Linear Slides v/s rail slides

[bryanrabb]

I guess I am looking for more expert insight. The THK slides are so expensive, and from what I hear, so good. I haven't heard much (or looked much) about rail slides. I found some on ebay ( http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Shafts-20mmx60...QQcmdZViewItem ). I seem to be able to find more of these available then linear slides. Can anyone pro con me, or even let me know where a good source for either is?

Thanks

[ger21]

The ones you linked to are not the best choice because the rail is unsupported, and will flex. A better option is the open type with fully supported rails. But the price of those gets close to THK's. The cheapest place is Ebay, but you either need to get lucky, or spend months waiting for the right deal to come along, checking daily.

An alternative is the Bishop Wisecarver dual V rollers and rails, but those can get expensive as well. Chinese knockoffs at a much better price are available here. www.cadcamcadcam.com

[bryanrabb]

Ger, would you put a rail on the top and bottom?

[ger21]

With the V rollers? Definately. But if you look around here, you'll see people using them many different ways, many with acceptable results.

[Enraged]

watch ebay for deals, i picked up 3x THK HSR 26" rails with 4 carriages each, for $60/each. you just have to watch it like a hawk, and get ready to snipe the auctions.