I'm not trying to be a jerk, but please read what I originally posted in the original post:A typical ball bearing has an inner race on the ID and an outer race on the OD. Your dial would be dragging on both of them. For a ball bearing to work in a thrust application it would have to be one designed for thrust like the one KD4 posted.
They are configured just like a typical roller (needle) thrust bearing with the race on top and bottom ... not on the ID & OD."should I be using ball thrust bearings"?
And my follow up post:A needle is thin whereas a ball bearing is thicker and may leave you with a lead screw that's too short.
For your info .437 for thrust ball vs .261 for needle bearing with one thin and one thick washer. The thick washer is not needed, but give me room to get the needle bearings tucked in a recess to help avoid contaminants.In this location, I have plenty of depth room for the ball bearings.
Thanks guys. I am quite familliar with needle thrust bearings ... not so much with thrust ball bearings. I have these protected from swarf etc the best I can, however they are not in a sealed environment. But that is what gor me thinking. Are ball thrust bearings less impacted by swarf/crud.? These will be in a difficult to oil area (hmm ... maybe I can work in a small oiler and passage). In this location, I have plenty of depth room for the ball bearings.
Unless I hear other opinions, I will continue with the needle bearings, and see if I can't squeeze in an oil passage.