Linear ball bearings

thingiverse

The designs feature Mendel style linear ball bearings for DIY CNC mills with limited space, particularly at the Z axis. The low-profile printed ball bearing retainers have "inner" bearings halfway sunk in the base plate to keep assemblies low and ensure fixed bearing height. Adjustable upper bearings are included. A video comparing bush bearings and these linear bearings is available (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nL-CA5Fm8bk), along with more DIY CNC mill information (http://pleasantsoftware.com/developer/3d/2011/05/13/poor-mens-laser-cutter/). Two bearing sizes exist for 10mm and 12mm rods, so print the appropriate set. For each axis, you'll need 2 x bi-xx and 2 x tri-xx bearings. Assemble with 624 ball bearings, M4 bolts, and nuts; use M4 threaded rod for lower bearing axles.