December 14, 2020
Description
I couldn't find any good solutions to making a big linear rail, which I wanted to mount a whiteboard to for my office. I wanted around 60" of travel, so the whiteboard could go across the whole room.
I rate each of the wheels (in properly printed ABS) at ~200lbs without a problem, and the rails below will only deflect .06" with 60" of travel at that same loading.
If you are looking to carry more than 200lbs per rail span/wheel, or 200lbs/200+ for a distance longer a bit longer than 60", leave a comment, would love to see how much interest there would be in a heavy duty linear rail system.
Parts list from McMaster: around 188$, (144$ for 4x rails)
Link 1" aluminum Pipe
Link 18-8 Jam nut
Link Mirror Aluminum Plate
Link Washer
Link M8, 45mm long hex screw
Just add your favorite 608 bearing.
Attached is the drawing for the plate I used, and the .STL file if you wish to print it. I would print the plate with 100% infill as it will be in tension.
Also added a rod support part. No idea why this is so requested. Are people hanging tool chests on these?
Use long screws for the rod support, 2-3" should be ok, mounted into either studs or anchors. The part is sized so you can hit a single stud with both screws.
Pipe joiner included, in case you don't want to order single long rails. The joiner has a .5 degree taper, so I would suggest printing it mostly solid from ABS, then using a rubber mallet to install.
License:
Creative Commons - Attribution