When inserting the steel rods into their mounts on the y-axis it was apparent that the only securing force keeping the rods attached to the frame was the friction between the precision cut steel and the rod. This means your whole y-axis and print bed carriage is depending on friction to hold it all together.
Either by fault of my own or tolerances in the steel rod or frame (read: my fault!) after successfully wiggling and inserting the rod, they did not fit snug and were not tight enough, i.e. there was insufficient friction between the rod and mount to keep it solid. This caused the rods to move as the print bed went back and forth.
I did not want any possible movement in the rods, so investigated Thingiverse for a simple clip bracket to hold the rods in place at each end. A couple of minutes later and there was a simple little bracket design by user Hobsie which looked perfect and resolved the issue. His design can be found here – http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1560498, and you can go straight to my make here – http://www.thingiverse.com/make:229007.
A quick print later and we have the four clips:
These secure to the frame perfectly and lock the 8mm smooth rods like a glove. Such a great little design – simple, effective and perfect! Can’t fault them, thanks Hobsie!
Anil
24th July 2016 at 3:44 pm
Hi!
I just came across your build log. I just wanted to say that it is a great help for me building my p3steel toolson edition 🙂
I followed your instructions so far and I’m curious about whats next!
Anil
ChunkySteveo
25th July 2016 at 4:15 pm
Thanks Anil, I hope it’s been of some use to you!
I’m further on in the build than my blog, but am writing up each step as quickly as I can. Hopefully the X-axis should be posted some time this week – keep coming back to check if I’ve posted it! I’ve added a subscription widget in my sidebar too, so subscribe and get an email when I post a new blog!
All the best,
Steve
Anil
27th July 2016 at 11:01 am
Hi Steve,
Ok, I’ll keep checking your blog for an Update. I’ve started with the x-axis too, but I struggle with what I have to watch out for when assembling the parts.
This is the first time I try to build some kind of machine, so I actually have no idea what I’m doing 😀
This is the reason why your blog is so helpful 🙂
All the best,
Anil
ChunkySteveo
27th July 2016 at 8:25 pm
haha – I had best get the x-axis post written up for you to follow along with! Best of luck with your build. Feel free to ask any questions if you get stuck!
Steve