Now, for the orbit fix!
As I stated before, the issue with the orbit is that the BNOD (blue nub of death) holder is able to rotate since its only one screw. That then damages the playfield when the orbit gets hit with a pinball.
If your playfield already has damage, you'll want to get a cliffy to cover it up. They only cost $6 plus shipping.
The top of the LOTR BNOD holder is a 4-40 through-hole self-clinching standoff, with a hex-width of .1875", and a length of 3/16". I could only cheaply acquire a blind-thread 5/16" standoff, which works fine, though you do not want anything longer than 5/16".
Stern also uses a 5/16" 4-40 undercut machine screw. If you get a through-hold standoff, 5/16" length works fine, but if you get a blind-thread, you'll want 1/4" or less length screw.
First step, you'll want to drill a hole for the second standoff. Don't make the same mistake I did. You'll want to use a punch to put a small dent in the metal so when you use a hand drill, the bit won't move around on you. I didn't and my initial pilot hole was a bit too low ->
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Luckily, a friend had a huge end-mill machine and was able to put the right size hole a little higher.
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The original top hole's center is about 3/16" from the edge. You'll want to go a little bit lower than that with your hole if you plan to put washers underneath your orbit guide.
If you are reusing your blue nub, you'll want to make a little indent at the bottom for your new standoff.
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And attached!
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Now its impossible for your BNOD holder to rotate.
I would still like to experiment with a different blue nub, though its not necessary. Stern Blue Rubber Bumper 626-5065-00 looks like a great option at 1-1/4" x 1" x 1/4". (as long as 1-1/4" is the height).
I was about to use JB weld on the new standoff...but there is enough tension created with the rubber from the BNOD that its actually not necessary, so I'm going to leave as is.
Next, you'll want to put your cliffy on. Use the alcohol wipe, and then the cliffy has double sided tape on the bottom of it to hold it in place.
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It was a bit of a pain getting the washers into place (5 #8 washers), but once I taped them on then it was MUCH easier.
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The idea behind the washers, is that the end of the orbit guide can still scratch your playfield too (though I had much less damage from that vs the BNOD holder). The washers raise the orbit slightly so no further damage is possible. Or...rubbing against your new cliffy.
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One thing you'll want to check if you use washers, is clearance with the lower screw and a pinball. Mine was very close, but the screw doesn't touch the ball. If yours does, you'll have to take the washers off to lower the orbit guide.
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Now, I went ahead and bought extra standoffs and screws just in case someone else wanted to do this fix. I only have 7 pairs left, but PM me if you want them shipped for $2 (that's at cost) and I'll put them between some cardboard and put them in a normal envelope to you.
Best of luck to everyone!