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RoverCNC LT Build Log - Step 3 - X-Axis Assembly

— Installing the X-Axis Cross Beam —

The X-Axis cross beam is one of the most important component to get correct since it is actually responsible for keeping your platform square! When ordering your X-Axis cross beam extrusion, please make sure you buy a beam that is a little over-sized as the precision may fluctuate from one build to another, and you will see why we recommend that soon.

Once your gantry's are up, they are supported by the linear block rails from the base. Using a square, you will need to make sure that the gantry arms are square to your platform in the z-direction; you can easily use a couple square and some parallel clamps or hand clamp to hold the squares and gantry arms in place. You now need to measure the inside distance between the top of the 2 gantry arms to get a precise measurement on your beam length,

You now need to prepare your saw to cut your X-Axis cross beam to the precise size as measured previously. What we recommend is cutting it a few millimeters oversize and then dry fitting it to see if the X-Axis cross beam is right-sized. You can now start shaving off material at 1.0 millimeter at a time until you have it right-sized! Do not permanently mount your X-Axis cross beam at this point since we need to tap the ends and mount the linear rails (Size 15 or 15mm rails) to it. 

Tap both ends for M5 screws at lease 20mm deep. Attache the M4 T-Nuts using M4x14mm socket head cap screws to each hole of you linear rails. Dress the linear blocks onto your rails and slide or mount both linear rails to your X-Axis cross beam, and now you are ready to permanently mount your complete X-Axis cross beam to your gantry including the ballscrew assembly.

Upon completing the attachment of the X-Axis cross beam, you should make sure that your cross beam is square to your gantry arms in both directions - the face and side. If you have achieved the squareness than you have successfully completed your X-Axis cross beam installation. 

— Installing the X-Axis Plates —

The X-Axis plates include a four (4) plates (2 pieces of face plates, and 2 pieces of side plates) that need to be attached to the bearing blocks and as well as attaching the ballscrew nut block.

The X-Axis plates have 4 plates that make up the front, back, top and bottom. Installation first needs to begin with the top plate followed by the back plate as shown in the rendering below.

The top plate need to be fastened onto the bearing blocks, and then the back plate needs to be fastened loosely to the ballscrew block. Time needs to be taken to make sure that both the plates are square before tightening the back plate to the ballscrew mount. Once this has been achieved, the bottom and front plates can be attached.

 

 Next: Step 4 - Z-Axis Assembly...