80/20 linear?

[plain ol Bill]

Have any of you used the 80/20 linear bearings with their extrusions for x&y axis's on long run (10ft. x 5ft.) tables. I am planning a plasma table and that seems like an easy out versus having to mount tails etc. What do you think folks??

[mxtras]

I would not recommend the use of those. They are guides, at best - far from a 'bearing'.

Scott

[zabink]

Bill,

Scott is correct. These bearings are not designed for precise linear motion. Especially on a 10' x 5' bed. They have a tendency to bind and are very hard to align.

Regards,

[gth629e]

Bill,

Adding to what Keven said,

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 your building a CNC router, feel free to check out our site, www.cncroutersource.com to supplement the great resources here at CNCzone.com.

Regards,

[plain ol Bill]

thanks folks - you saved me some $$$. Now back to the search for affordable linear.

[ahren]

I just released a line of affordable linear bearings on my website specifically made for 8020 systems. Feel free to check the product announcement thread here:

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48749

Maybe they'll work for your machine.

Best regards,

Ahren
www.cncrouterparts.com