In my experience, you may need something with a slight give to it so the bearing is evenly loaded. Maybe 4-5 layers of electrical tape on the plate you've machined there, on the portion that comes into contact with the bearing.
Otherwise, the bearing may not be evenly loaded and could fail prematurely.
]]>Let me know if you end up needing replacement parts - I sell them at cost to people that have already purchased a Filastruder.
Check out this post:
]]>Anyway - I don't think your thrust loads are excessive. I think that the laser cut plates are not strong enough, especially if only one was used. Currently I use the laser cut plate backed by a steel plate.
You should be able to make a new plate (looks like you already have), heat up to 180C, and tighten the main bolts one turn at a time which will drive the auger forward, back to the proper spacing.
]]>So I have three questions.
1. Any ideas of what could have caused such thrust loads? This was with the original motor towards the end of the cleanout run. Contaminants had almost stopped. The temperature was at 185 and had soaked at that temp for more than 30 minutes prior to start.
2. If I can get the auger back down inside the pipe where it is suppossed to be is it ok to run it with visible markings on the motor end of the bit? Seems to me the important end is the nozzle end.
3. If its ok to run it again how should I go about actually getting the auger back into position. It has moved quite a bit and of course there is a large amount of plastic inside the barrel and auger. If it is not ok to run how can I go about getting replacement parts.
Thanks
]]>