    
Wayne Cordrey
Registered
Username: Waynec
Post Number: 3
Registered: 07-2006
| | Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 04:34 pm: | 
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I've got a PR shopbot that I'm preparing to rebuild. I mangled the gantry with a poor quality weld job, so I now need to replace the gantry While I'm at that, I'll install a new Z axis, a new controller, and new X rails. I'll also stiffen the steel table by installing some bracing on the X axis.
My question is whether to use BWC rollers like the currnt bots do, or upgrade to HiWin rails. I understand the BWC system and its benefits, but I'm wondering if the HiWin design will provide more rigidity and prevent lifting during drilling and Z axis operations.
It is precisely because I'm not rich that I consider this. If dirt were dollars I'd buy maybe a Tech Isel for 50K, with servos, ballscrews, and THK linear rails. But since I do have a budget, I think the HiWin rails will give me performance close to the $50K machine for just a couple thousand dollars. Seems like good value to me.
BWC would be far less expensive, so its very attractive too. But to me the comparison is with the machine whose performance I'm trying to get to- the $50K machines. Not to shopbots, good as they are. In a sense, using the HiWin rails saves me tens of thousands of dollars, because I won't have to buy that more expensive machine.
Maybe the BWC rollers/rails will do the same, and save still more money. But have my doubt about how rigid a motion system is using these components, and how it deals with Z axis motion.
Tell me before I spend money. Is the BWC rail/roller system adequate and reliable? Does it provide performance equaling that of the $50K linear bearing machines?
Somebody straighten me out before I spend money here.
Thanks Gerald for an excellent forum. I want to share my shopbot upgrade experience, but the SB forum is not really the best place for it.
Wayne from White Salmon
So, |
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