Eyeballs and comments sought for noob build

[danilius]

Loads of luvverly advice, thanks!

Hi
In general this is easy to build design but I would change it slightly:

1. Put rails on spindle plate and blocks on Z plate (this will give zero torque at top spindle position, your design create torque on spindle plate regardless of the spindle position)

Great idea. I don't remember seeing this anywhere, or probably I did, but simply didn't notice it!

2. Y blocks I would install on top rather on the bottom (it easy to make guard if you want to protect blocks against dust) - too big arm from bottom blocks to top of the gantry - think about forces

I was wondering about the pros and cons, so that's very helpful. Will have to look around for ideas to protect the rails from dust, or at least mitigate the issue.

3. Direct drive is transfer vibration to the motor better to use gear and belt.

Is the direct drive on the z axis such an issue? Should I make that belt drive as well?

4. I would use one motor for Y drive driven by pulley

Is there a disadvantage of using two Y motors? Sure, they can get out of sync, but surely two homing switches/sensors should take care of that between jobs?

5. Gantry should be connected on the bottom - not open. This make it stiffer and side plate a bit thin

I was not sure about that. My thinking was that by using two Y motors, I could save some weight, and the two motors and lead screws would compensate for the added stiffness the connecting plate would provide. Is this incorrect?