Linear Slides & Screw Stores

[2_many_hobbies]

I have been looking all over for prices on linear rails and screws/backlash nuts. I find literally hundreds of websites but not a single one with bloody prices! I imagine they are quite reasonable since you can get a 40in rail with two slides for $40 on ebay...

Im looking for 2x12in rails & 2 slides on each, 2x18in rails & 2 slides on each, 2x6in rails & 1 slides on each, 1x19in screw (1/2in 10-20tpi), 1x13in screw (1/2in 10-20tpi), 1x7in screw (1/2in 10-20tpi). Such measurements would yield a 8x11in working area but without prices its just a thought, with a full gantry I can remove 16+in of rails and reduce the table size for even more cost savings.

The ideas from HERE guy must have used about $400 in aluminum from the looks of it.

I would consider using pillow slides and such if they where alot cheeper.

Also does anyone know a good website for buying bearings? Im making a high speed spindle with changeable tool posts and would like to compare bearing types and prices. I know high speed ceramic bearings can get upto $30 each but their should be hundreds of alternative types <$5

Well, Thanks ahead of time!

Oh and where does everyone get that crazy square c-channel aluminum framing stuff from??? Im in Vancouver and have never been able to find it... It would be useful for many projects in general...

[hoss2006]

Homeshopcnc carry a couple sizes of Linear Guide Rails.
Ebay would be cheaper though.
McMastercarr of course too. search for Linear Motion Guides.

[2_many_hobbies]

Wow they seem cheep when they say $3.65/in but oh god it adds up VERY quickly absolute cheapest would be $460 (4x12in + 2x6in, 4 slides) Ive found some randoms on ebay for the same amount would be around $200 so much cheaper.

Any good sites for bearings? Im thinking of a way with bar & square stock and bearings to make my own slides for possibly quite cheaper as 1/2in x 2.5in x 12in 6061 AL is only $5

[hoss2006]

Another source you could check is MscDirect.
Doesn't look like cheap stuff but lots to choose from.
Reid Supply has over 5000 types of bearings so they may have what you're looking for.
You've probably seen Nook's website for the linear stuff but you have to request a quote.

Oh and where does everyone get that crazy square c-channel aluminum framing stuff from???

Do you mean the t-slot extrusions from 80/20 Surplus?

[port_huon]

Any good sites for bearings? Im thinking of a way with bar & square stock and bearings to make my own slides for possibly quite cheaper as 1/2in x 2.5in x 12in 6061 AL is only $5

Have a look at VXB. Good prices and service.

[Thazul]

Don't forget about Automation Overstock, they have all those surplus new stock Hiwin rails/bearings.
I just went there and apparently they have a 20% off all bearings until the 1st.
3.5 hours left? Sorry I didn't see this and shoot this over sooner.

Best regards,

Andy

[2_many_hobbies]

Thanks for all the replies guys (I was away for the new year)

Automation Overstock has some good prices for linear slides, VXB & Reid where exactly what I was looking for when it comes to bearings.

Im still thinking of making my own slides and was trying to locate dovetail cutters. LMS has 1/2 - 3/5 60deg HSS Dovetail cutters but I was trying to find something in the size of 3/16 - 1/4 45deg Dovetail cutters so I can easily make my own slides & rails with a jig.

Thanks!