[3Dsigns]

I ordered some linear "v-groove" rails for the hotwire foam cutter I'm building but they won't fit my 80/20 extrusions.
So, I'm considering making my own out of cold-rolled steel flat bar by grinding a 90° point along the edge of each rail. Since the travel of my x axis will need to be 10.5', would it be feasible to butt join two rails to get the length? If I place a spacer at the joint to make sure they are flush it should work, no?
Thanks

[langwadt]

I ordered some linear "v-groove" rails for the hotwire foam cutter I'm building but they won't fit my 80/20 extrusions.
So, I'm considering making my own out of cold-rolled steel flat bar by grinding a 90° point along the edge of each rail. Since the travel of my x axis will need to be 10.5', would it be feasible to butt join two rails to get the length? If I place a spacer at the joint to make sure they are flush it should work, no?
Thanks

I think you would always get a problem at that spot,
Maybe if you do the joint at and angle and grid it after it is assembled or use three wheels on each side ?

[3Dsigns]

Thanks!

[eigstein]

If you are going to grind CR steel to get 10-5 rails . why not buy 12-0 lengths .

sincerely ,

eigstein

[3Dsigns]

Thanks
That's what I'd rather do.
Do you think they can ship them without bending?

[dmalicky]

I'd look for a local metal supply house. There should be at least one in every metro area. Usually they have better prices than the online stores, and no shipping costs. Standard steel bar stock is usually 12' long. Tubing is 20'.

Some ones I know of...
Sheet Metal Suppliers Los Angeles & San Diego | Metal Phoenix | Industrial Metal Supply
Ryerson - Locations
International Distributor of High Quality Tool Steels, Specializing in Tool Steel Cut to Size: Southern Tool Steel: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Or try google on "metal supply" or "steel supply" with your nearest city.