OpenBuilds Style Build

[WoodKnot]

Good luck and enjoy the work.

Q1: I just use a rag, just wipe it off until it feels clean. Normally the carriages come uninstalled. Be careful when you slide them on, so that you don't lose any of the balls.

Q2: I don't think there is a universal "best and only" solution. Depends on the situation, place, distance between and some other things. Use your imagination, test and correct if necessary. Spend as much time as needed, don't hurry because you will regret it.

Thanks A Camera,

Yes, i thought about cutting some sort of guide then using that as a reference to the width along the length.. I do have some digital callipers to test my self cut guide for accuracy.

Appreciate the comments - I know its going to take me some time!

I did purchase extra lengths of standard extrusion so i can play around with the base to make it more rigid, or perhaps create more height etc.

Like I have said before - the image is there but I am likely to change things as I go along

WoodKnot

[JAZZCNC]

You don't need to worry about aligning the rails to the profile, all you need to worry about is that the rails are parallel to each other and on the same Plane.
If you align the rails to the profiles and the frame or the profiles are not perfectly parallel or bent then you will get binding and other issues.

Likewise same with the Gantry, don't square the gantry to the frame or profiles, square it to the Master rail.

The way to approach it is to select one rail as the Master rail, fasten the master rail down roughly parallel to the profile, then using the most accurate straight edge available fasten it down making sure it's perfectly straight. Now you take all measurements and alignments for things like ball screws from this Master rail.

To parallel the other rail to the Master you rail you can do it several ways.
#1 Leave the rail loose and fit the gantry then using the gantry run the carriages up the rail and tighten down as you go feeling for any tight spots, if any tight spots tweak the rail in that spot.
#2 Use a dial indicator on a beam fixed to a carriage on the Master rail.
#3 Use a parallel bar set to the width you want the rails apart and run up the length of the rail tightening as you go, this is similar to using the gantry.

In all 3 cases, a little fine-tuning might be needed to eliminate any tight spots, but the Key is taking all measurements from the Master rail.

[WoodKnot]

You don't need to worry about aligning the rails to the profile, all you need to worry about is that the rails are parallel to each other and on the same Plane.
If you align the rails to the profiles and the frame or the profiles are not perfectly parallel or bent then you will get binding and other issues.

Likewise same with the Gantry, don't square the gantry to the frame or profiles, square it to the Master rail.

The way to approach it is to select one rail as the Master rail, fasten the master rail down roughly parallel to the profile, then using the most accurate straight edge available fasten it down making sure it's perfectly straight. Now you take all measurements and alignments for things like ball screws from this Master rail.

To parallel the other rail to the Master you rail you can do it several ways.
#1 Leave the rail loose and fit the gantry then using the gantry run the carriages up the rail and tighten down as you go feeling for any tight spots, if any tight spots tweak the rail in that spot.
#2 Use a dial indicator on a beam fixed to a carriage on the Master rail.
#3 Use a parallel bar set to the width you want the rails apart and run up the length of the rail tightening as you go, this is similar to using the gantry.

In all 3 cases, a little fine-tuning might be needed to eliminate any tight spots, but the Key is taking all measurements from the Master rail.

Thanks Jazz, I think I have that!