V-Groove Bearings

[widgitmaster]

I have spent a little time in AutoCAD, trying to make a nice XYZ Gantry Router using V-GROOVE bearings and V-Rails. It's a nice design that incorporates two different size bearings, 1/2" Acme screws, and Bronze nuts for the Y-Z axis. My first thought was to make soft Tool Steel rails, until I locate a supplier of hardened steel rails!

This design is very strong and compact, as the distance from the T-Slot slide block to the back plate is only 2 5/8 inches! I have not decided if it will be made of steel instead of aluminum, as it does seem to be optional choice!

As with the problem of debris on the round linear rails, I looks like these V-Bearings will also present a challenge to keep them clean! Hopefully, I can come up with an idea that incorporates little felt blocks to wipe the rails prior to entering the bearings!

This is just a prototype, and nothing has been made or ordered for this project, but I do see myself completeing it!

Widgit

http://www.yi-tong.com/yi-tong/W-Guide-Wheels.htm

To be continued. . . . . . . .

[ger21]

Originally Posted by widgitmaster As with the problem of debris on the round linear rails, I looks like these V-Bearings will also present a challenge to keep them clean! Hopefully, I can come up with an idea that incorporates little felt blocks to wipe the rails prior to entering the bearings!

Bishop Wisecarver claims they are self cleaning. Here's a quote from the "Questions" section on their website.

Why does the DualVee wheel have an inherent self-cleaning property as it rolls along its mating track? The differential speed of the outer-most diameter of the wheel and the point of contact of the wheel and the track creates a wiping action as the wheel rolls, which sweeps away the debris.

If you look in their catalog, they do make felt wipers, which also supply oil to the rails.

[Edison4]

Cool design. The bearings seem to be manufactured in China. Are they available to purchase in the US?

I know Bishop Wisecarver bearings can be purchased in the US, but their prices are quite high. I suspect these Chinese bearings & rails might be less expensive.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Edison4 Cool design. The bearings seem to be manufactured in China. Are they available to purchase in the US?

www.cadcamcadcam.com

[GVlcek]

Two things.

1) Please make sure and do some calculations as to what kind of loads your bearing structure will be seeing. The Bishop Wisecarver bearings are excellent for radial loads (as you have designed them in) but are terrible for moment loads or any loads parallel to the axis of rotation.

2) They are self cleaning as the outer radius or ribs on the wheel do tend to wipe the rail as they move down the rail before the center ridge comes into contact.

I apologize for the including this but please contact me if you need Bishop Wisecarver bearings or information as I work for a authorized distributor in Colorado.

[GVlcek]

http://iptech1.com/cat/cat_index.php?menu=mfg&sort=bwc

[dertsap]

the vgroove bearings are a great way to go , the simplicity involved with designing rails with minimal amount of parts and bulk make them worth their weight in gold ,i'm in the process of adding them into my design , the bearings are riding on angle iron and i can t get over how solid everything is ,well worth having

[widgitmaster]

Thanks for all the links to V-Groove bearings and rails!

I have just ordered 72" of V-Track, and a slab of Acrylic 8"x36"x2" thick! I plan on making the whole unit out of plastic to prove it out, prior to making it of metal!

Widgit

[Jason Marsha]

Originally Posted by widgitmaster Thanks for all the links to V-Groove bearings and rails! I have just ordered 72" of V-Track, and a slab of Acrylic 8"x36"x2" thick! I plan on making the whole unit out of plastic to prove it out, prior to making it of metal! Widgit

This should be very interesting. We await your results.
We expect a daily progress report.

Jason

[edo]

I'd be interested in knowing the prices for the Wisecarver bearings and the track. Personally, I thought $12 per wheel at IMService was expensive - they add up quick. But then again, I'm comparing this to the cost of the skate bearings on my JGRO.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by edo I'd be interested in knowing the prices for the Wisecarver bearings and the track.

About $25-30 per wheel. You can get prices (and order) on their website. www.bwc.com

[wcarrothers1]

After using them on my machine I'm all for v grove.. So continue..

I think it is the cheepest way to go for making the long runs of larger machines

b.]