Why not just use impregnated, sintered bronze (Oilite)?
Rust would probably be an isue with a steel bearing, unless it is heavily greased and sealed. If you can find a sealed bearing that will fit, that may work okay for many years. One thought that occurs to me is to look into wheel bearings for marine trailers. They may have something that is highly corrosion resistant for salt-water use.
I do think that an OIlite bearing would probably work fine for several decades and not need lubrication or maintenance. I've seen old machinery that was out in the weather for twenty years or more with Oilite bearings that were still as good as new. Your vane isn't going to have high rotational speeds so I'm not at all sure that you have any need for needle bearings.
I'm surely no engineer though. Ries Niemi might be able to offer some good advice on this topic. If Ries says it, you can prettymuch take it to the bank, as long as it isn't concerning music (I mean hey, the guy admits to listening to punk rock in his shop!) GRIN
Why not just use
Why not just use impregnated, sintered bronze (Oilite)?
Rust would probably be an isue with a steel bearing, unless it is heavily greased and sealed. If you can find a sealed bearing that will fit, that may work okay for many years. One thought that occurs to me is to look into wheel bearings for marine trailers. They may have something that is highly corrosion resistant for salt-water use.
I do think that an OIlite bearing would probably work fine for several decades and not need lubrication or maintenance. I've seen old machinery that was out in the weather for twenty years or more with Oilite bearings that were still as good as new. Your vane isn't going to have high rotational speeds so I'm not at all sure that you have any need for needle bearings.
I'm surely no engineer though. Ries Niemi might be able to offer some good advice on this topic. If Ries says it, you can prettymuch take it to the bank, as long as it isn't concerning music (I mean hey, the guy admits to listening to punk rock in his shop!) GRIN