Topic: Drilling for Snap to Split Bearings

[schmelim]

I know this topic must have been covered, but I havn't seen any pointers.

I just bought an older coin-op Tornado. It has the 1.5 inch walls but still has the snap bearings. Was hoping to replace them with the split bushings. As long as I drill out the hole there should not be any issues correct? I would likely just replace the snap bearings, but the larger split bearings are readily available. I imagine people have done this already? Any pointers? Thanks!

[kgstewar]

Snap-in bearings are also readily available, but if you want the split bearings, you could certainly drill out the holes. I do see some problems though:

- holes must be drilled exactly centered, which is tough considering there is already a hole there. Makes it hard to precisely center the bit because there is now air where you would normally put your centering mark.
- holes must be drilled exactly perpendicular to the sidewalls, otherwise bearings will bind.
- drilling through laminate is tough to do without chipping. Not a huge issue since the flange of the bearing should cover up any tearout.

The best way to avoid the three problems listed above is with a forstner bit and a drill press. Hard to do on an already-assembled table. Maybe new snap-in bearings will be good enough?

[schmelim]

yeah, I think at this point i'll just do new snaps!! Thx!