SK8 Aluminium Shaft Support for 8 mm Smooth Rod

SK8 aluminium end support for securing an 8 mm smooth rod or linear shaft to a surface parallel to the shaft direction. Its split clamp locks the shaft with a clamping screw without requiring machined shaft ends.

Nominal SK8 dimensions

• Shaft diameter: 8 mm.
• Base width: 42 mm.
• Depth: 14 mm.
• Nominal shaft centre height: 20 mm.
• Approximate overall height: 32.8 mm.
• Mounting-hole spacing: 32 mm.
• Mounting-hole diameter: 5.5 mm, suitable for M5 hardware.
• Shaft clamping screw: M4.
• Material: aluminium.
• Supplied quantity: 1 support.

Applications

It can secure the ends of 8 mm rods in 3D printers, small CNC machines, laser engravers, robots and custom linear mechanisms. It is dimensionally compatible with 8 mm shaft systems, but the mounting pattern and shaft height must also match.

This diameter is used in many Prusa, RepRap and other Cartesian printer designs. This does not make the SK8 a direct replacement for every machine, as many printers use printed retainers or supports with different geometry.

Installation

Position and align both shaft supports before fully tightening the rod. Misalignment between the ends can preload the linear bearings and increase friction.

Related components

It can be combined with the 8 mm calibrated smooth rod and the LM8UU linear bearing. For mounting on a surface perpendicular to the shaft, see the SHF8 support.