9' long linear motion solution

[pcloches]

I've been looking for an inexpensive 4x8 table for basic plywood/HDPE routing for a while, and have yet to come up with anything. A basic K2 runs for about 11k shipped, which is not out of the realm but seems expensive for how basic it is.

So, I've been on the search for 9' linear guides for side rails for building a table, and have yet to find anything other than an unsupported shaft which won't do.

How do the 8' tables handle this length? I assume there are two smaller units bolted to a plate and carefully aligned. Are there any particular units I should look, for which can easily be joined in this manner? I assume the ends would have to be very precise for this to work.

Also, any thoughts on the positioning for this size table? I'm thinking a belt near each rail connected to a central shaft would be sufficient for the material I am working on, but help is greatly appreciated before I shell out bucks on something.

thanks in advance!

[ahren]

pcloches,

If I might suggest, check out our rack and pinion system and linear carriages -- with some extrusion, cold rolled steel, and commercially available rack, you can fairly easily create an axis up to 12 feet in length without having to splice anything, and longer axes with careful alignment of racks. There is video of the system in action here, and lots of of our customers have built 4' x 8' and larger machines with these systems:

http://www.cncrouterparts.com/produc...products_id=50

Best regards,

Ahren
www.cncrouterparts.com

[bobgerman]

The alignment of the shorter rails are not all that difficult. Belt or...you might want to think about a rack and pinion to drive it. You could put a rack on each side and one drive shaft to drive both pinions (also one motor & driver). I've recently been introduced to the "Roller Pinion" by Nexen [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWGmWSA9k-w"]YouTube- Nexen Roller Pinion System[/nomedia] . I think I'll use it on my next machine.

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Bring your wallet.

Dick Z