Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] welding linear shafts

Richard Spelling wrote:

> Considering that linear shafting, even Thompson, is reasonably priced unless you want mounting holes drilled and tapped...
>
> Any reason I can't weld mounts on the shaft? Assuming I take reasonable precautions to keep the shaft clean?
>
> I realize I'll be changing the hardness of the shaft with the heat... but how many cnc machines fail because the shaft isn't hard enough?
>
> I'm more concerned with the bending of the shaft caused by uneven heating, if I was to weld supports in the center of the shaft (for use with open bearings)

Yup, you're right, this would be a horrible problem to solve. The real linear bearing
shafts are centerless ground, and are extremely straight and consistently round
and to correct diameter. I can't imagine how you would keep them in that shape
after a welding process. Right around the weld regions, they'd be distorted, and
trying to straighten them would put all sorts of little bumps and ripples around
the welds. Why don't YOU drill the holes? You could use solid carbide drills,
or maybe even do a little heat treating right at the location of the hole to anneal
the rod.

Jon