just need to find the right size.
You can adjust them till you have no play at all, and still have perfect movement.

Theo

[kinetic]

Hi Theo,

this set was a bit 'glugged up' after many years sitting idle.
The grease had hardened.
I cleaned it all up and reassembled it and it's the smoothest, no play
worm I've ever seen! :)
A pity the worm wheel is so small.
I'm going to make a little EQ platform for my brother who has
just got into DSLR night shots.

Steve