build your own linear bearing

[CNC Brute]

Anyone have a link for a build your own linear bearing using ball bearings?

I would definitely like to see if someone has imitated a Thomson shaft bearing using ball bearings and not "regular" bearings.

[jgro]

Try here http://www.buildyouridea.com/ He used to have his HBLB (home brew linear bearings) for sale. Send him an email, maybe he'll sell you some.

jgro

[Hobbiest]

He doesn't sell them any more, not lucrative enough.

[CNC Brute]

jgro,

I've seen that site before, but didn't have it in my book marks. But it also brings up two question

1. Why use bearings with a flat surface on tubing style shaft instead of square bar shaft?

I'll draw up my idea for DIY Thomson linear ball bearings when I get home tonight maybe you guys can give me an idea if it would work or not.

[Hobbiest]

CNC BRUTE,
Round shaft will allow cutting debris to stay on only a small portion of the surface compared to square tubing. As far as DIY Thompson style, all I can say is that in my own experements the bearings don't like to be fixed. They seem to need recirculating motion.