Ball screws and linear rail

[mike2768]

Helle everyone, I'm just starting to source all the parts i will need for a cnc router build. I need to know where the best (Cheapest) place is to order ballscrews with the ends machined & where to get the linear rails from (not the round type). I live in Ontario Canada. I will try and post up my design tomorrow as i'm at work now. My machine will have an working area of 22-24" X 30-36" made from 2"x2" 1/4 wall aluminum (table area), and 2"x3" Aluminum for the gantry. This machine will bolt together. I'm making it in section in order to be able to change things (make bigger) if need be. So if there anyone that can help me out, that would be great. Thanks

Thanks again, Mike

[amplexus]

Check ebay, a good place to look for rails and ballscrews, keling has pretty cheap steppers and power supplies, and gecko makes great drives. You should have a great machine; ball screws and rails are an excellent start. Take a look at the steel and aluminum machine Haydn built (search the forums) his inlay work is fantastic.
amplexus

[ger21]

Best price for ballscrews is here. And, they'll machine them too.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/linearmo...__W0QQ_armrsZ1

[mike2768]

Thanks guys, amplexus i bought my stepper and controller from that guy you mentioned. The stepper are either385oz or 425oz i can't remember. The steppers and controller is being used on my X2 mini mill (way to small of a machine) thats why i'm building a bigger one. I've seen a few cnc routers built with the spindle and motor from an X2, i plan on trying it. I have the belt drive conversion on the spindle so it's around 4900rpm range. Again thanks guys. Oh ger21 have you tryed these ballscrews from that seller from ebay. Also are the round supported type rails ok to use. I may try the 20mm ones. what do you guys think.

Mike

[amplexus]

I'd go with the 20mm rails, 1" thompson rod with full support is almost as good. Try automation overstock for the rails. Beware of used stuff as some are junk.
Amplexus

[stevespo]

Are you using square/rectangular aluminum tube stock? Is this going to be stiff enough for your application? (I don't have a good sense for how stiff this is, just asking).

Have you considered 8020 extrusions? They're T-slotted for mounting rails, brackets, etc. The ends are pre-drilled for tapping. This might be more money than the tube stock, but I would bet that it's a lot stiffer and would go together faster with much more room for adjustment.

When you say CNC router, I think "wood cutter". What will you be cutting? Wood, aluminum, plastics? You know what your application is - but an X2 spindle at 4900 RPM is (IMO) too slow for cutting wood. It will work, but will be slow and the surface quality will suffer.

15mm rails are a reasonable size. I used these on my 8020 build a few years ago. It's the same size as the one you're planning. The 20mm are also a great choice for the extra beef.

In progress - 8020, linear rails, ball screws, steppers

Steve

[ger21]

I'd go with the 20mm rails, 1" thompson rod with full support is almost as good.

Why are the larger 1" shafts "almost as good" as the smaller 20mm shafts?

[amplexus]

Usually linear rails have better specs than thompson rod but either can be good. I think you will find 20 mm profiled linear rails will carry more load than 1 " round especially if the load is lateral, less deflection.
Amplexus

[amplexus]

mike
If you are cutting wood or plastic an industrial duty wood router might be a better choice, Milwaukee makes a nice one not too expensive Milwaukee 5625-29 3-1/2 HP Production Router Motor with Electronic Variable Speed, Feedback Circuitry and Soft-Start is one I like.
Amplexus

[ger21]

Sorry, I thought you were saying both were round rails.

[mike2768]

Hi All, I'm guessing 15mm rail (HIWIN type) will be big enough for this type of a machine.

Mike