AndyUK's Build - 1.2x1.0m Gantry

**fer662** · 06-11-2020

I've been hard at work with the CAD! Could I bother you for some measurements? Could you tell me how far apart you have the linear bearings for the same rail on each of the axis... Say.. Measuring from the outside of the blocks? (and if you're happy with the resulting rigidity)? It's the one area where I don't want to simply overdo it since you lose work area.

**AndyUK** · 08-11-2020

Originally Posted by fer662

I've been hard at work with the CAD! Could I bother you for some measurements? Could you tell me how far apart you have the linear bearings for the same rail on each of the axis... Say.. Measuring from the outside of the blocks? (and if you're happy with the resulting rigidity)? It's the one area where I don't want to simply overdo it since you lose work area.

X-Axis (dual, longest dimension, probably should be referred to as Y but I've long ago given up with that), ~280mm between the near edge of the first carriage to the far edge of the second (i.e the maximum possible dimension!). That was designed so that the spindle fell between the two.

Y-Axis (along the gantry) ~ 170mm. This mostly came out of wanting a 15cm wide Z axis plate and then having 1cm side plates.

Z-Axis ~205mm. This coincides with the height of the aluminium gantry profile, and the Y rails and carriages. The bottom one is placed as low as it can be without blocking the bolts on the lower Y carriage assembly plate, the top one is placed as far up before fouling the bolts on the upper one.

Totally appreciate the work area concern. Its one of the things that slightly frustrates me with this design is the work area is substantially smaller than the footprint - but hey. I'd recommend extending the rails at one (or both) ends if you can - If you extend rearward you can cut on the entirety of the bed, a slight forward extension would allow vertical clamping and working.