Shapeoko Idler

thingiverse

An idler pulley compatible with standard ball bearings, similar to those supplied with Shapeoko, can be used. For dual-drive Y axis operation, an additional set of idlers is required, as inventables currently has no stock. Creating the part from scratch is possible and requires 16mm OD (size 625) bearings on a 5mm shaft. You will need two 625ZZ bearings, one M5 bolt (length depending on your application), and a shim washer. Print the parts, ensuring that the thin portion has at least two shells. Assemble the bearing-washer-bearing sandwich and insert it into the idler part. It should fit snugly but not too tightly. If needed, adjust clearance parameters for easy assembly or use masking tape on undersized bolts to prevent deformation during installation. Both -ZZ and -RS bearings work well with this design, requiring slight loading before turning on the bolt instead of the bearing itself.