Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Bishop Wisecarver linear slides

In a message dated 12/19/2002 10:02:59 AM Central Standard Time,
lloyd@... writes:

> The type of linear slides I'm thinking of using are the DualVee linear
> tracks from Bishop Wisecarver www.bwc.com <http://www.bwc.com/> they are
> moderately priced [a few hundred Canadian dollars]
>
> I am not affiliated with BWC in any capacity. I just found their system
> very simple. I would like to hear from anyone their thoughts on their
> products.

Lloyd: The DualVee stuff is very precision, and "well-made" (and BW is VERY
proud of their stuff! Don't you mean, "many hundreds of C.$???). I built
two plotters for a CNC purpose, using BW DualVee for the longer X-axis
(Thomson "Super" linear ball-bearings for the Y-axis), and it is very fine,
but WOW! Over $400 US for the two 18" ways and six "V wheels" with studs?

I wish now I had investigated THK or the like. There are some ROLLER-type
linear bearings and ways which I think would be better suited to the kind of
forces in a lathe, even one cutting only plastics, etc! In the BW DualVee,
all the force is transmitted to just two "lines" on the V about 2 mm long,
not much "steel-to-steel". With some of the linear bearings using special
four-groove "ways", there would be MANY bearings making contact, and with the
roller-type (THK as well? I forget, now.), there would be much more support.


Seems if there's "room" to install ways of this kind, there'd be room to
install some kind of "substitute ways" that the PRESENT saddle could ride on!
Sliding "V-ways" support much more force for longer than even the best of
the above. The only indications for ball- or roller-linear bearings would be
where you need as close to "friction-free" as possible, or "best precision,
but with NO load-force to speak of" (such as for optical applications, or
office-machinery, etc.). Or, for "build it from scratch"
application-specific "one-off" machinery, NOT "retrofit".

Lotsa luck! Jan Rowland


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