ShapeOko 2 Gantry

[WillAdams]

Fiddling w/ this and trying to come up w/ techniques for assembling the free-floating dual MakerSlide X-axis rigid and square, but failing miserably --- best idea thus far is to use a #17 index drill bit (0.173") as a go, and #16 (0.177") as no go, but not everyone assembling this will have a set --- I suspect 4.5mm is the right dimension, but AFAICT that isn't a standard Allen wrench size here in the U.S. (but one can buy them individually?).

Tempted to tell people to use steel BBs....

Maybe 3 0.8mm thick M5 washers and two 1mm thick precision spacers?

Thoughts?

[DanMc]

I just recently upgraded my Shapeoko to the V2 style plates and gantry. I used 55mm spacers and so wound up with the same dual floating members . I got them all in place and let the v-wheels set the spacing, i.e. roll the carriage to one side, stuck a square on it and tightened the makerslide screws down, roll the carriage to the other side and repeat. I tweaked it a little after I got the spindle back on and stuck a square on the mill.

[WillAdams]

That's the technique which I originally used (and which is currently documented).

Was hoping there'd be some elegant way to improve on it....

[MeanderBolt]

Please forgive the question, and I promise I am not being snarky here, but I thought that Edward designed this with assembly in mind. Did he not provide you with any guidance on this? I know that he is not supporting this any longer, but if you took on the task of documenting this thing, I think you should have some access to him. It is impossible to know someone else mind let alone design ideas.

[regressedEE]

Could we modify this part: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:74301 to add a spacer pad between the two 'arms'?

[WillAdams]

Edward and I are collaborating on the documentation now, and he's actively supporting / working on things. I was just trying to brain-storm.

regressedEE --- that's a good idea, and I'd like to see that tried / written up for the wiki as an upgrade option, but it's not my place to add parts for the stock build.

[MeanderBolt]

Okay cool. I see you spending a LOT of time writing all this stuff up. That would be a frustration you didn't need. Great to hear that he is still involved.

[WillAdams]

Thanks! But my time is peanuts compared to what Edward, Bart and the other folks at Inventables are putting in.

William