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Which wood is known for its density and was historically used to make bearings in mechanical machines?

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Which wood is known for its density and was historically used to make bearings in mechanical machines?

#1

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girl-1836401_1280_620.jpg
I couldn't find stock art for a wooden bearing. :)

Question 1

Which wood is known for its density and was historically used to make bearings in mechanical machines?

  1. Lignum Vitae (8 [88.89%])

    100%

  2. Oak (0 [0%])

    0%

  3. Maple (1 [11.11%])

    13%

  4. Birch (0 [0%])

    0%

In total voted: 9

Guest can't vote.

Re: Which wood is known for its density and was historically used to make bearings in mechanical machines?

Edited #2

I don't know the answer they're looking for but early farm machinery used maple for sure.

Added later 21 h 24 min 13 s:

FYI
woodbearing_622.jpg

Re: Which wood is known for its density and was historically used to make bearings in mechanical machines?

Solution #3

admin

Lignum Vitae is a remarkable wood used in wooden bearings due to its unique properties. It is the world's densest wood and has been utilized for over 100 years in various applications, particularly in marine and hydroelectric settings[1][2].

Properties and Advantages

  • Hardness: Lignum Vitae scores 4,500 lbf on the Janka hardness scale, making it about three times harder than hard maple[3].

  • Self-lubricating: The wood contains natural oils that provide self-lubrication, eliminating the need for external lubricants[2][3].

  • Water-resistant: It performs exceptionally well in submerged or ground-contact applications[3].

  • Durability: Lignum Vitae bearings routinely last 20-30 years in service[1].

  • Environmentally friendly: As a water-lubricated solution, it eliminates the risk of oil pollution in marine environments[4].


Applications

  1. Marine: Used for propeller shaft bearings on ships, including nuclear submarines like the USS Nautilus[2][5].

  2. Hydroelectric plants: Employed in turbine bearings since the 1920s[2].

  3. Water treatment: NSF/ANSI 61 Certified for use in drinking water system components[4].

  4. Industrial: Suitable for various manufacturing applications, including as replacements for maple wood bearings[3].


Lignum Vitae bearings offer reliable, long-lasting performance in harsh conditions while providing an environmentally superior alternative to oil-lubricated systems[1][4].

Citations:
[1] https://www.workboat.com/brand-partners/lignum-vitae-bearings-the-only-natural-water-lubricated-solution-with-decades-of-continuous-reliable-performance
[2] https://www.core77.com/posts/25224/lignum-vitae-wood-so-bad-ass-its-used-to-make-shaft-bearings-for-nuclear-submarines-and-more-25224
[3] https://lignumvitaesolutions.com/products/wood-bearings/
[4] https://lignumvitaesolutions.com
[5] https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/woodland-economics/lignum-vitae-a-wood-so-unique-it-was-used-in-the-first-nuclear-powered-submarines/

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