VXB Precision Shafting - can you drill and tap it?

[journeyonline]

I was looking into the VXB.com linear shafting they sell. Has any one tried to drill and tap it to strenghten the shafting for long spans like 4+ feet or more. They sell it up to 9 feet, its 60 rockwell hardend. I was told you can drill it with carbide. But how about putting a tap in it for supports?

Cost only $500 to do a 5x5' x and y axis.

Any users out there or suggestions.

[pminmo]

If you can drill it, you probably could use a non tapped post epoxied in trheaded on the other end.

[ja_ri123]

You can drill it but you need carbide drills. After you brake thru hard (~1mm) part it is pretty easy to drill/tap.

[Zumba]

I use a carbide spotting drill and then a 2-flute carbide "Hi-roc" drill.

The first time I tried using a cobalt bit. That was fun. The bit just floated on top spinning. When I raised the quill, the shafting didn't even have a scratch on it.

[Enraged]

check local suppliers as well, we bought 1.5" hardened precision shafts, 12 feet long, drilled and tapped, for CDN$940 with tax. they were packaged as NSK, and cheaper than buying directly from Nook. also, keep in mind that shipping 5 foot steel shafts wont be cheap, as well as having local support if something goes wrong, makes buying local even better.