Using X-Channel For Rails Good or Bad Idea?

[meat]

I've got three nice, straight 10' aluminum x-channel pieces that I'd like to use for rails instead of round tube. I've attempted to search to see if anyone else has tried this, or what kind of solution I can use for wheels or bearings, but unfortunately 'x channel' gives me every instance of 'x' and 'channel' in the forum.

The cross section looks (more or less) like the attached image.

Any help?

Your pal,
Meat.

[spalm]

Mr. Meat,

Welcome to the Zone.

It seems like most people around here don’t like aluminum for rails. It’s too soft and will wear fast. Also little cut off bits can get embedded in them which make for a bumpy ride. Never tried them myself, you never know.

It looks like you are describing 8020 extrusions. Try http://www.8020.net/ or their eBay store at http://stores.ebay.com/8020-Inc-Garage-Sale if you want more info.

Steve

[Bruggles]

look at the router with 8020 bearings in this forum, I think it is sticky, so it should be at the top.