linear slide idea

[uscra112]

In answer to the original question - yes Prazi (Germany) still use a round bar with a flat on it for small lathes. This was a common construction for watchmaker's lathes going way back into the misty deeps of time.

Not really very good, IMHO. The asymmetry of the cross-section will tend to make the bar warp during heat treat. And it would also warp during grinding if ground from a heat-treated bar, as the internal stress is relieved asymmetrically.

Stick to the commercial way bar designs - they have MANY years of experience behind them! I speak as one who has been around way-grinding in the machine tool industry for a good many years.

[noid]

You're absolutly right just finished one bar and the darn thing is like a snake. I machined the flat on it and whaamo right off the mill she was bent. SOOO I think I might try another method to produce cheaper rails. I've hear of cold formed flat bar and bearings being used and this may be another alternative. I'll keep everyone posted.

[Fred in NC]

Glen, have you posted a pic of a machine that uses the Igus rails? I looked at the site and looks good. I need it for the y axis (gantry) and I am planning to use an 80/20 crossbar as a base. Thanks !

[mikeschn]

I know it's been a while since you've written this, but I was hoping you had some photos of the machine you built with the Igus W rails...

Thanks,

Mike...

Originally Posted by BigDaddyG Some alturnatives to the standard Thompson type rails: You may want to look into Igus Dry lin rail systems, far cheaper than the thompson and actually superior in quality. I have been using them now for years, and have many in production as well as some home shop use. (www.igus.com if your interested, I have written about these many times) Another one, is Pacific Bearing. They make a square bearing and rail that also works great. I have many machines out there still in production after many years. If I had to suggest one over the other, I would go with Igus. They actually fasten right to Aluminum Extrusion, have tremendous loads and capacity's and are very cheap. I have been using the DryLin W Guide System on a series of Custom Lathes (3-axis cnc with 2" Dia. capacity) and these babys work great. I hope this helps. Good Luck, Glen

[yukonho]

I am just about to begin construction on my IGUS equiped router.
I found out the other day that the guy I was going to get to CNC the parts for me is on vacation until August 3....
The good news is that the design is finalised, finally. I will probably abandon using IGUS slides on the Z, but I am sure they will be perfect for the x and y.
I will be sure to do a build thread when the time comes. In the meantime, I am going to work on the control panel.
This machine will be swank and I am excited to get it finished up.
Colin