[krazatchu]

Hey ppl...

I've been sourcing parts for a gantry router build on the cheap...
Pretty much have everything figured out except the linear hit a snag today...

I was leaning towards a supported round rail system ...
I have a local source for round that is pretty cheap, not hardened, but precision and about $10/ft ...
Then I got a price for the aluminum T extrusion rail support that was $25/ft...
The recirculating ball trucks I can find for about $10 a piece...
However, It looks to me like I'm approaching the price range of square rail now...

So I'm looking for suggestions and advice on the square vs round ...
Should I cut the T support up and space them along the rail?
Would a simple bar stock work for a rail support?
Or should I forget the round and go with square...

Thanks,
Michael

[leggazoid]

http://www.glacern.com/sbr

Is this any cheaper?

[Eurisko]

Good deal. Plus, the rails are hardened and (I would assume) already drilled and tapped for the supports.

[krazatchu]

If it weren't for shipping & import taxes, it would be a great deal for me...
I'm in Canada, I'd better update my profile to reflect...

For comparison, the 940mm set is about half the price of what I have found so far...
And it's hardened and already drilled and tapped/assembled...

I believe the max. length for packages is 1.05 meters, the package weight & postage cost are going to be limiting factors...

I'd better look around some more for cheaper rail support...

Thanks!

[Eurisko]

As you previously stated, the rails don't have to be supported along their entire length. If it saves money, cut the supports and space them along the rail.

Not as rigid as fully supported rails, but they should be fine.

I would be more concerned with using non-hardened round rails. The ball bearings will probably wear tracks in the rails.

If you can get square linear rails and trucks cheaper, that would be a better option.