It has been a good long time since my last post, so I guess I'd better explain why: it's down to plain and simple economics. The past year has not been kind, and I've had far less disposable income than I might have wanted due to, well, "Manure Occurs". Anyhow, with most of that behind me now, we are ready to surge forward again.
One of the more aggravating parts of the build so far is that I've had to scour far and wide in trying to find sufficient detail about certain parts. You know, trivial stuff like dimensions and specifications that don't bother someone working from a kit, but are crucial for someone like me who is working from raw components for most of my build. One resource I found very useful in this regard that I had to dig for was the MTW Hardware Kit Packing Slips for the MendelMax 1.5+. Dimensions and actual part numbers for many items can be found here which will help others who are of the DIY persuasion. These will eventually be added to the BOM we're putting together.
In the course of researching linear motion components, I came to a conclusion: companies that sell these items generally do not prefer to sell to individuals - they sell to resellers who then sell to individuals. That being the case, after consulting with my build buddy, Tony, the decision was taken to order linear motion components from two sources already well known to the 3D printing community: MTW and Trinity Labs. MTW has the X and Z axes parts at good prices, and, likewise, the Trinity Labs Y axis slide assembly is a very nice high-spec unit from PBC Linear for a nice price.
Totaling up the tickets for X, Z, and Y axis components brought us to the realization that we should probably split the order, if for no other reason than to keep peace with our respective families.
This first purchase was from MTW, which , if you've been paying attention is for the X and Z axes. That might seem puzzling to some, since the Y-axis is the next one in order according to the Build Guide, so maybe I've got some more 'splainin' to do?
While trying to find linear guide rods, I submitted a trouble ticket to MTW because they did not have the correct length 10 mm rods for the Z axis (405 mm) listed in their store. Since they were good enough to give me a link to be able to purchase these rods, and, indeed, put these items back up on their site for sale, we thought it might be a good idea to buy these pieces first. Here's what we grabbed from MTW:
| Cart Items | SKU | Qty | Item Price | Item Total |
| 10 mm Bushings, Set of 4
|
LB-10 | 2 | $8.95 USD | $17.90 USD |
| 8 mm Bushings, Set of 4
|
LB-8 | 4 | $8.95 USD | $35.80 USD |
| 90 Degree Extrusion Bracket
|
90-D-BRACKET | 16 | $1.50 USD | $24.00 USD |
| Precision Linear Shafting, 10 mm x 405 mm, Set of 2
|
SHAFTING-10-LONG | 2 | $19.95 USD | $39.90 USD |
| Precision Linear Shafting, 8 mm x 445 mm, Set of 2
|
SHAFTING-8-445 | 2 | $19.95 USD | $39.90 USD |
| Subtotal: | $157.50 USD |
| Shipping: | $16.30 USD |
| Grand Total: | $173.80 USD |
Now this order encompasses enough parts for both of us, so divide the extended costs by two to find what each of us paid.
The Misumi corners are something else I should explain, since it would appear I ordered double what is called for by the MTW Build Guide. Four of these corners will be used to mount the bed rail for the Y-axis to the upper level of the lower frame assembly. What I intend to use the others for is to square up and connect the upper frame members at the top, instead of using the holes drilled through at 70 mm on the upper cross-members. This should, in theory, make for very rigid and accurately squared joints without all that messy drilling. At $1.50 each, I'll probably buy several more of these before it's over. (More on that as the build progresses...)
The Trinity/PBC slides for the Y axes will be our next investment if all goes according to plan.
I'll be tinkering as I have time this weekend doing some testing, and will be updating our BOM as I catalog these newest parts in.
To say I'm excited to finally be moving forward again is a mild understatement. Look for more info here as things unfold.
