Making you own DYI rail for linear blocks

[java77man]

With so many linear blocks sold with rails too short, or sold with no
rails, or the need to improve the lengths of items that you already own;
has anyone tried to cnc their own rails to match blocks that they have?

Is their a definite reason why this would not be possible?

Any thoughts?

java77man

[Switcher]

Originally Posted by java77man With so many linear blocks sold with rails too short, or sold with no rails, or the need to improve the lengths of items that you already own; has anyone tried to cnc their own rails to match blocks that they have? Is their a definite reason why this would not be possible? Any thoughts? java77man

Might need to harden & grind, after you machine the rail.



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[DareBee]

Of course it is possible.

To make rails of the some quality and precision will easily cost more than 10 times purchase price.
They are hardened and ground to within .0001"
Rails can be mounted end to end with a proper joining block and it will cause no problems.

[harryn]

The newbie in me was really hit tonight with why people here spend so much time thinking about home made rails / bearing setups. It does not happen often, but I was really hit with sticker shock on bearing prices - wow.

Kind of set me back in my chair on this hobby.

[Switcher]

It can still be done (cnc router) & be affordable.

You have to be creative in the parts you have to work with.

.

[PsyKotyk]

This is the hangup for a lot of people.

Round linear shafts are relatively cheap, but can't go very far without middle support. Combine that with the home-brew roller blade bearing setups, and you probably have something approaching the fluidness and tolerances of commercial linear bearing.. but you'll spend a lot of time dialing them in... and I doubt they can handle the same loads.

That's my plan for my next machine... hope to build it for under $200.

[dertsap]

check out some v-groove bearings , they are cheap and can keep a slide setup relatively simple

[luther]

I plan on useing 1" rod on top and bottom of a 3" c-chanel with roller blade bearing setups to spaned 96" should be strong and cheap