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Thread: Linear track needed
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9th July 2014, 03:36 PM #1
Linear track needed
G'day CNCers
I'm working on a project right now that requires a linear rail and carriage. At the moment this is a prototype that will hopefully be put into low volume in the future. I need to get at least 350mm of slide. I really like the Redi rail system, where the carriage bearings are covered and less prone to dust and grit, this attachment is for a linisher/belt grinder so dust and grit is an issue.
Redi rail is available from Small parts and bearings, but the cost is prohibitive, as it is most of there rails.
Can anyone suggest a supplier of such a rail that won't cost an arm and leg? I have a sample of Make a slide here but since the rollers are exposed i don't like its chances of holding up. Keep in mind i am only planning on using 1 track so it has to be able to cope with any twist, however most of the force will be across the track.
Cheers,
Ew1915 17"x50" LeBlond heavy duty Lathe, 24" Queen city shaper, 1970's G Vernier FV.3.TO Universal Mill, 1958 Blohm HFS 6 surface grinder, 1942 Rivett 715 Lathe, 14"x40" Antrac Lathe, Startrite H225 Bandsaw, 1949 Hercus Camelback Drill press, 1947 Holbrook C10 Lathe.
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9th July 2014, 06:33 PM #2GOLD MEMBER
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The cheapest linear rail is the type used in a sliding compound mitre saw.
If you can change your design to have two rails then maybe these will work.
If not then a single square rail and one or two trucks like this might work.
You might be able to use a quality drawer runner of the type with ball bearings.
Ingress of dust or swarf is a problem with any rail even though the first two examples have silicone seals between the trucks and rail. Try to incorporate a dust cover in the design which can be a bit of folded galvo sheet or a more elegant solution would be to make some bellows - plans are on the net.Cheers,
Rod
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9th July 2014, 07:42 PM #3SENIOR MEMBER
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BST Automation on aliexpress sell linear profile bearings at decent prices (hiwin and their own brand). These types of rails are vastly superior to any other if precision is required.
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9th July 2014, 10:44 PM #4
Thanks Guys.
I don't think i have the space for twin round rails. I have to work to existing linishers which means i need to make it fit! The square rail may work, and from BST i could do them for under $100 each which is what i want to stick to. The makerslide 500mm track and carriage cost me $68 or so....
Can the carriages be taken of the square rail and put back on at will? With an ally C section as a dust cover i can see that working, i think....
A version of this is what i am working on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTsWK2wH26Y
Cheers,
Ew1915 17"x50" LeBlond heavy duty Lathe, 24" Queen city shaper, 1970's G Vernier FV.3.TO Universal Mill, 1958 Blohm HFS 6 surface grinder, 1942 Rivett 715 Lathe, 14"x40" Antrac Lathe, Startrite H225 Bandsaw, 1949 Hercus Camelback Drill press, 1947 Holbrook C10 Lathe.
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9th July 2014, 10:47 PM #5SENIOR MEMBER
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Ew,
The carriages on most profile rails can be taken off with great care and it's best done as little as possible. They have recirculating ball bearings that are held in only by a loose thin single wire 'cage' (when off the rail). I've had balls go flying when I took a carriage off a rail too vigorously. Easy to put the balls back in though (if you can find them...)
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9th July 2014, 11:12 PM #6
Thanks Pippin. That could be an issue.
I did just find this Aliexpress.com : Buy Free shipment JB2 metal flexible coupling for high end mechanical joint from Reliable couple ring suppliers on Jinan Golden Bridge Precision Machinery Co., Ltd.
I figured there must be something like this on ali i just had to find it....
Ew1915 17"x50" LeBlond heavy duty Lathe, 24" Queen city shaper, 1970's G Vernier FV.3.TO Universal Mill, 1958 Blohm HFS 6 surface grinder, 1942 Rivett 715 Lathe, 14"x40" Antrac Lathe, Startrite H225 Bandsaw, 1949 Hercus Camelback Drill press, 1947 Holbrook C10 Lathe.
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9th July 2014, 11:19 PM #7SENIOR MEMBER
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That looks just like the stuff he's using. I suppose the only problem is whether it will have any play?
How precise is a linisher surface grinding attachment supposed to be? To me it seems it will always suffer because the whole of the abrasive does not traverse the whole of the work so a high point on the abrasive will leave a low point in the work.
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9th July 2014, 11:24 PM #8
I would hope the bearings could be adjusted (one on a cam?) so all the play could be eliminated.
Travis claims he can get .001" accuracy, he tracks the belt up and down for the final cut so no ridges are left....
I think any Knifemaker would be happy with .1mm or even more.
Ew1915 17"x50" LeBlond heavy duty Lathe, 24" Queen city shaper, 1970's G Vernier FV.3.TO Universal Mill, 1958 Blohm HFS 6 surface grinder, 1942 Rivett 715 Lathe, 14"x40" Antrac Lathe, Startrite H225 Bandsaw, 1949 Hercus Camelback Drill press, 1947 Holbrook C10 Lathe.
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12th July 2014, 11:06 AM #9
For anyone interested-The rails are made by Hiwan, the rail itself is US$56 a meter and a 3 bearing carriage is US$35. Plus shipping. Hopefully i will have some soon and i'll post what it is like.
Ew1915 17"x50" LeBlond heavy duty Lathe, 24" Queen city shaper, 1970's G Vernier FV.3.TO Universal Mill, 1958 Blohm HFS 6 surface grinder, 1942 Rivett 715 Lathe, 14"x40" Antrac Lathe, Startrite H225 Bandsaw, 1949 Hercus Camelback Drill press, 1947 Holbrook C10 Lathe.