An improved design and method is disclosed that uses a novel nesting linear slide which incorporates machine tool slides or ways into a structural member. The design simplifies the fabrication and assembly of components requiring accurate sliding alignment, such as milling machine bases, saddles, tables and columns. Due to the use of the single piece, which replaces multiple pieces in the prior art, fabrication and assembly costs are also significantly lower. The invention also enables a method of construction utilizing the novel single shape component which simplifies the assembly of machines requiring sliding surfaces with accurate alignment. The invention essentially comprises a single structural element that includes both male and female sliding members. By nesting two of the single structural elements it is possible to create sliding joints for machine tool bases, saddles, tables, and columns, as well as a wide variety of other sliding joints, in an extremely cost-effective manner. The linear slide includes a deformable element that allows for accurate alignment with no play and creates a strongly supported sliding joint.

An improved design and method is disclosed that uses a novel nesting linear slide which incorporates machine tool slides or ways into a structural member. The design simplifies the fabrication and assembly of components requiring accurate sliding alignment, such as milling machine bases, saddles, tables and columns. Due to the use of the single piece, which replaces multiple pieces in the prior art, fabrication and assembly costs are also significantly lower. The invention also enables a method of construction utilizing the novel single shape component which simplifies the assembly of machines requiring sliding surfaces with accurate alignment. The invention essentially comprises a single structural element that includes both male and female sliding members. By nesting two of the single structural elements it is possible to create sliding joints for machine tool bases, saddles, tables, and columns, as well as a wide variety of other sliding joints, in an extremely cost-effective manner. The linear slide includes a deformable element that allows for accurate alignment with no play and creates a strongly supported sliding joint.