World's Finest Trimmer bearing stiffness

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Picked up a World's Finest Trimmer for 223 a few weeks ago. Works very well as far as I can tell but with one issue.

The bearing seems to be stiffer than I would expect. It does not grind or feel like it has any flat spots but there is more resistance to it than I would expect. Put it this way: the bearing would not work in a fidget spinner!

The bushing often rotates with the tool rather than remaining stationary with the case being trimmed. When the busing rotates with the tool it leaves scuff rings around the outside of the case. It seems to take a lot of pressure on the case to get the bushing to reamin stationary.

Just wondering if this sounds like a problem with the bearing or my technique.
 
Fidget Spinners have had the grease removed from them
Do not get them wet with water = rust

your unit will work in overtime =(get better)

it will be worse if it cold
 
I have the same .223 version. Has been easily able to turn it since new.

It does not need to 'work in' - it's a sealed 1623-RS bearing with the case insert pressed into it.......

If the bearing is stiff and the centre rotates around the case then there is something the matter with the bearing. Try contacting LGW
 
The WFT bearing is a little stiff and will not free wheel like a spinner. The center should not rotate around the case , so either your bearing is too stiff or your technique is not correct.
A call to WFT support will help you out.
 
Did you ever repack a wheel bearing and try to spin it?

When you spin a wheel bearing that has been cleaned and is grease free it will spin like a top.

You have grease packed in the WFT bearing and it will turn a little stiff.

Is there a chance you have brass partials binding the bearing?
 
Did you ever repack a wheel bearing and try to spin it?

When you spin a wheel bearing that has been cleaned and is grease free it will spin like a top.

You have grease packed in the WFT bearing and it will turn a little stiff.




Is there a chance you have brass partials binding the bearing?


WFT uses sealed bearings , not much chance of contamination
 
WFT uses sealed bearings , not much chance of contamination

I have a .223 WFT and I know it has sealed bearings, but the directions tell you to clean the brass filings. I know this is mainly for trimming accuracy but if not cleaned regularly the buildup might effect rotation. I use a small stiff brush and canned air to clean the trimmer.
 
Did you ever repack a wheel bearing and try to spin it?

When you spin a wheel bearing that has been cleaned and is grease free it will spin like a top.

You have grease packed in the WFT bearing and it will turn a little stiff.

Is there a chance you have brass partials binding the bearing?

Ah yes, the sweet, sweet joys of repacking the rear wheel bearings on my 93 Dodge Shadow. Many a spring and autumn afternoon spent with a bucket of bearing lube. Brings back the good old days, that does. Brings a tear to the eye and a sheen of grease to the hands just thinking about it.

Where were we? Oh, right: the WFT.

The bearing was stiff right out of the box.

I don't think I have shavings stuck anywhere. Learned after just a few cases that shavings in the bushing can result in inconsistent trim lengths, so learned pretty quick to keep the unit clean.

You are correct about the feel though -- turning it by hand, it feels almost exactly like it's greased.

Actually, just found this on Google: https://www.lily-bearing.com/ball-b...EGDOZR91RXeDyZkrU-IlJJVvy-f2nzGxoC634QAvD_BwE

Interestingly, this distrubutor notes that the bearings are indeed packed with grease:

1623 2rs Bearings is made of Chrome Steel and the bearing is pre-lubricated with grease.

My shop does tend to get a little cold. I'll bring the WFT to a warmer room and let it sit overnight to see if that changes anything.
 
An update:

Letting the WFT acclimate to typical room temperature did not reduce the stiffness of the bearing. Warming the WFT a little more over a floor register did not reduce the stiffness of the bearing.

Looked inside with a light and noticed some brass shavings in the unit, so blew them out with compressed air. No effect on the bearing.

Soaked the unit in some methyl hydrate (very quick-evaporating solvent) and that finally loosened up the bearing. I would not describe the bearing as fidget spinner loose, but it is certainly more free than it was.

Tried it out with some brass and it did not scuff the cases as it did previously.

Little Crow Gunworks has yet to respond to my email inquiry. Not a big deal but a little disappointing.
 
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