Rack mounted to channel?

[giggler]

hi,

I'm considering using my new linear rails on a larger diy router. My steel supplier has parallel flange channel, not like the tapered RS flange a lot seem to use.

Anyhow I'm thinking of mounting my X rack (module 1) to the inner top flange of the PFC (as per the attached PDF).

Assuming my channel is not warped, is generally straight (hand picked), probably not true but good enough, you think it'll do? I know commerical builders tend to use aluminium top mounted but I'm using linear rails rather than bearings and don't want to VHB tape the rack so will have some adjustment via theaded mountings into the rack from channel flange (not drawn on PDF).

You get the basic idea no doubt, thanks in advance,

dc

[giggler]

uploaded this time...

dc

[privastoday]

I'd recommend using I-beam instead since it will stay straighter. If you pick up a 20ft section of channel laying it on the wide side, it will warp. This will not have to I-beam of equal weight per ft.

[scotta]

Go with the PFC. It will serve the purpose fine. Building a welded steel frame or bolted connection? Just remember that ANY steel section will bend when subjected to localised heating due to welding.

Scott (BE Aero Hons)

[giggler]

hi,

Minimal weld, leg bottom caps only on frame, mostly bolt together due to final assembled machine location. I also got a friend to weld the standard 2m racks end to end but have to say he wasn't to careful and while they are pitched correctly (welded on another rack as a former) - the teeth arn't aligned height wise, out by 0.3 to 0.5mm (15tho), however since the motors are spring tensioned, I hope this solves that issue.

The reason for using PFC was because I'd have a face to mount the legs on (large side of PFC) where as an Ibeam means I'd have to mount the legs from below. This adds other complications which I felt the channel solved, like the height of the leg channel wasn't fixed due to the cutting method of the supplier so any variation (1-2mm) could be taken up at assembly by over sized leg mounting holes to the channel pictured in the pdf. Ofcourse the feet are adjustable by thread so perhaps that isn't an issue. Everything weighs so much it's important because of assembly that the bulk is bolted and preferably by metal faces that already exist on each section.

dc