I want to DIY.. some questions please!

[Tenson]

Thank you, nice picture! This machine is getting more expensive ;) Still, good tools earn their value.

[Tenson]

Hi chaps,

Which of these illustrations is the correct way to mount an X axis with supported rails?

(Yes I know there is no Z axis ;) )



Also a question I feel stupid asking, but what is commonly called the X and Y axis? On my CNC3040 the Y axis is the length of the table and the X axis goes across. I've seen people talk about it the other way though.

[Jonathan]

What you have pictured is generally called the Y/Z axis, although as you say it does vary. I always call X the axis the gantry runs on, so generally the longest axis.

The orientation of the rails in the image on the left is considered better since the deflection due to each bearing is more even. For forces in the direction pulling the bearing off the rail, not surprisingly, the bearings are weaker and will deflect more. If the open sides are facing, as you have drawn, this evens out so the deflection will be the same for all axis which is much better than having significantly different deflection which is what will happen if the rails are both the same way round.