DIY THK style linear way truck...

This is a project I have started, and I am first conceptualizing. I'm looking for a decently priced truck on ebay that I can buy and model. I have been all over the net, and have not seen anyone atempt this type of linear way. I don't know if I'll do the caged ball design, but will definetly figure out what's involved. I have an IH CNC mill, but I want something with linear ways that I won't have to worry about doing really small stepovers on molds and wearing the ways away. I'm still working out whether it's cheaper to find some on ebay, or to build them. I would probably still buy the rails, seeing how those are hardened and ground. I just can't wait around forever for a good deal to pop up on ebay. Plus, I have to compete with all you guys when they do! :) So I thought this would be an intersting project. I'll post some DXF's later of what I have, and then any input or advice would be much appreciated. I'm going to go for the style where two rows of balls are on the top and perpindicular to the rail, and then two on the side which would be perpindicular to the rail also. I will get into my ideas about how to build them in a later post.

JMHO, but I think it would be a waste of time. How do you plan on making the rubber seals?

A 20mm block from Hiwin is about $40, so a set of 12 is just under $500. How many days of effort will it take to successfully construct all the blocks?

Economically, it would be wiser to get a part-time weekend job at the local home depot (worst case scenario). Two weekends and you have the blocks paid for. I don't know about you, but I sure as hell cannot get twelve quality blocks made in two weekends, starting from nothing.

I'm doing something like this: http://jwstolk.xs4all.nl/i/lineair_bearing.png
red = fixed frame ( http://jwstolk.xs4all.nl/i/cnc_2006_9_10a.jpg )
green = moving table
yellow = rail, 30 mm OD drawn rod, H9, VK45, non-hardened.
the table will be supported on 6 points (4 corners + middle), using the 4 shown bearings at each point. that's 26 bearings to fit (and adjust!) it's going to be a lot of work....
the rail is supported every 180mm using two pieces of M8 thread. (that's another 52 things that can be adjusted...)

I just installed the first rail today, but it's going slow (mostly because I don't spend a lot of time on it)
I think building it yourself is only an option if you don't make it adjustable (and live with the lack of accuracy) or when you particularly enjoy making thinks and have a lot of spare time. :-)

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Originally Posted by Zumba

JMHO, but I think it would be a waste of time.

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For me and many it's the journey that is the interest. The challenge, simpler mousetrap.............:wave:

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Originally Posted by pminmo

For me and many it's the journey that is the interest. The challenge, simpler mousetrap.............:wave:

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Aint that the truth :yes: I learn something every day and if people open their eyes and look, then even if it doesnt work they too will have learned :banana:

That is pretty much what I had in mind, the pursuit of knowledge. I will have to buy a few of the trucks just to solid model them and completely understand how they work. I'm not saying that I'm going to put them in production, but I love building things, and I think these could be a worthwhile project. If I was in this hobby to make money, or even break even, I failed a loooong time ago! :) I will have some sketches and ideas up soon.