Re: Best ball screw prices? (was: Ball screw load ratings)

Reid Tool has the 5/8 .200 screws for just over $1.00 per inch ($73.44 for a
6' screw) and 1" screws for $2.50 per inch. A preloaded 5/8x.200 nut is
$169.28 while a non-preloaded nut is $29.44. These prices are on par
with McMaster Carr's.

I'll check with HiWin tomorrow (never dealt with them) but barring an
incredible bargain I'll plan on buying the screw and non-preloaded
nuts from Reid. Why non-preloaded? First, their backlash is only .001 to
.005 inches. I know, I know - "you MUST have ZERO backlash" well, for
$50 I can find out. Get my system working, see what problems I run into,
and then I can always upgrade since the mounting is the same. I'm
sure I can sell the regular nuts if I have to.

Thanks to all who've offered their advice.

Jeff

> > > Does anyone have a source whose price is significantly (5%+) less
> > > than Thomson's? All I found so far is Reid Tool, and they're a few
> > > cents cheaper.
> >
> > Supposedly, HiWin has the best prices, or at least, very competitive.
>
> I got quotes on Hiwin for ballscrews and linear rails. The rails were half
> the price of Thomson. The ballscrews were cheaper than Thomson

from Motion

> Industries but still significantly higher than Thomson from

McMaster-Carr.

> For some reason, they are dirt cheap from McMaster-Carr if you stay

with

> 5/8, 3/4 or 1 inch sizes.
>
> Be forwarned that McMaster only stocks the 5/8 inch in 13/64 inch

lead now.

> You can get the .200 lead from MSC for about 25% more money - still

a

> bargain.
>
> Doug