supports for ballscrews

On a short ballscrew, less than 300mm for example, does the floating bearing serve any function and can it be omitted?

The reasons that I ask this are that there is often no support on one end of a leadscrew on small lathes and milling machines; also, I would like to avoid the extra work and oportunity for error if I can omit the floating bearing.

Thanks,

Mike.

Mike,

On a very short screw turning slowly enough then it can usually be omitted. The main purpose of the floating bearing is to control screw whip, which you wont get at 300mm unless you are using a very thin screw (<8mm) and spinning it >4000rpm!

Thanks Irving, my plans have just moved far enough forward to start ordering parts.

Mike