8.15.update: I am in communication with a Chinese bearing manufacturer who makes U groove bearings. They may have to make one custom for me if it is affordable. If not, my friend will machine a part to slip on a normal bearing. I’m hoping for an answer tomorrow. 304 stainless, all parts.
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This is ‘without’ the seals , so you can see. This is far superior to any other linear bearing.
I like it so much I’m going to have to make it, since they want too much money for these suckers. 87 bucks a pop for each one w/3 wheels. I could have 12 of those made for all my axis for 1/4 of the price…so I will !!! unless Jetrail inc. decides to get real.
Now I’m totally against using flat steel. For one, it will not wear like round steel. I’m using 304 stock, dull finish, but not too dull. This is not something you can harden like carbon steel, but it will never rust either.
Everything I build in this cnc unit I’m making (see other videos) will be non-ferrous except for the nuts and bolts.
A simple way to make it last;
Make the center wheel adjustable to and from the shaft. This compresses all 3 wheels each having a U groove ofcourse.
I have a machinist friend who’s going to make up some metal rings for me that will fit around standard bearings, once I find the bearings I’ll use.
I’ll just slip the rings on, attach them to the mounting block, fasten on seals (not shown here) and fill with lube. The seals will be made to clip on using a single clip from opposite sides of the mounting block.
The seals are easily made by spraying on a mold release wax, letting it dry, then applying high temp rtv silicon, blue or red, then for looks , placing a waxed washer or something over the top. If you do this be sure to give the silicon a way to vent for drying.
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What NOT to do;
Do not try to machine bearings. They are case hardened (yes ferrous, sorry forgot to mention) and you make them soft by cutting them.
I could make 304 rings to attach, but for load purposes, it’s best to use regular steel and then send the parts in for hardening. x y and z axis will need 36 of these total.
Post time: Jun-21-2017