So I’ve gone off the beaten path with my Mendel Max build. Here are my motor mounts I’m fabricating for the Z-axis. They sit on top of the main vertexs and directly align with them. It’s a variation on the Prussa Mendel design that I’m hoping will lend to a sturdier Z-axis path. Here are some photos:
I’m happy with the design, but I’ve run into a small problem. In the second photo, you can see the screws connecting the two pieces of extruded aluminum. Unfortunately the tapped holes for mounting the motor are directly above them. no clearance for another set of screws. I’ve got a few ideas on how to solve for this, but I was bummed at first when I realized my oversight.
Oh well, that’s what I get for not following the recipe. This is too much fun.
Getting ready to hop into the reprap world by building a Mendel max. I’ve been using slot aluminum for various other projects and Im comfortable with it and like the look. Check this means of joining two pieces.
http://www.8020.net/Training-6.asp
It will recess your screws into the bottom of the top bar track, giving you a clean profile up top and all you need to do is drill the extra hole n the extrusion so you can tighten down the bolts. I’ve us this meld to build frames and it works great.
Nice tip. I bought a tap and die set and have started tapping both ends of all the extruded aluminum, just because it doesn’t take long and it’s very handy to have it as an option. Send me a link to your photos when you get something together.