[Cory]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

What I mean by that is that it takes a degree of engineering knowledge, design knowledge, and care to run exact center chain runs (outside of a tube), and if a designer wants to use exact center chain runs, they should do some thorough research to understand the problem as best they can. If their first consideration of this idea was a suggestion in a CD thread, if they don't have the background knowledge it's probably safest to just use a simple tensioner.

I think the statement I made was too broad and sweeping. In short: know what you're doing.

I don't understand why I keep hearing references to "outside of a tube". What difference does it make? There should be no difference in how well the shaft is supported in either scenario and your shaft deflection is basically nonexistent in both scenarios.