80/20 Linear Motion Bearings

[MoneyB]

Has anyone used this type of bearing to make a router? The bearing is made by 80/20 Inc. and uses UHMW instead of bearings. I'm not sure of the accuracy of this type of bearing though.

I'm fairly new to this forum and, after reading for about a month, have had a few failed attempts at making my own router. I would like to buy some 80/20 to build my table, but have been trying to decide on bearings and motors etc. I saw these on eBay and wasn't sure if they have the tight tolerances that are required with this type of build. The main use of this machine will be woodworking, but I can't say that I would never try to mill aluminum.

This is my first post by the way

Thanks in advance,

B

[gth629e]

B,

First of all welcome to the CNC router community. Now you have the CNC bug and can't get rid of it lol.

As far as the bearings go, I would strongly recommend against using these bearings. They are made for simple linear motion. It is almost impossible to build and accurate machine with these.

I bought several just to try. I am a big fan of 80/20 for structural purposes. However, if you want a decent machine I would use another linear motion setup.

The bearings slide freely enough when by themselves. However because of their limited tolerances, they tend to bind when paired.

After hours and hours of shimming and adjusting the UHMW panels, I did get them to work for a while but after a while they started binding again.

I have seen them implemented successfully, but they simply aren’t made for the kind of precise linear motion of a CNC machine.

Especially for the first machine, I would look for an alternative. It is even possible to implement other options for the same price or close to it.

If you are building a CNC router then check out the site that I am working on with my coworker Keven. www.cncroutersource.com

There is a free builder’s guide there that can help you. Although it is not all loaded yet as the site is still young.

However, we are both engineers and do offer free consultation on designs and will help with any problems as much as possible.

Anything from materials selection to helping you find the cheapest parts. We are both very active. Although, I will probably be banned for telling you about it lol,

We are not trying to keep you from these forums. In fact we encourage it.

Anyway, keep the questions coming and feel free to get some other opinions.

Brian

Brian@cncroutersource.com

[MoneyB]

Brian, Thanks a ton for the information. That was exactly what I was looking for, someone that has attempted to use these in a build. I wasn't too confident, but wanted someone elses opinion on them. I'll keep searching for a solution. I believe that I have looked through the site you listed and it was very inspiring and informative. Thanks again for the input.

[gth629e]

B,

No problem. Keep up the research and let us know if we can help in any way. We update the website daily.

Of course, CNCzone.com is a wonderful resource as well!

I will keep up with the posts.