[TowerTalk] Experience with K0XG guy ring bearings?

[James M. Galm, W8WTS]

Hello Ed et al.,

Thanks for the great info.  The engineering data from McGill is 
extraordinarily helpful.  I believe that the bearings in my rings are 
McGill CCFH 1 1/2 SB.  From the engineering data book, these bearings 
have crowned ODs, hex holes in the flange end, lubrication seals, and 
can accept 3/16 in press in grease fittings.

Right now, all 24 of my bearings spin freely, but do not have grease 
fittings installed.  My options are,

1.  Replace all 24 of them, setting me back over $1200.

2.  Install grease fittings into the bearings I have and load them with 
fresh Lucas X-TRA heavy duty grease.

3.  Leave them alone and put them up as-is.

What would others do?

73,

Jim, W8WTS

> Message: 8
> Date: Tue, 9 Aug 2022 08:29:45 -0400
> From: CEPitts <cpitts at ec.rr.com>
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Experience with K0XG guy ring bearings?
> Message-ID: <62F25339.8060907 at ec.rr.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
> 
> Hi Jim and others who may need the following info. I speak with
> experience. I have some rings for 55G and a tower project that has been
> in the works with setbacks due to hurricanes and other storms, 
> Extensive
> tree damage and clearing of downed  trees. Pandemic issues as well as
> what most of us would call general  everyday living sometimes taking a
> priority with family and work.
> 
> Rings were installed on tower in sections laying on ground waiting for
> crane install and the delays began. Rings exposed to elements. The
> rotation began to suffer with some of the cam followers freezing up.
> 
> I believe it was Grant KZ1W who may have addressed replacing cam
> followers in a previous post. If I am mistaken I apologize to the
> original person who may have addressed issues regarding the cam 
> followers.
> 
> Upon removing the followers that were giving me some issues I purchased
> from MRO Supply the following two cam followers that are on my rings
> McGill CF 1 1/2 SB MRO#2249463 and McGill CFH 1 3/ 8 SB MRO# 2251461.
> 
> The "CF" and "CFH" nomenclature was stamped onto the followers if I
> remember correctly and I verified these were the ones needed with
> Richard K0XG and that was approximately 3-4 years ago. Been difficult 
> as
> of late catching up with K0XG.
> 
> Followers can be difficult to remove however I was successful on most
> except two. Those two I will most likely take to my local mechanic down
> the road who can cut them out of the ring or my local machine shop who
> can do the removal.
> 
> I also purchased the grease fittings that can go into the new 
> followers.
> I was fortunate to have gone up to Steve NR4M QTH for a contest a while
> back and he let me use a press in his extensive shop to press the
> fittings into the followers.
> 
> So they are ready to go for a install into the rings time permitting 
> and
> as the project proceeds.
> 
> MRO Supply was my source but there are others on the web. Very happy
> with them.
> 
> My experience is exposure to weather over time is not your friend 
> unless
> frequently rotated and most likely needing some sort of maintenance,
> greasing, etc. My salt air is of course the worst.environment.
> 
> These links may be helpful:
> 
> https://www.mrosupply.com/
> 
> https://www.regalrexnord.com/-/media/Files/Literature/Events/AAAE-2019/McGill-Cam-Follower-Bearings-Brochure-Form-8991E.pdf?la=en&hash=35A797B060828CF407C36A2822353ABE67D81D45
> 
> https://www.bearing-supplies.co.uk/mcgill.pdf
> 
> https://www.ahrinternational.com/PDF_catalogues/Mcgill/camrol.pdf
> 
> Hope this helps others! 73! Ed K5OF