Alternative to drawer slides

[Pantagruel]

While I was at Harbor Freight Tools a few days ago, I ran into some ball-bearing rollers for $0.99 each and installed them on the bottom of my cradle.
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/ite ... egoryName=
The 5/8" can hold up to 55 lbs., the 1" up to 110.

[univurshul]

That is indeed a reduction in weight. But it looks like structural 'guides' are required for this if the goal one or two directional vector(s) on gravity-fed applications only.

If weight is a concern, I've located aluminum slides here: (http://www.jonathanengr.com/light-duty- ... -c-44.html)

[spamsickle]

For me, weight wouldn't be the concern. I'm using my scanner outside, where dust and grit is a concern, and I've found that slides tend to stop sliding over time in that environment. I'm just using wheels now, the kind that are used in closet doors and patio doors, and they seem to work fine.

My concern with the ball bearings is that I don't see how you're putting them in a track. The cradle should only move from side to side, and I don't understand how you're preventing it from moving forward and backward as well.

[univurshul]

For me, weight wouldn't be the concern. I'm using my scanner outside, where dust and grit is a concern, and I've found that slides tend to stop sliding over time in that environment. I'm just using wheels now, the kind that are used in closet doors and patio doors, and they seem to work fine.

My concern with the ball bearings is that I don't see how you're putting them in a track. The cradle should only move from side to side, and I don't understand how you're preventing it from moving forward and backward as well.

Maybe we should approach with a cylinder-tube-and-sliding-collar-movement design; like a wanna-be hydraulic bar without the hydraulics. The collar is made of plastic nylon and doesn't use ball bearings or grease to move freely (maybe a little white lithium grease if any; I've seen these sliders operate 'dry' too).

[Pantagruel]

For me, weight wouldn't be the concern. I'm using my scanner outside, where dust and grit is a concern, and I've found that slides tend to stop sliding over time in that environment. I'm just using wheels now, the kind that are used in closet doors and patio doors, and they seem to work fine.

My concern with the ball bearings is that I don't see how you're putting them in a track. The cradle should only move from side to side, and I don't understand how you're preventing it from moving forward and backward as well.

There are two strips of wood in parallel to guide the base. The outside edges of the bearing housings ride against the inner edges of the strips. You can barely see one at the bottom of the uptilted base in the photo. The base can be lifted easily from these "rails" or outer guides that capture the assembly and prevent forward and backward movement.

[Pantagruel]

I forgot to mention that Harbor Freight also sells tool-box liner for about $2.95. It consists of a 2' x 1.5" sheet that is just the right size to cover the cradle.

[daniel_reetz]

Pantagruel, are those single sheets or a roll?

[Pantagruel]

Sorry for the long delay in responding. It's a single sheet, packaged rolled up.

[univurshul]

Here's the latest linear guide rail I'm using on the systems I build: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 235wt_1008

THK FBW/FBW2560R Linear Bearing Guide Slide Rail Pack

Weight: 1.01 lbs/ 458.1g
Weight w/2 carriages: 13.5 oz/ 382.7g

I only use 1 guide rail w/2 carriages spaced on a fabricated bracket collar off the scanner's spine.

22"/560mm guide rail

All other specs in the URL link are accurate. I like that the tracks can be cut to length, and they supply each track with 3 carriages.

Although the carriages can become dirty over time, they are very easy to remove, clean, re-grease and re-install. A serviceable linear slide.

On vertical lift systems (or when mounted on their sides), I recommend removing the slide periodically and rotating the carriage 180 degrees back into the guide rail to control even wear over the life of the carriage. (The carriages are symmetrical).

I am looking into dry aluminum linear guides next. If anyone's ever used these, let me know. Application: vertical lift platen assemblies.

[Innov8r]

Harbor Freight Tools changed their website, here is a working link to the roller bearings mentioned by Pantagruel.

5/8" Roller Ball Bearing Item # 67067
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-8-roller ... aring.html

Description of Harbor Freight 67067
Build your own mobile base and roller work table.
* Multidirectional
* 5/8" diameter steel roller ball bearing


Alternately, we might be also be interested in a pair of cylindrical Rollers so it only rolls left and right, not the other ways.

12-1/2" Roller and Bracket Set Item # 30026 Manufacturer: Pittsburgh
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-1-2-hal ... 30026.html

Description of Pittsburgh 30026
Attach to sawhorse or other surface and make your own roller table.
* Avoid the high cost of roller stands by making your own
* Features chrome polished roller, steel bracket, two holes for mounting
Roller diameter: 1-1/4"
Roller length:12-1/2"