Re: Flat as a (very precise) pancake...

Thanks Ian and Jon.

I might as well describe what I have in mind.

I am considering using a guide rail system manufactured by Bishop
Wisecarver Corp. called the Dua-L-Vee System for a small mill (~18"x,
~12"y, ~8"z). It seems very easy to set up each guide, once one has a
suitable surface to attach the rails to. A technician at BWC told me
that the rails aren't entirely straight while unattached to a
surface, however they have a precise alignment lip that ensures a
parallel guide system once attached to an accurate surface. In order
to get an idea of the over-all economy of this system, I need to take
into consideration the cost of creating a suitable "backbone" for the
guides.

Here is a quote from the Bishop Wisecarver Corp literature:

"The flatness, straightness, and parallelism of the plate or bar to
which the DUA-L-VEE track is bolted are what determine the accuracy
of the system. Cold finished or extruded bar or plate is adequate for
many applications. Greatest accuracy is obtained by using material
that has been ground flat and parallel on the mounting surfaces."

It can be seen at: www.bwc.com

Any thoughts or comments?

Thanks again,
Tom Murray