buildlog.net

Rather than listing all the common large companies or linear bearings, rail, lead screws etc.... here is a site that might be of interest to some of you. Haven't check out their prices, but worth a try.

http://www.nookindustries.com/ProductsHome.cfm

Richard

This site is fantastic for low prices in small ball bearings. They also have a great selection of linear bearings, rails etc.
Great service and good prices. Worthwhile checking these guys out..... VXB Ball Bearings
I've purchased all kinds of bearings from them and fast service as well.

http://www.vxb.com/

Richard

Boca Bearing

http://www.bocabearings.com

I thought it would be worth mentioning that Stock drive products ( http://www.sdp-si.com/estore/default.asp ) carries V Groove Track and V Groove wheels. Their metal V Groove wheels are a bit pricey, but the nylon wheels are very economical.

The V Groove products are hidden inside the “Miscellaneous” section.

Here is a link to get original bearings for USL Lasers. This was post by Lasersafe1 in another thread.

http://www.engraversnetwork.com/store/l ... rings.html
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V Groove Bearing and Track

Modern Linear . http://www.modernlinear.com/components.html

The price is higher than VXB but they do sell pre-drilled track which may be handy.

I was looking at my double height fold back bearings on my Z and had a thought. That might just work as a v-groove wheel. I prototyped it and it is pretty solid. I was worried about the bearing slop bowing out the bearings, but it does not appear to happening. I used ABEC 7 bearings, but they only cost about 50 cents each in bulk at VXB. The bearing or rail might wear funny over time, but the bearings have a soft round edge so it might not be a problem. It is simply two bearings with a washer between them.

That would take $90 worth of v groove bearings down to about $10.
.

Awesome discovery! Now I can get that nagging thought out of my head! I found myself searching the bearing sites way too often.

On a similar subject, I did have one idea that could pan out if someone wants to try it. You could make a plastic injection mold that fits a skate bearing. You could then use a tabletop homemade injection molder to inject a plastic or hard rubber around the bearing with the desired V shape. A lot of work, but it might make a very nice (and quiet) grooved wheel for riding the V track. You then sell your $0.50 bearings for $3 each and everyone is happy.

Kind of like this guy, who must be a really avid golfer....or a really bad golfer who loses a lot of tees.