Frequently asked questions
Actuators
What does T12x3 mean?
This applies to our leadscrews, the TR12 indicates that the scre is 12mm diameter, the '3' indicates that the lead screw has a pith of 3mm whis means that for each revolution of the screw the lead nut will move 3mm linearly
Are M8 bolts really that much stronger than M5 bolts?
Yes! but don't take our word for it, find an M8 bolt and compare that to an M5 bolt, you will see and feel the difference!
Why do you have different M8 bolts?
Assembly
WorkBee Linear Upgrade
What type of rail is used?
The proper guides to use are HGR15, these are 15mm square, and the carriages are the narrow type.
Can MGN rails be used?
Why are up to 10 linear rails required?
The rails are used as shown below:
To upgrade to linear and KEEP your existing leadscrews and nuts you need:
- Linear Rail set
- Linear Plate Set
- Extra X axis C-Beam
Linear Rail Set
X axis, 2 rails your X axis C-Beam length, 4 of carriages
Y axes, 4 rails, your Y Axes C-Beam length, 2 sets of 4 carriages, 8 in total
Z gantry, 2 rails, 240mm length, 4 carriages
Anti-Twist Set: This is what makes our kit the best available option!
X axis Anti-Twist Set, 2 rails same length as your X axis, 2 of carriages.
We also supply high quality rails, and HIWIN rails, if you require a quote send us your machine dimensions, X and Y, plus your address and email. The quote will include shipping which is why we need your address.
Linear Plate set
Custom linear plates, fit 15mm linear rails and 15mm narrow linear carriages with 26x26mm hole dimensions. Laser or CNC cut for absolute accuracy. Link here this set also includes the necessary bolts, spacers and nuts needed to attach the linear plates to the blocks / carriages.
Extra C-Beam
Same length as your current X axis
FAQ’s here
To upgrade to linear and CHANGE your existing leadscrews and nuts you need these as well:
SureGrip T8x8 / Tr8 Leadnut | Website (cncgear.co.uk)
Can the rails be butted together?
Yes this is possible, so for instance on a 1500mm length it is possible to butt 2 750mm rails together.
What is the Anti-Twist set?
This is what makes our kit not only the lowest cost WorkBee Linear upgrade available but also the best available. That is not a light claim. At the time of writing no other kit includes an Anti-Twist feature on the X axis, but this is absolutely necessary for any WorkBee kit to alleviate the X/Z twist that occurs, especialy on 1000mm and larger X axis kits.
What is part 6 in the parts drawing / list?
These are provided if you purchase our Sure Grip lead nuts, the plates shown are included in those sets and are used to provide the correct positioning of the lead nut in relation to the lead screw.
Can I use my original 8mm leadscrews?
Yes you can, but note the following:
Why are your rails upper and lower on the C-Beam instead of on the edge?
Very simple answer, putting the rails on the edge of the C-Beam increases the distance of the spindle from the X gantry, this makes Twist on the X gantry worse because the distance to the spindle is elongated.
What do I use to clean the rails?
You can use a scraper to remove the excess grease and a rag cloth then remove the fine coat with isopropyl alcohol cleaner or solvent cleaner.
What grease should I use for the blocks / carriages?
For greasing something like this: https://uk.rs-online.com/
How do I assemble the X gantry?
First, you need to be aware that the U channel can be orientated two ways.
Why choose the Roboteer Linear Rail Upgrade?
How do I align the rails onto the C-Beam extrusion?
You would normally properly align AFTER assembly of all components. I cannot stress enough that slow and steady is the best way to get perfect alignment, tighten one bolt at a time, check, repeat. For a quick way to align with some accuracy before full assembly see below.
The edge of the rail should be 2.5mm distance from the edge of the c-beam.
Insert Linear rail with bolts into the C-Beam, make sure all T-Nuts are seated corectly and the rail is flushwith the face of the C-Beam.
First end, measure 2.5mm from the edge of the C-Beam to the edge of the linear rail, slightly tighten nearest bolt.
Other end, measure 2.5mm, slightly tighten nearest bolt..
Repeat until happy that alignment is as close as you cant get.
Then tighten the middle bolt, work out over from this bolt, constantly checking the 2.5mm distance is correct.
How does the Sure Grip lead nut fit onto the X gantry back plate?
Returns
What happens if I want to return an item or order?
We offer a no quibble return, simply use the contact form and send us details of your order or send an email to admin@cncgear.co.uk. We will then contact you to organise the return.
Shipping
Where do you ship from?
We ship most items direct from our main address in the UK, however, heavy or long items that we supply such as linear rails or ball screws may be sent direct from our supplier(s) in China or USA.
Will I pay tax on my order?
This is dependent on your countries customs procedures. Most goods are sent from UK, but some items are shipped directly from our suppliers, these products are clearly marked as sent from China, USA etc.
Do you ship to (country)?
We can ship worldwide, if you are unsure about your country then please do contact us.
Payment
What payments does the store accept?
We accept, credit or debit cards and paypal (which we recommend using)
Can I pay with a cheque?
Unfortunately we cannot accept cheques, our bank does not have this facility.
Still got questions? Contact us>