Darren,
Granted an air bearing attachment is, in theory better than a plain bearing but I do have to wonder just how many who repeat what they have read have actually used one ?
I have seen designs on the web where because of design limitation they will not work any better than a plain bearing, which is in fact how they are operating but the owner reckons thay are the best thing since sliced Warburton's.
I personally can't compare as i have never used an air spindle, however when i did my apprenticeship all the machining apprentices used to have to run the gauntlet of tool and cutter grinding.
In fact they had to do all of it as T&C grinding didn't pay bonus as as we couldn't earn bonus we got the lot, and whoa betides anyone who shagged a cutter or reamer up.
We used a motley collection of machines, Clarskon's Alexandria's and many more with no name on them. Most had served through two World Wars, seven earthquakes and even an uprising of the Women's Institute, [ Huddersfield Chapter ]
All had plain bearings, all were shagged but they could still turn a good job out with a little skill.
Personally I feel that there is more crap talked about tool and cutter grinding than any other home shop subject. It's one of those no win situations as everyones needs are different.
Anyone fancy telling a Quorn owner it;s crap as it doesn't have an air spindle ?
