So, I came-up with an idea for the rollers under the way rails to keep the TS down when drilling... What do you think of this? How about a heavy piece of band steel that would act similar to a leaf spring? I could mount the bearings/rollers to the piece and it would operate just like the normal locking plate but, it would have adequate tension to keep it flat on the ways.
Thoughts? Any ideas for a suitable piece of metal that could serve as a "leaf spring". I have proper heat treating equipment so, I could make something with a cutom temper. The piece will need to be about 3.5" wide and 5-6" long (roughly). Ideas about what would be a good metal to start with are greatly appreciated.
Ray
1095 or 5160 steels come to mind. 5160 is more fatigue resistant IIRC, but I don't think this is going to be a high cycle use, so 1095 would probably work fine. In fact, any high carbon steel would work. If you know what force you need, should be relatively easy to figure out what thickness/length you need.
I don't think the temper is that critical, basically you want to increase your yield strength so that the material doesn't deform plastically. You also don't want it to be too brittle. I think a "blue" temper with a rockwell hardness in the high 40s or low 50s is common for carbon steel.