Is V-slot available in lengths longer than 1500mm ? Could I custom order lengths from the parts store? I am looking for V-Slot 20mm x 80mm in at least a 1800mm to 2000mm length to work on longer wood projects. Is there an accurate and reliable way to join two sections together to create the length I need ? Should I be considering doubling the side rails to gain more rigidity and accuracy for the longer lengths I need? Any help or info from members would be appreciated. Thanks, Mike
Hi Mike, I am in the UK and ordered vslot @3m and cut it down myself for my project, you can never gaurantee that the factory will give you the length to the mm, vslot will cut with a metal blade on a chop saw quite easily. I drilled through the side of my Y axis vslot and screwed it to the spoil board, seems to me it should be tough enough. Ordered an extra X axis vslot to strengthen the X axis up and intend screwing together through either end with Ox plates which should stop the movement, right now it it doesn't cut true, too much torque or deflection. Hope this helps. Steve.
How great of length of V-slot you can get is pretty much a function of where you are. The length from Openbuilds in the US is held to 1500mm as this maximum the supplier could guarantee proper tolerances and quality control. A European supplier offers lengths up to 3m. If you're beyond either of these locations, you may be restricted by what the postal system will allow which in some cases may be as short as 1m. As far as joining and doubling, doubling may actually be the best way of joining. While a suggestion for joining longer lengths was provided here in the latter half of the post a while back, the subsequent addition of 3d printed doubling pieces to the reference section has opened up some better possibilities. A combination of the two should provide both smooth flow and proper alignment across the joint. For longer lengths of side rails, consideration should also be given to intermediate supports along the length of the rails as shown here to prevent lateral deflection of the rails.
Thanks for the reply. I live in Canada and am currently looking for a supplier . I think I may be restricted to the 1.5m lengths currently offered from the open builds webstore. I will have to modify my designs.
Thanks for the reply . I will be sticking with the 1.5m lengths , and will be designing using your advice on doubling rails. Thanks again for your time.
Hi Steve, Been Googling a while now for European distributors who can deliver V-slots of 2 to 3 meters but so far I'm coming up empty Can you share your distributor please? Thanks in advance, Michel
