[randyf1965]

How well do you think a rail based on the Dave Gingery Lathe design would work?

I ws thinking 2" wide CRS mounted to a 1" steel tube or u channel of some sort with a bearing like this (copied from Dave's Lathe manual).

The upper part could be cast any size needed, the lower section has a piece of key stock riding against the side of the flat crs rail using the set screws to remove any play. Maybe using UHMW on the bottom of the bearing (on top of the CRS) would allow it to freely slide.

I guess I need to see what is inside a regular linear bearing. Are there ball bearings? or what?

[jcc3inc]

Sir,

What will you be using this rail for? Is it a lathe or mill? How fast does the carriage move? I have used cold drawn flat with ball bearings for my router.

Regards,
Jack C.

[randyf1965]

for a router