23 replies to this topic

[Robert BG]

Hey, I used to run a black graphite like polymer bushing in some of my cars years ago and with a little work they really were slick compared to regular bushings. The downside was you couldn't solder them and they wore out faster.

 

I was wondering if anyone remembers them and if you can still find them?

 

Thanks.

[Bill from NH]

I think it was Camen that sold them. I don't think they're available now unless you happen to find a shop that has NOS.

[Cheater]

I used these as well many years ago, but Bill's right, they haven't been made, or sold into the slot car market, for a long time.

[Robert BG]

Thanks, I was afraid that was the case but I figured I'd ask anyway. I have one left but that doesnt do much good LOL.

 

I know things are hype most times but I picked up a little bit of time in each car I ran them in as long as you could keep them in place.

[Tim Neja]

Check the bearing companies. These may well be available, just not sold in slot cars right now! VXB, etc. I know polymer bearings are still made.

[S.O. Watt]

The ones that were sold by Camen were made in house by Camen. I do not know of any source for a "drop in" bushing like that available for slots. Not saying there isn't anything out there...

I have preferred plain old sintered bronze for bushing for just about ever. I never found anything as simple to install and maintain and preform as well. The triumvirate.

[MSwiss]

IIRC, Camen even had a polymer motor bushing.

Epoxying or Loctiting one of those in the can end seemed like a real leap of faith to me. LOL.

[Robert BG]

S.O.Watt, while I agree with you these did give a very small advantage for me when I used them and they would work well in a project I have. I had results just a few ticks slower than if I was running ball bearings.

 

M.Swiss, Yeah I dont think I'd use one in a can myself either. Sometimes they would pop loose after a wall shot and while rare it wasn't game over like it would have been if installed in a motor. I think I had it happen twice over the time I used them and during a race a dab of super glue was all needed to fix things between heats.

[Bill from NH]

Anyone know what polymer material was used for the Camen bushings? Is it available in rod lengths? 

[Cheater]

Bill,

 

FWIW I am pretty sure they were molded, not machined from solid. The material was a dark grey in color, like there was a good bit of graphite in it. No idea what the actual polymer was...

 

What I liked about them was how light they were.

[MSwiss]

I might be wrong, but I doubt Joel would have invested in the tooling to get them molded, especially for two sizes.

[Cheater]

I agree, but I'm pretty sure they were molded by someone. I specifically recall trimming the nub left by the mold 'tree." I also remember the material was a tiny bit "streaky," like the mix wasn't completely... I dunno, homogenized.

 

Looked around in the garage to see if I had a sample left, but no joy.

[MSwiss]

I'll defer to you.

I can't honestly say I ever had one in my hands.

[Robert BG]

Anyone know what polymer material was used for the Camen bushings? Is it available in rod lengths? 

 

I have one left in the rear of a old chassis, I wonder if we could figure out what they were made from by it?

[Bill from NH]

I had seen some years ago at Lou Pirro's raceway in Schenectady, NY, but never actually bought them.

We could try asking Joel.

[Cheater]

We could try asking Joel.

And I have done so, using the email address in his Slotblog registration from almost ten years ago... Now just have to see if he replies.

[S.O. Watt]

Machined, not molded.

[Ramcatlarry]

Want to try something else to use, look for a rod of "Rulon"... reddish, this material was used in food industry for greaseless bushings (likely not high load) and also sold by a slot company for carbon fibre axles.

[Robert BG]

I was just going to add that they look like they are machined.

I wish I could show how the axle spins in my one chassis.You would swear it has a set of so so ball bearings and not bushings.

[Cheater]

In my defense, I was working from at least 20-year memory... LOL. Tonyp said it earlier today... getting old sucks...

[MSwiss]

I was just going to add that they look like they are machined.
I wish I could show how the axle spins in my one chassis.You would swear it has a set of so so ball bearings and not bushings.

 

Still, too many downsides to make them practical for competition.

[Cheater]

They worked OK for Stock Flexi years ago, but in general I agree.

[Robert BG]

I used them in BoxStock 15 and 15 A without too many problems.Although I have to agree with you for the most part because I did have a few problems and we are only talking about a dozen races or so per season for both classes combined.Chances are a  normal bushing would have been zero issues.

Honestly the last thing you need in between heats is to have one fall on the floor while changing tires  A lesson I leanred the hard way.

Although I'd still give them a shot again if I could

[S.O. Watt]

I have these NOS ones for a reason. I didn't like them.