Doug H,

I just posted a response (to Doug R) re: "distributors". Based on
your post, you will prob'ly find it familiar :-)

>The ten foot length requires continuously supported rails with open
>bearings. The aluminum support extrusions cost more than the rails.

Greg Pettingill and Dennis Bohlke (at Super Tech) have used metal
filled composites to attack this (and other) problem(s). One of their
ideas for supporting "thomson" rails is shown at the super-tech site.
Under roborouter construction, I think. It may give you some ideas.

What is REALLY ridiculous is that the 3/4" tall Trapezoid support
costs More than the 1.5" tall Tee support !?!

>> 5) Present yourself as an INDUSTRIAL user! Who will be buying a LOT
>> of stuff! Not as a home shop guy making "one machine for my
>>garage"!

>We are an industrial user, though not big enough to command good
>pricing. However, the local Motion Industries rep has given us some
>good deals lately. I guess he knows I'm consulting with a major
>corporation and have friends in high places. A little name dropping
>couldn't hurt.

>I tried for years to get a McMaster catalog, and though I was
>spending over $1000 a month with them they wouldn't send me one.
>Then a client (ABB Corporation - 215,000 employees) called them on
>my behalf. Got one the next day.
>Doug

This is EXACTLY the type of short-sighted-ness that is costing SOME
distributors their livelihood in these "internet, straight to the
consumer" days! The "middle-man" HAS to add something of value or
He/She will die...