Getting Started: Ordering Materials for The Frame

So, last time I gave my reasons for selecting the MendelMax design.  This time I'll cover how I acquired framing components.

Shortly after settling on the basic design, I wanted to get this build started so I began the search for a supplier of frame components.  I started with McMaster-Carr (I've bought from them before for work-related stuff), and I even made a spreadsheet to optimize my ordering of their pre-cut extrusions.

Here is where I made my first mistake:  I bought a chop saw from Harbor Freight for cutting extrusions to length, thinking I would be buying from McMaster-Carr and cutting my own.  The day after doing this, I discovered Misumi's website, and read a lot of recommendations on MendelMax.com stating their prices were unbeatable (they are) and they cut stock to ordered lengths.  Yup, I'd just bought a tool I wouldn't be using on this build.

This wasn't the end of the world, and I'm sure I'll be using the saw for future builds, so all is not lost, but that money would have bought a whole lot of fasteners, washers, and other fiddly bits.  The point here is that I rushed in when I should have done just a bit more reading.

As I got closer to go-time, Tony told me, "Hey, when you get ready to order, let me know.  I want to tag along.  This is going to be awesome."

"What?  Are you gonna transplant your Prusa into a Max frame?"  I asked.

"No, man, I just got that working well, and we'll need it to print parts.  I'm gonna build a Max along with ya." he replied, smiling.

I took him at his word, and, after consulting the Trinity Labs and  MTW Build Guides have ordered:

• 8 ea.   20 mm X 300 mm long square t-slot extrusions, black anodized finish.
• 8 ea.   20 mm X 340 mm long square t-slot extrusions, black anodized finish.
• 14 ea. 20 mm X 420 mm long square t-slot extrusions, black anodized finish.
• 200 ea. T-slot nuts, 5mm.

I live just down the road from a Fastenal store, so I figure I'll check locally for cap screws, washers, etc. to complete the frame build.

Tony's printing test parts on the Prusa, so we'll soon have the printed parts for the frames ready.

Yesterday the package from Misumi arrived.  It's still sealed until I get with Tony and we divvy up the goodies.  The entire order shipped for a touch less than $136 and was delivered in five days.

Yeah... this is gonna be awesome.