I've been debating linear mechanisms for the Z-axis on the machine I'm building (finally!!!). I've been leaning towards linear rods and bearings from VXB. But the cost, though reasonable, has been holding me back. And I'd really like to have supported rails... which ties into the issue of cost. After reading another thread, I've decided to head into a different direction...
I found some IKO rails on Ebay for a price far below that for the VXB package (photo attached). They are "IKO Linear rails 24" by 16mm high 40mm LWLF42B". Just bought them minutes ago... I must admit that I don't know much about this style of rail, as far as the strengths and load limits. But I thought that I'd take a chance. The rails are wide (40mm), the bearings are larger than the light-duty stuff I've seen... and I picked them up for $87 with shipping. Anyhoo, my plan is to use the two bearings on one rail, which I'll have to trim a bit to fit my design. No worries there...
So do you think this setup will work? Or will I have to go shopping for another set of bearings and run the rails as a pair?
Mike