Joe AutoDrill wrote:
Yowza... Not a big problem for me as we have a work around... But I sure
could use a better process... So...

Some of my multiple spindle heads have small needle bearings installed to
support the shafts laterally while they drill vertically... Some of these
are as small as .250" ID up to around .400" ID.

Most are installed in aluminum and steel blind holes with no way of pushing
them out from behind.

Anyone know of a tool or method of removing these without damaging the
housing (esp. aluminum) that they are mounted in?

In some cases, they are double stacked and are of either the same size or
two sizes - larger ID and OD unit on top of a smaller one in a blind hole
below, etc. When stacked, they have thrust bearings between or a step in
the housing if thrust is not an issue.

Any ideas, assistance, etc would be greatly appreciated. ...Especially if
it is a tool or manual process rather than EDM, etc.

Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
Joe, I used to have a similar problem with brass bushings in pumps, the
bushings would be at the bottom of a blind hole. We used to put about
1/2" of oil(or grease) in the hole and use a piece of round stock that
fil ID of the bushing. After filling the hole and inserting the round
stock we would hit the round stock with a hammer, driving the oil to the
bottom of the hole, which would cause the bushing to lift a little. It
usually took 4 or 5 attempts and the bushing would lift enought that we
could use a modified gear puller to remove the bushing. I don't know if
this would work for you, but it might be worth a try.

Greg