Bearing mod

BEARING MOD.

This mod doesn't change the way the BS cooks a pie, but in theory should make it last longer. The way the BS is packed, the stop collar is set on the post so that it will bear on a piece of pipe welded to the upper section of the frame, which can be called a bushing..

This means that there is no moving part or washer between this bushing and the stop collar, which means the rotiss motor may have to work pretty hard to turn the platter. Many users decided to put a bearing on the platter rod just under the stop collar so that it will rest on the bushing and the platter would turn easily. Here is an amazon link Amazon

Or you can find it even cheaper here ,but it may take a while to arrive. ebay seller gilberthardwork

If you have already adjusted the height of the platter to a height you like, you may have to raise the stop collar a little to offset the bushing. Adjusting Height of Lower Stone

ALTERNATE - MOVING THE STOP COLLAR

One pretty observant user noticed that the BS actually comes with a bearing, and it is located on a lower support, which IMHO, is a better location, because it protects the bearing from the high heat of the burner. Two slight issues, if you keep the stop collar in the position it came in the box, the bearing that is in the lower support is no use whatsoever. Second, if you relocate the stop collar, it is a little tougher to tighten the stop collar, because you can't see it and have to feel for it. I moved my stop collar and am pretty happy with the results.

You can't take a single photo to show this, but this is the lower support bracket directly below the support assembly in the above photo.

To make this change, take the stop collar off ( 3 MM allen wrench ) then put the rod through the top bushing, and thread the collar onto the rod before it goes through the lower support assembly ( it helps to have three hands, - but I did it with two ). I then put a scrap of the right thickness on to the front opening so the platter will rest at the right height (Adjusting Height of Lower Stone ) , make sure that the square key can engage in the rotiss motor, then I reach in from behind the BS and tighten the stop collar. Yes it is a bit of a PITA, but you generally don't have to mess with it once you have done it.

VERSION 3

On version 3, BS has done away with the stop collar resting on a pipe, and instead, there are two ball bearings affixed to the shaft.

As a result, I don't think there is a reason to add a thrust bearing, The downside is the height of the lower platter is not adjustable.