Building a CNC Machine Part 3

Here I try out a proof of concept idea. It's the Poor Man's Linear Motion Guides! I call it "poor man" because I use double skateboard bearings (44 cents each) versus V groove bearings ($10 each) I'm sure I'm not the inventor of this idea because everything has been done by someone else before.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• linear motion guides
• cnc

[WildSideLittle]

I think is a good idea, What about backlash? I hope it is the right word, I mean : Does it move? If yes, Do you think there' something to eliminate it?

[alanator25]

@WildSideLittle Thanks. No it didn't move at all. I tried to get the upper and lower bolts as close together as possible. When I put the carriage on the square tube it was a little tight because it was pushing those bolts apart ever so slightly. I decided not to go with this idea only because drilling holes to mount the tube at 45 degrees might not be so exact. I'm doing 6 bearings now around a square tube that lays flat. I need to post another video! Time to get off the pot!

[joojoo1234]

I decided to spend money and buy the real deal...

[joojoo1234]

I thought of this as well but the problem is mounting the whole rail... the angle is at the bottom and while it can be done of course it seems that makes the whole idea problematic... what was your solution?

[koncertLive]

@WildSideLittle backlash is eliminated on your lead screws!!!! This is your gantry rail.

[MTHKITEBOARDS]

I tried that too with skateboard bearings, worked great for about two weeks then the bearings started to break down and not spin anymore, because the way they sit pushes the bearings sideways too, then they break down. I just used the cheap skateboard bearings maybe the better ones would last. They have something like v groove bearings at lowes for sliding glass doors that work great for cutting just wood, but have to much play for cutting metal.

[baloneyjazz]

Hey, that's cool. That would work with aluminum angle as well as square. (even less material).

Food for thought.

[jbrunsonjr]

Crap - I don't know why your vid's aren't showing up on my daily list. :( Oh well - I'll just have to keep checking back! Anywho, that is freakin awesome man - good thinking on it and I bet it will last for some period of time - the track should wear out before the bearings.....