re: machine ways

Bill,

Not on purpose! Sliding is the WORST thing that can happen
to "rolling" ways (linear and/or ball bearings). In fact, there have
been MANY techniques used over the years to prevent the rolling
elements from sliding... Things like the "gothic" arch, different
sized BB's, odd number of BB's, "traveling" bearing holders (used in
crossed roller linear bearings and also in drawer slides)

And physics is physics. To increase load carrying ability, you need
either more AREA or HARDER MATERIALS/surfaces, making plane(sliding)
bearings the champs, UNTIL friction is considered, which is why we
have rolling bearings... Ya jus' don't get sumthin' fer nothin' :-)

Hope this helps.

Ballendo

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Bill Vance <ccq@x> wrote:
> Yo Ballendo;
>
> Has anyone ever combined both slide and roller type systems?
If 'twere done
> right, it seems like it could improve things in a number
of, "ways", like
> improved movement/friction, adjustment, (just crank it a little
tighter), load
> bearing, and etc. :-)
>
> Bill