July 8, 2016

Previously we were using steel 624vv v wheel bearings (and the family of 6–vv bearings) that were low cost and worked well with our machine, but we found that the small amount “wobble” in the bearings was translated into good-but-not-as-good-as-it-could-be performance.

So we started testing out Delrin V wheels you can find on a lot of other machines. They look like this

and with the two bearings sandwiched together, eliminates that “wobble” we were finding in the other bearings.

These wheels will also come with eccentric nuts which means you can adjust the tension (or preload) on the wheels against the rails.

Previously we were hesitant on using these types of wheels because of their higher cost, but we’re excited to share that we have found a supplier who is offering them at a very affordable price. There is a small increase in our BOM, but we believe that it is worth the extra cost to bring you higher performing machines.

Expect to see faster milling rates on harder materials like aluminum, as well as better finishes on the milled parts in the time to come!