20mm Round cradle for open thomson bearings

[simso]

Okay,
Im chasing a way of mounting for my x and y axis round 20mm shaft, reason I need support is for the lengths of the axis's x 1100mm y 830mm.
I have a few options but no access to parts in aussie land except via net and cost for shipping from the US. I can get a length of 3/4 cradle by 24 inches from thomson suppliers in the states for reasonable price, and cut this down into litle saddles to support the lengths say every 200mm. The other option is to use a straight 10mm flat bar and machine a groove in the top for the lengths,sit the round into the recess and spot weld the ends Has anyone done this previously or knows of a cheap supplier for full length saddles
Any helps apperciated guys

[Zumba]

Before you invest any money in this stuff, I must say that Thomson round shafts/bearings and copycats are just about the worst choice of linear rails for CNC machines... IMO of course. They're good products, but after figuring in:

1.) the cost of full shaft support
2.) the cost of a drilled and tapped shafting, and
3.) the cost of pillow blocks...

you've definitely overshot what it would've cost to buy rigid linear rails and blocks in the first place... Hiwin (new) or THK (used off Ebay).

Some Advantages of THKs/Hiwins:
1.) Naturally self-supporting.
2.) Pre drilled and counterbored.
3.) Far more load capacity for any given size.
4.) Same load capacity in any rail orientation (HSR model or equivalent)
5.) Steel bearing blocks rather than aluminum.
6.) Better dust protection.
7.) Significantly shorter profile.
8.) Easier installation.


I know from experience that drilling/tapping hardened round rods and making my own supports is an absolutely massive PITA. Drilling 60Rc rod will kill carbide drills very quickly.

[PlasmaGuy]

I agree with you Zumba.

Zumba, please check your PM.

Tom

[simso]

Totally agree with you as well. Linear rails are the way to go but people have been paying stupid prices latley on ebay, trust me Ive been watching for a while now