I'm curious if anyone here has thoughts on utilizing something like MGN15 linear rail and carriages for a 3000mm Y axis rather than V-wheels? I've seen a few builds done that way here and I like the looks of it from many standpoints, but since I've never laid hands on a rail system like that and I do not have any experience with them, I do not have a point of reference for how it might work out. My curiosity is simply based on what I 'think they might' be like. I suppose my big concern is dust getting into the bearings and becoming this on going maintenance hassle... Just looking for some experience and input on that. Background: I recently built a 1500 x 3000 mm machine that is somewhat of a hybrid between the LEAD machines and an OX design (it has a 1500mm tension XL lead actuator for the X, 250mm lead for the Z, and OX plates running on 2080 V-slot rail for the Y with belt drive). Its been a great learning experience and I'm actually surprised with how happy I am with the results it is producing. My expectations were much lower than the result that I got, but now my desire for what I want from it is at a higher level than the reality... It seems to be more fun to me building it and working on it than it is using it. As I have gained knowledge and more confidence in all this, I already have some upgrades planned for it. I'm going to move to rack and pinion drive on the Y axis and have been working on a design utilizing the AVID R&P system. I am also going to have new plates made for the Y axis that allow be to use a double C-beam gantry. While I'm at it, I started debating moving to the linear rail and MGN15 carriages for the Y axis. My reason behind this is I'm concerned about the typical OX plate with V wheel set up when I start getting into the large heavier gantry with the double C-beams.. I'm just not sure the juice is worth the squeeze on the linear rails.. Thanks for any input!
