Hi..
It looks like everybody is making cnc routers with ball bearings for the linear motion.
But why ?
Isn't it possible to do without ball bearings for linear motion ?
Flat metal on flat metal with a lubricant in between ?
The bridgeport and sherlines mills do it this way.
Is this more difficult for hobbyists ?
Or are there other problems ?
Without ball bearings would be a lot cheaper.
You would need more motor power, but how much more ?
With ball bearings the contact area per ball is very small.
All the balls together still have a small contact area.
Without the ball bearings the pressure would be spread over a much bigger area.
Which would cause less wearing out.
Could this be done with ordenairy steel on steel ?
Or should this be a special metal ?
Which lubricant would be best ?
How flat should it be ?
Should it be highly polished ?
Is there a name for this methode ?
Would make it easier to search the internet for it.
I hope you can enlighten me with your knowledge.
I find it a interesting question, which wil not leave my mind for a while :-)
Thanks.
Vroemm.